If you know much about California’s Governor Gavin Newsom, it’s likely that he’s about as liberal as they come. And yet, some of his actions of late seem to suggest he might be trying to change that image a bit, perhaps for a shot at winning the White House in 2024.
No, Newsom has not made any such announcements.
In fact, as of November of last year, he was adamant about not running for president and certainly not against Joe Biden. Instead, he played the part of a good soldier, simply doing what he could for the cause, including going on the road to attack a few GOP presidential candidates, specifically Florida’s Governor Ron DeSantis.
But as you have undoubtedly noticed, the idea of Biden continuing the current presidential term, let alone another presidential race, is quickly losing traction.
That means Newsom may actually have a shot at being the DNC’s choice for 2024.
Of course, that’s only if he can convince many voters that he’s not nearly as liberal as his image proves.
Vetoing a number of bills that would usually be right up his alley seems to be first on the list.
Like a bill that would have allowed children to be removed from foster parents who refuse to sign transgender affirmation pledges. While he still claims to have a “deep commitment to advancing the rights of transgender Californians,” he says he could not sign the bill into law.
Similarly, he also vetoed a bill that would have handed out free condoms to high school kids.
This, along with another vetoed bill allowing union members to claim unemployment benefits while on strike, is claimed to be an effort for the state to save and not spend money.
As Newsom wrote, “Now is not the time to increase costs or incur this sizeable debt.”
To be sure, these are all good moves on his part. However, it makes you wonder why someone like Newsom would suddenly act this way.
I see little other explanation than that he’s setting himself up for a 2024 or even 2028 presidential run.
