Run, Gavin, run
As readers of this page know, I've had mixed feelings about Gavin Newsom ever since the beginning of his political career here in San Francisco. But the California governor has emerged as the only serious Democratic presidential contender to aggressively confront the reactionary Republican machine. "Stop playing defense," Newsom has scolded fellow Democrats. He has taken out ads in red states like Florida and Texas and on Trump's social media network, attacking the Supreme Court's disastrous decisions on abortion rights and environmental regulation, and championing the Golden State as a bastion of civility. While he was busy beating back a Republican recall campaign last year, the governor told the San Francisco Chronicle that he had "sub-zero" interest in the 2024 presidential race. He also said that he would defer to his fellow SF-bred politician Kamala Harris if she ran. But that was then.
The truth is Joe Biden has proven to be a feckless leader -- old and doddering and deferential when we desperately need a fire-breather. Kamala is little better. She failed to develop a big following during her last presidential bid. And instead of emerging as President Biden's essential partner, she has managed to fade away as a political player during her 18 months in the vice president's office.
Meanwhile, the country has gone from bad to worse. While Biden has failed miserably to enact his Build Back Better New Deal-type agenda, the Supreme Court majority and other far-right fanatics are on the march. The Democrats seem disorganized and headless by comparison. We desperately need a leader who has the courage of his convictions. (Note I say "his" -- unfortunately, the U.S. is still too misogynistic to elect a female president.)
Gavin Newsom is no Bobby Kennedy -- not yet, maybe not ever. But he's the best we have. Bernie will be too old, AOC has become too much of a target to play outside NYC. But imagine a Newsom paired on the 2024 Democratic ticket with another member of the progressive Squad. That might be the only way to beat scary thugs like Trump or Ron DeSantis. Biden or Harris will take us over the cliff in 2024. It's time to change horses.
Newsom (l) and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis