What do you think of Gavin Newsom for 2028?

[zanana1]

I heard that he has a lot of baggage,but I'm finding it hard to get information on his past. I really like him and I hope he runs in 2028. Please say nice things about him. I'm running out of hope.

[Meadowoak]

1. He's got my vote. We NEED a fighter.

[librechik]

2. Baggage like Hillary or Obama? Or Biden? Not even.

Republicans have a few months to turn this nice white guy with very few scandals into a demonic hell beast. And he doesn't have a vagina. Or dark skin. So it will be a little difficult.

But they won't stop with lies and innuendo. They have the military in his back yard. Anything could happen.

He's not folding.

What more do we want?

Buckle up and SUPPORT DEMOCRATS on EVERY TICKET.

I'm still open to others who want to fight this battle. Who?

[Haggard Celine]

3. Right now, California has a bit of a bad reputation

in a lot of the country, and some people blame Newsom for it. If the primaries were right now, I don't think he'd do well. But 2028 is a long way off in American politics, so he has time to rehabilitate his image. Newsom is smart political animal. He's not my first choice, but I could see myself voting for him. He's got charisma, so he might go all the way.

[AZProgressive]

7. I think California has always had a reputation before Newsom became governor

I think California is a great state and they were ahead of the rest of nation when it comes to several issues.

My biggest problem with Newsom is tries to avoid being attacked by Republicans whether that is homeless due to lack of affordable housing (Newsom agreed with a conservative Supreme Court ruling on the issue) or when it comes to transgender rights -- he shifts based on how the right is going to attack him and I don't think that is good. He previous called migrant abductions a distraction but when it was impacting his own state he was basically using it to bolster his image as a fighter against Trump.

He is a smart political animal but his tendency to avoid issues or change stances based on where the political winds are blowing are why he is not my first choice in a primary.

[mwmisses4289]

48. For cons, California has always been the state to blame for anything bad.

Why? Because California is the exact opposite of what they are (4th largest gdp in the world, progressive policies that help most, and the worst one, most ca folks are...
gasp..."woke" ). Most con states are little better than many third world countries. Pisses cons off that a state they consider woke and unchristian seems to be blessed by that God they are so hot about, while their asleep and Christian states are being cursed by their devil.

[SocialDemocrat61]

51. Nixon and Reagan came from California

so bad stuff did come from there.

[mwmisses4289]

55. Well, that is true, but much more good has come from there than bad.

Unlike texas, where it seems like nothing but bad presidents (ok, i will make an exception for LBJ) and bad policy come from.

[cadoman]

108. the good news is that California's reputation is readily fixable

Firstly, the reporting on California is inaccurate.

It is a diverse, multicultural, progressive, economic, artistic, technological and agricultural powerhouse. It is is the most important state in our Democracy.

It is the legislative model that the rest of the country follows.

The qualities of its elected leaders are the envy of every state in the nation.

Every state in our Democracy is dependent on what California provides.

All that has to happen to turn Newsom's record in California from a liability into a medal of honor is for the truth of California to emerge.

If Newsom can frame the contest in those terms, it's clear that he is the frontrunner.

[writerJT]

4. He was married to Kimberly Guilfoyle.

That makes me wonder a little bit about his judgment. I do like him, though, as a strong voice in the party.

[milestogo]

17. That makes me wonder a lot about his judgment.

[Bernardo de La Paz]

33. People change. Ever read about DU member's family members transitioning to full on maga? ... including spouses

Want to condemn the DU members too?

[JanMichael]

104. Good point. Plus it was over 20 years ago.

People change.

[BannonsLiver]

137. It was before she went crazy.

But sure, go for that low hanging, completely irrelevant fruit.

[writerJT]

143. 👍

[Heidi]

159. My goodness! Many of us were once married to asshole

crazies, abusers, gaslighters, posers, etc. are we blaming victims now?

[writerJT]

160. "Victims"

Ah yes, from that post a reasonable person could certainly come to the totally rational and not at all hysterical overreaction that I’m advocating “blaming victims.” Sure thing. 🙄

By the way, does Gavin Newsom call himself a victim? Has he claimed that label regarding his first marriage?

[Emile]

5. I prefer someone like AOC or Jasmine Crockett.

Someone left of center.

