You know, I'm so used to simply reading about Gavin Newsom that I forget how compelling a political force he is on TV. Last night's interview with Alex Wagner was masterful.
They talked about his putting up billboards and taking the fight directly to Greg Abbott and Ron DeSantis.
"I mean, there's no doubt that states are on the front line of the rights -- period, full stop. This Supreme Court has now made it crystal clear. -- we focused ourselves more distinctly and that -- we can argue, what are we doing in the conference on immigration reform, or on other issues, I'm not going to deny this stuff, the substantive challenges our party has as well, addressing those tough and pressing issues. It's not just the messaging problem, but one that has persisted in our party for years and years," he said.
"Eight of the top ten states of the highest murder rates, all Republican states. How do Democrats not know that? In fact, it's really eight out of ten. Georgia went for Biden because -- it's a clearly a Republican state, arrest, day eight out of ten. and you're losing that message? Crime is higher, as well as Texas here for the average citizen in Texas. It's higher, crime is higher than in the state of California. 67% higher gun death rate in Texas. Why don't we push back?"
Newsom said he was "optimistic" about our ability to turn it around.
"If we go on offense - that's why I'm doing the billboard. That's why I'm doing that. That's why I'm doing the TV commercials in other states. Take it to them and take it to that damn social media. And whatever that thing is called Truth Social.
"I am talking to other governors. And some of them are my friends, some of them are becoming closer friends saying, 'I wish I could do that. I really do like that you did that.'"
"What are they worried about?" Wagner asked.
He said they were concerned about their own reelection, their own issues.
"I get it, there's different politics for me. But increasingly -- or, 'Let me just get through November. I really want to talk to you in the transition. Let's go.' I cannot tell you the number of elected officials in power -- or positions that are soon to be -- who are ready to go," the governor said.
"The more you use pointed language against Republicans, the more you troll, and the more you take it to the doorsteps, I think that's probably good for Democratic policies and priorities and politics. But what does it do to the ability of anyone to bridge the gap between left and right? Is that a fools errand?" Wagner said.
"At the moment, in my humble opinion. And I think the president has learned the hard way. I mean, he is hardwired for deferral. But that world is gone. And he has acknowledged that very publicly on multiple full occasions. You're right, I think is very hard for him. Because it's decency, his honor, his character, his moral persuasion. You have all those things, other tools in his tool kit. It's who he is at its core. He wants to compromise. He wants to find our better angels. And he wants to find that sweet spot in terms of enhancing our values.
"But that's not how the system's design. That's not what the Supreme Court represents right. Now that's not what these redistricting efforts represent right now. That's not what -- all the rights are being rolled back in real time -- my mom was really upset with me. -- she was, like you have to model better behavior. We've been doing that, and people are losing their rights. People are losing their rights! I can't sit back -- we have to push back. We have to hold them accountable. And yes we prepare ourselves for the great reconciliation. and that's to come."
