With the congressional elections less than two weeks away, speculation about the 2024 presidential showdown is growing more prominent in the national conversation. On the right, Republicans expect either former President Donald Trump or Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to seek residency in the White House. But on the left, the waters seem a bit murkier as Democrats wonder who might take up the mantle should President Joe Biden decide not to run again. California Governor Gavin Newsom has been seen as a possible contender, but he recently indicated he might not throw his gel-slathered fedora into the ring.
Newsom recently shot down the idea of making a run in 2024. During a debate with his Republican opponent in the state’s gubernatorial election, he suggested that he would serve out his full term if he is re-elected.
A moderator asked if he would remain in office for the next four years if California voters propel him to victory. His response: “Yes.”
However, as Fox News pointed out: “Newsom has barely campaigned in California, instead spending money on ads in challenging Republican leaders in Florida and Texas — potential opponents in a presidential election.”
If Newsom is to be believed, who would the Democrats pit against Trump or DeSantis in 2024?
Who’s on the Bench?
After the shellacking they are expected to take in November, Democrats are in a precarious position politically. Their future beyond 2022 doesn’t look like roses and sunshine as the party appears to lack a viable contender for the White House in 2024.
Some speculated that Vice President Kamala Harris might become the next standard-bearer for the left. Weren’t the powers grooming her for such a time as this? Unfortunately, Harris has been a disappointment, with one of the lowest approval ratings for a second-in-command in the country’s history. Her inability to communicate coherently, along with her apparent ineptitude when it comes to managing the problems she has been assigned to handle, has apparently assured that she will not become the Democrats’ anointed one.
Others have suggested that Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg should be in the running. However, given his lackluster performance in the 2020 Democratic presidential primaries, he might be seen as a last resort. Still, while he does not check all the woke intersectional boxes, his being openly gay might earn him some points with the progressive crowd.
Interestingly enough, some in the left-leaning activist media appear to believe Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer might be a candidate to take on Republicans. This would be an eyebrow-raising choice. She has largely flown under the radar during her tenure, although conservative media and other outlets took her to task for her draconian COVID lockdown policies. But this changed when an alleged plot to kidnap her was revealed, and she racked up sympathy points. Later this incident turned into a fiasco when it was discovered the FBI’s sticky fingers were involved in the planning. Would this type of attention be enough to place her in a position to seek the presidency?
Regardless, there is still another possibility that must be considered: Gavin Newsom, despite his words to the contrary, could end up running.
Is Gavin Newsom Serious?
Most politicians who run for president tend to deny their intentions until the time is right. If Newsom is re-elected and believes he could run a successful presidential campaign, he is likely to take the opportunity.
Indeed, Newsom has already spent time and money positioning himself on the national stage as a foil for DeSantis and Texas Governor Greg Abbott. On July 4, Newsom bought 30 seconds of ad time in the Sunshine State to criticize its Republican leadership.
“Freedom, it’s under attack in your state,” Newsom asserted in the ad. “Your Republican leaders, they’re banning books. They’re making it harder to vote — restricting speech in classrooms, criminalizing women and doctors.”
Gavin Newsom (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
Later that month, the California governor took out ads in several Texas newspapers slamming Abbott on gun laws and abortion. “If Texas can ban abortion and endanger lives, California can ban deadly weapons of war and save lives. If Governor Abbott truly wants to protect the right to life, we urge him to follow California’s lead,” one of the ads read.
Newsom has even challenged DeSantis to a debate. Some have criticized the California governor for seeming to focus more on Florida and Texas than his home state. Why would he bother with these issues if he wasn’t planning to become the next commander-in-chief?
A report from TheWrap published in September indicated Gavin Newsom would run for president if Biden chooses to wander aimlessly into the sunset after his first term. Two insiders told the news site that he is “undeniably, unequivocally” planning to seek higher office if the current White House occupant does not seek re-election.
“After this midterm election is over, he absolutely is going to announce that he is running for the presidency once Biden announces that he is not running,” said a leading California fundraiser with close ties to Newsom. “No ifs, ands or buts. He will run if Biden does not.”
At this point, barring the advent of an Obama-esque outsider, the Golden State leader would likely be the Democrats’ best shot in 2024. The other possible candidates leave much to be desired. But Newsom has a level of charisma and popularity that might make him a formidable contender. Would the GOP be able to trounce him?