[Jilly_in_VA]

6. Unfortunately

we ran women the last two times, and look where that got us. There are people in this country that just will not vote for anything but a cis white male right now, so, sadly, that's what we'll have to run this time.

That said, I kind of prefer Chris Murphy, Sheldon Whitehouse, or Andy Beshear over Newsom.

[Scrivener7]

10. This I agree with, and I agree with your preferred choices.

It breaks my heart though. I hope for a woman President before I die.

[Katinfl]

13. I also pray for a woman president in my lifetime.

Thought we had it done the last 2 times we had a woman nominee. Sadly, did not happen. Most likely not in 2028 either. After that, I’m running out of time.

[JustAnotherGen]

28. I'm 52

It's not happening in my lifetime.

I'm focused on securing the futures of my great nieces and nephews in America right now. If a white man can meet the demands of the 92% - then I'm on board.

I think Pritzker has the guts to get it done.

I know people like the Gov of Kentucky - but he won't have the grit. He'd be a return to the status quo. Biden (god I miss him) tried his best to reset us to January 19, 2017 - but the fuckers *rose again*.

I hate those people. I want them brought to heel.

[Arazi]

66. Pritzker's currently my top choice too. Newsom's baggage isn't great

America isn’t going to vote for a woman in the top spot (yet).

We have a lot of time between now and the nomination and all of the blue state governors are going to be put through the wringer in the next couple years. Kentucky just isn’t going to be in Traitor’s crosshairs like CA and IL. Traitor has vendettas against those two states (and NY) and it’s going to get even uglier - we’ll see who has the intellect and fight to derail this WH.

I don’t discount any senators but my instinct is our nominee will be a governor.

We’ll see who shakes out - imo the worst fights with this WH are still ahead.

[AZProgressive]

12. Harris closed the gap between Biden's poll numbers and made it basically a 50/50 race

Yes she lost all the swing states but no more than a point or 2 in each state. Biden was the safe white male that barely won in 2020 but by the end of his first term people including in his own party wanted him gone. With inflation at the time it was likely the incumbent party was going to lose but I think Harris did well considering the circumstances.

Hillary Clinton won the popular vote but she had higher unfavorably ratings than favorable mostly due to years of right wing propaganda who saw her coming a mile away. There was also a real Trump resistance in the first term.

Out of those choices I favor Andy Beshear but I wouldn't rule out a woman because Clinton & Harris (who didn't do well in the 2020 primaries) wasn't the most popular candidates and part of that was due in part to hostile sexism. I think AOC who was able to draw large crowds in swing & rural districts (she would do well especially in the Southwest) would do well especially when it comes to turnout and votes of millennials or younger.

Also theoretically Trump can't run again so I doubt any other candidate will have the cult-like effect Trump has which made him a difficult candidate to defeat. I don't think any copycats would do well, Trump endorsed candidates tend to do poorly in other elections.

[lark]

19. I think Beshear could be a very attractive candidate.

I like him.

[JustAnotherGen]

29. He would be a return

To the status quo. I think that's where the base is. No status quo. When he's older and we've shifted how elections work -he'd be great.

But now? We need someone whose cruelty is the intent.

[Celerity]

34. I LOVE Whitehouse, but unfortunately he's too old. No chance we nominate a septuagenarian who turns 80 in a 2nd term.

[democratsruletheday]

79. I absolutely agree....and it should be that way

and also agree with the other posters saying no women this time around. Hurts me to type that as I voted and campaigned for Hillary and Kamala with all my heart and soul. I like Pritzker and Newsome for now. Murphy as a dark horse candidate. I'll pick one as time goes on.

[phylny]

70. I also like Gov. Pritzker, but he needs to lose weight.

For optics if nothing else.

I say this as an obese person on Ozempic.

[democratsruletheday]

82. as much as I want to disagree with this....

I can't cuz it's the truth. Americans are clownishly shallow to say the least. Then again, they voted in a foul mouthed, orange POS twice so....there's that.

[phylny]

101. Hey, I WROTE it and I want to disagree!

As I said, I struggle with my weight and am not wanting to come across as shaming or ridiculing him at all.

[awesomerwb1]

38. Do you enjoy losing elections?

[Emile]

40. No, that's why I prefer running someone left of center!

[awesomerwb1]

44. Apparently you do enjoy losing elections

Run a minority woman at the national level -again-. But this time pick someone even more leftist than Kamala.

[Emile]

49. Back at you!

I don't think losing is.a bit funny.

[SoFlaBro]

99. What is so funny about losing elections?

[Cosmocat]

151. I have a very high opinion of AOC

She is sharp as a tack and tough, too.

I wish we lived in a world/country that she could be POTUS, but this isn't it.

I liked Kamala a lot, was all in for her and she did a great job overall.

But, the basic math you note was always a problem and it played out.

And, yes, her being unabashedly "left" is another electoral problem - decades of the right relentlessly demonizing the evil liberal boogyman. I mean, I know people who are mostly left who get sucked into it.

[democratsruletheday]

83. gimme a BREAK......

no....just no for obvious reasons

[Emile]

84. Mind telling us your obvious reasons why?

[Polybius]

134. AOC, while very liberal, is amazing and friendly

Last edited Mon Jul 14, 2025, 02:12 AM - Edit history (1)

But the other one comes across as mean and polarizing. We do need to win over white swing voters.

[RubyRose]

85. Voters and donors like someone that's won at least

one statewide election, not just a district. When is the last time a congressman won the presidency?

[Emile]

89. Since 1789, 19 Members of the House have served as President of the United States.

[PAMod]

132. Garfield is the only one that went straight...

…from the House to the White House in one election.

[Emile]

91. When did Trump win a state wide election?

[GJGCA]

97. 1880

James A .Garfield was serving as a representative of Ohio when he won the 1880 presidential election.

https://www.factcheck.org/2008/02/from-congress-to-the-white-house/

[Emile]

110. Abraham Lincoln is another one.

[still-prayin4rain]

122. LOVE both of them, but I'm not sure they're qualified to be president YET.

On the other hand, if this dumpster fire is qualified, then, they certainly are.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

128. I'm with you on that!!

[Polybius]

133. Crockett would lose 45 states

We need to win in 2028. I do like AOC, however.

[BannonsLiver]

138. I prefer having a chance to win elections.

[Emile]

149. Me too, that's why I prefer someone left of center.

[BannonsLiver]

156. What left of center candidates have won presidential elections?

I’m not saying there isn’t appeal but the sample size in the modern era is zero. And given the level of misogyny in the country we’re eons away from a woman President.

[Scrivener7]

8. I'd vote for him happily if he won the primary, but he wouldn't be my first choice.

He's made a few unforced errors and a lot of the country has a bug up it's ass about California which could limit the votes that go to him.

[kacekwl]

9. No

Thanks

[kacekwl]

11. The choice to me is obvious

Pete Buttigieg but apparently the country isn't ready for a very competent smart informed man who actually cares about the country and the people in it.

[markie]

31. Pete Buttigieg

is and will continue to be my choice as long as I have one!!

[SKKY]

43. He won't get the African-American or Hispanic male vote.

As sad as it is, that's a hurdle they're not ready to jump over yet.

[Skittles]

113. strange how they were ready for a multi-felon con man rapist fascist

yes indeed

[sabbat hunter]

129. Buttigieg being gay

will be used against him by the GOP. Even among Democrats, there are a lot of people sadly that won't support someone who is LGBTQ+ for president.
This country still is very anti-LGBTQ, misogynistic, and racist. I am very sad about these things.

Beshear would be my choice. Young, progressive, shown he can win in a very red state. I think he would win in a general election.

We cannot just go for our "perfect candidate", Beshear is probably as close as we can get to one.

[fujiyamasan]

148. A mayor of a small town and former Secretary of transportation?

As much as I’d trust his judgment and leadership, that’s a thin resume.

I think he should make a run for the open senate seat in Michigan in ‘26. He’d be competitive and then he could run for president in two years. It would prove he could win statewide in a swing state, and it may help quell concerns that the country is too homophobic to elect a gay person.

[Cosmocat]

152. Big Pete fan

yeah ... He has a better shot than a woman, but its a hurdle for sure.

[pinkstarburst]

154. I'm voting for Pete!

He's the smartest guy in the room. I'm not giving up on the idea we could have a more diverse ticket than some are saying. I think the country is going to be pretty sick of fascism by 2028.

[EnergizedLib]

14. I don't know if he'd have my support in the primaries

But I’ll take literally any Democrat in the Oval who will clean this up starting 2029.

[DFW]

15. 2028 is not yet on my radar. 2026 is.

We must take back at least one house of Congress, and preferably both. One friend is in the fight of his political life to retain his Senate seat, and I consider him to be the greatest intellect in the Senate at this time. We have chances at pickups, too (NC and IA eg).

My current top choice for President has virtually no chance of being nominated, and, if nominated, probably less chance of being elected. As we have seen in the last ten years, being qualified for the job , on its own, is good for maybe a one in three chance of winning the election. So I’m holding off on making a choice at this point. After all, in July 2005, Barack Obama was just passing his first six months in the Senate. How many people saw him in the Oval Office four years later?

Speculation at this point is fair, and so is stating preferences, but I don’t see it as anything beyond that at this juncture. I give a high likelihood to including candidates in these discussions two years from now whose names don’t even show up on our board yet.

[JustAnotherGen]

30. This!

[Intractable]

16. I look forward to a robust primary. May the best fighter win!

Newsom? Sure. But, after a primary offering other options.

[lark]

18. I'd happily vote for him if he is our candidate.

I think Shapiro, Harris, Walz and Whitmer could also be contenders and I'd vote for any of them in the general.

[doc03]

20. I don't think anyone from California could win in a national election. I would vote

for him if that was the choice.

[Nanjeanne]

21. No thank you.

[Fiendish Thingy]

22. He wants to be president so bad he can taste it.

But I think the odds favor Murphy or Beshear.

Newsom will probably be first to declare after the midterms, and get strong support in initial polling, as he pro has the highest name recognition other than Harris. As others declare and debates are held, I think his fortunes will fade.

I think Dems can do much better than Newsom.

[comradebillyboy]

94. Beshear is good but I don't even know who Murphy is.

[Fiendish Thingy]

98. Chris Murphy has been one of the most articulate outspoken Dem senators

If you watch MSNBC, he is on somebody’s show at least once a day talking about the damage Trump is doing to the country, and what we should be doing instead.

[choie]

120. Agree.

Murphy or Pritzker

[valleyrogue]

23. No. n/t

[Ferrets are Cool]

24. Not my first choice.

[JustAnotherGen]

25. It's going to be a toppling of a Regime

I'm waiting for the one who states there will be tribunals and swift punishment.

The return to the status quo is unacceptable.

Fast removal of the Electoral College WITHOUT the framework of the old way (ratification by 50 States). Consider that slavery was legal in Mississippi until 2013.

Consider that the VRA has been gutted.

Elimination of the 3/5 Compromise.

National Elections become mandatory participation in a ranked choice environment.

We are NOT going back to the Compromise of 1877. Full Stop.

This time? We need safeguards. My earliest enslaved ancestor on record was the grandson of an enslaved man in VA sold down the river to Alabama.

This is non fucking negotiable. The demeaning and dehumanizing language of the Constitution to the descendants of the enslaved MUST be removed. No bullshit about "blah blah blah" rising tides lift all boats. It was always bullshit.

We pre-date Ellis Island. We come first.Second we give full Tribal Rights to our Indigenous Americans. It can be done in tandem with making Black Americans hole.

Everyone else get in line behind us.

If he's promising to do this by Executive Order forcing the discussion - then arresting SCOTUS members who want to maintain the dehumanizing language - I'm on board.

Status Quo is not an option.

[rollin74]

26. I'd certainly vote for him if he's the nominee

but I seriously doubt he can win the electoral college

[SuzyandPuffpuff]

27. He's my guy

Yup... I'll vote for him... he's unafraid and who cares about baggage. Look at what we currently have. Nothing compares with the current filth

[Agent Orange Tabby]

163. I like him, too

And like that he’s chucked we go high out the window, and increasingly dispenses with politic circumspection to speak freely. That resonates with public. Lends his rhetoric an authenticity of a real human talking that MAGA’s cornered for too long.

[TnDem]

32. Newsom

Newsom comes across as slick, political and very far left. That generally works really well in California/New York/Illinois, etc, but not good at all in the rest of the purple states, (thus no national winner)...

He is also not viewed as a strong personality...He seems weak actually and often can't stick with a policy position.

[Ms. Toad]

69. Slick and political, yes. Far left, no.

Far too prone to sway in the political winds. All are reasons I won't vote for him in the primary. Very similar to the reasons I didn't vote for Hillary in the primary.

[TnDem]

75. Authoritarian

He is not well received in my area.... The covid mandate bullshit left a bad taste in many purple/red state dem mouths.

That is in addition to his greasy/wishy-washy political style.

[Autumn]

35. I think 2028 is too far away to worry about. Let's see if we survive Trump's

first fucking year in office then worry about 28 .

[EmmaLee E]

106. And let's see if we can flip

the house and senate in the midterms.

If we can't, then it might not matter.

[Blue_Adept]

36. Nope

It's like every democrat has memoryholed every stupid move he made earlier this year to appeal to republicans once again.

[comradebillyboy]

37. I'd vote for him without hesitation.

[awesomerwb1]

39. Hope not.

[MiHale]

41. If the election was today...I'd vote for him...

But there is plenty of time for others to step up…if no one does…then it’s him.

[Arazi]

42. Sure! And Pritzker and Buttigieg and Beshear and Shapiro...

Any white guy who has shown they’ll fight has my eye. Throw in Van Hollen too!

We had two of the finest women run and they both lost. I firmly believe we must win in 2028 so I believe we can’t gamble on another woman at this point.

[CTyankee]

45. For all of his flaws, he is far better than any republican.

I know we all want the perfect candidate but that isn't going to happen. We need to WIN, folks! And if he gains traction and is our candidate I will do what I can to make him president.

Right now a woman isn't going to win. I felt certain Kamala was going to win and was bitterly disappointed when she didn't. We'll get there but it won't happen during my lifetime. We need to be as active as we can in state and local campaigns to preserve and protect what we have gained and we should concentrate on what's possible.

[Aristus]

46. I'm voting for the Democratic nominee.

Bottom line.

The stay-at-home political purity fanatics got us where we are today. Fuck ‘em. Unless the Republicans disinter Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, or Eisenhower and run one of them for President, I’m voting Democratic. Full stop.

[emulatorloo]

47. I'm thinking about 2026, not 2028.

[Ping Tung]

50. He'll do. Lots of plusses, few minuses.

[oldmanlynn]

52. I was hoping for newsome when Biden pulled out

No offense to any of the other candidates

[Agent Orange Tabby]

165. So was I

Wow, 2 unicorns in one thread

[SocialDemocrat61]

53. Depends on who runs in the primary

I’ll make my decision then, not 3 years before.

[TheProle]

95. You realize participating in message board speculation is non-binding, right?

[SocialDemocrat61]

102. Sure

I just rather not bother years in advance. Who knows what will happen tomorrow or years from now that might change everything.

[Paladin]

54. I'll vote for whoever the Democratic presidential candidate is in 2028.

I will also support said candidate with money. If possible, I will show up at pro-Democratic demonstrations.

I will go so far as to affix a bumper sticker to my car with said candidate's name on it---even though that's just begging for some major vandalism in the area in which I live.

Whatever it takes...

[ILikePie92]

56. but I'm finding it hard to get information on his past

That's the key

He's a little too slick for me. Too ambitious. Flailing around and flopping in his positions.

Weren't we pissed at him last month for something?

[Agent Orange Tabby]

166. My husband pisses me off regularly

Doesn’t mean he’s not best one for the job. Mostly it just comes with exposure.

[ILikePie92]

168. Yes, totally right

Something about Newsom rubs me wrong way but you're right, he may be the right guy for the time. It could just be myself being picky too.

[Brainfodder]

57. Prefer Senator for this one, POTUS is only 8 years, maybe.

Not interested in years of Kimberly tripe from ANY side?

[David__77]

58. I think that would be a mistake.

[Mike Nelson]

59. Baggage?

... don't mind his baggage much. The Donald is the legitimate king of something - the King of Baggage! Gavin is much smarter... yest they are "defining" and "demonizing" him already, but he responds well. He's great at fielding tough questions, and he doesn't have the mental health and/or cognition problems evident in The Donald.

[LogDog75]

107. The thing about baggage

The Orange Turd is a adjudicated rapist, found guilty of running a fraudulent university and charity, found guilty on 34 counts for illegal payments to Stormy Daniels, found guilty of illegally retaining classified documents, etc. but let one Democrat get a parking ticket and republicans and the conservative media will make it seem like they committed treasonous crimes. Newsom will be attacked for dining out in a restaurant during COVID when everyone else was told to stay home.

I live in California like every other state we have our problems but the difference between California and red states is we don't depend upon the federal government to fund most of out state budget. California receives about 15% of it's state funding from the federal government while places like Texas receives 23%, Louisiana receives 30%, Mississippi receives 26%, and Alabama receives 27%. Yet, republicans and the conservative media will tell you California can't balance their budget, but we do by law, and claim it's Newsom's fault.

If Newsom wins the nomination, I'll vote for him because he'll be better than anyone the republican or Musk will put up.

[Mike Nelson]

118. True...

... I'm also a CA resident. The conservative media has anti-California stories on heavy rotation, ever since the state turned. I know a woman in Florida who asked me, "Is rape legal in California?' She was serious... said she heard people "get away" with rape because it's a "sanctuary state." Years of listening to Rush L., Tucker C., and Laura I. They also think the city Los Angeles burned - when it was two vehicles. FOX and their ilk show CA as unsafe and overrun with crime... but the crime rate is greater in their "red" states. Newsom is far from perfect, but compared to Trump... no contest.

[krawhitham]

60. Not in my top 50 for 2028

[the_liberal_grandpa]

61. He Is My Governor And I Support Him

While I am not so proud these days to be an American I am very proud of being a Californian.

I don't fly the American flag anymore but proudly fly my California state flag on holidays.

Dems have many possible candidates and I will wait to hear what they all say before donating or deciding who to vote for.

I want a president who has a plan to undo all of the damage Krasnov has created while investigating the entire administration for illegal acts and prosecuting any who violated the law. Kind of a Nuremberg thing.

I also want a candidate that has a plan to change the Supreme Court. Without that, Dems will have to ignore their rulings if they want to get anything done.

I also want new leadership, particularly in the Senate. I would like to see Dems do away with the fillibuster so that they can get good legislation passed.

There will be more things on my wishlist.

Give 'em hell Gavin.

[Emile]

62. I prefer Democrat Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland.

[CTyankee]

157. Love him. He could be our first Jewish President!

[OLDMDDEM]

63. Go for it. With Pennsylvania governor as veep.

[leftstreet]

64. NO. Not "outsidery" enough

Voters don't want established entrenched politicians

[haele]

65. I'm from California.

I find he, Ro Kanna, Adam Schiff and several others are cut from the same Silicon Valley funded mold.
They aren't Republicans or Libertarians, but their records show business interests tend to be higher on their radars than overall economic interests.
Donors having to make sacrifices will never really be on the table, which will give them a schizophrenic political stance where "doing the most effective right thing" will generally take second place to "doing the least controversial right thing".
On edit; Newsom is politically like Bill Clinton, overall a good centrist, liberal when it comes to legal and civil rights, but overall a fiscally and politically (i.e., social services, immigration, regulations, foreign policy) centrist...
And he spends a lot of time trying to appeal politically as a populist rather than stand on record and principles.
Again, his political rise was in the 1990's, when personable centrist populism could pretty much succeed with everyone but the radicals on the right and left.

I'm not sure that can fly with today's Democratic Constituency, especially since he's already defined himself as a centrist in California.

[Granny Blue]

88. YESSSS!

Republican lite is the last thing we need! And he has a long track record to show for it.

[PufPuf23]

111. Newsom has piecemealed CEQA rollbacks and recently signed legislation for a major CEQA rollback.

Have voted for and will vote for Newsom. I am a lifetime (save 7 years in Oregon) Californian and have voted exclusively Democratic for over 50 years. Will vote for Newsom if he is the candidate. Reminds me of Bill Clinton. Too enthralled to monied interests for my taste.

[haele]

115. Exactly. Not saying he's a lesser of two evils, just that there's better

With less corporate baggage.
He'll be a decent President for professionals and the environment for the most part; he can play needle mover, make some slight fixes and tweaks - but he's not a transformative politician.
He's not as big on economics as he likes to pretend - he lets businessmen tell him "what works" instead of history, and I'm not sure he's willing to go as politically out on a limb to do what facts and experts tell him needs to be done, like FDR, Truman, or Johnson - or heck, his predecessor Jerry Brown.

[Skittles]

114. excellent analysis

that definitely is how I see him

[Iggo]

67. Fine by me.

[3catwoman3]

68. My first choice is whoever the hell can WIN.

Every damn Democrat needs to show up and vote for whoever our nominee ends up being. None of this pissing and moaning about this detail or that, and NO STAYING HOME!

What Aristus said in post #46 - The stay-at-home political purity fanatics got us where we are today. Fuck ‘em.

[Greg_In_SF]

71. Far from my first pick

I just don't think he'd play well on the national stage.

[vanessa_ca]

72. NO -eom

[peggysue2]

73. If Newsom is the nominee in 2028, he'll have my vote

There are several Democratic candidates I like. They're all fighters and refuse to acquiesce to the fascists. Newsom is one of them. He's smart, attractive, politically savvy and articulate, all the things Trump is not.

As far as CA being unpopular? The state was designated the 4th largest economy is the world in 2024. If anything, Trump hates California and Newsom's success along with the state's resistance to Trump's petty insults and show of inhumane force.

We have a strong bench of people to run. We just need to last that long!

[BannonsLiver]

74. He'd be a terrific president

And the fact he takes friendly fire from some Dems here and elsewhere over certain issues makes me like him even more. That being said it’ll be a big field.

[poli-junkie]

76. Luv my Guv! He calls 'em as he sees 'em.

And he isn’t afraid to do so.

[pamdb]

77. Newsom

I know 3 people who live in CA, two can’t stand him and one likes him.

[BannonsLiver]

139. Well that settles it then...

[pinkstarburst]

78. I'm pretty worried about 2028

The people democrats genuinely like, and who I think would have some party momentum, are getting shot down for one reason or another (someone in another thread said black men and Hispanic men are too bigoted to vote for a gay man and in one thread AOC and Jasmine Crockett are shot down because women are apparently now a non-starter.)

So where does this leave us? If we are allowing MAGA to pick our candidates too (which is what we are talking about if only straight white christian male candidates are up for grabs on the ticket), I think we will have low voter turnout. That limits us to only a few candidates. Pritzger and Shapiro are out because they're Jewish and they may run into the same racism issues and also same problem with Muslim voters that plagued Harris. You've got Beshear, who has no national profile. You've got Newsom, who has some issues in his past that aren't very flattering and also being a progressive from California may not play well with flyover states, no matter how much he tries to make an emergency swing to the middle now.

The republicans, for better or worse, do a good job of getting behind their candidate every single time. If our party is so bigoted and backwards that we would refuse to elect a woman, or refuse to elect a gay man, then we may be signing ourselves up for 4 more years of oppressive rule, and then we will deserve what we get, I'm sorry to say.

I just think it's going to be very sad when the republicans decide to run Eric Trump in 2028 and our party won't come out and support our candidates and we get stuck with 4 more years of hell.

[elleng]

125. WHO are those 'getting shot down?'

[Emile]

80. To answer your question, I DON'T.

[mvd]

81. Unsure if my first choice..

but I would be fine with him getting into the ring.

[LetMyPeopleVote]

86. Newsome in in the running for my vote

I also like Kamala Harris

[Granny Blue]

87. All talk, no action!

Newsom talks a good game, but is a moderate middle roader a bit to the left of Rahm Emmanuel. As a native Californian, I have relatives who were affected by the fires and lost their homes and communities. Help has been hard to come by, and several of my (elder) generation are still struggling to find stability. Last year, he ordered sweeps of homeless encampments throughout California, with no state services to follow up on the displaced people. He has never advocated for the immigrant citizens of his state, content to let them slave in silence. I don’t think he has ever supported the farmworkers union! He didn’t say much about the ICE raids until Trump stole command of the CA National Guard.

Correct me if I’m wrong, but he is way too deferential to Thiel and the other Silicon Valley transhumanists to ever be entrusted to care for human beings.

We have a deep bench to draw from. Look hard! Choose carefully!

[flamingdem]

90. I think he would be great! We need to see

who has support. Not clear yet how he'll go over nationally.

His office just called Miller a "cuck" hahaha

[0rganism]

92. I think it's like 2.5 years too soon for this topic

By 2027, he could be stuck in an offshore prison in the DRC. Right now, I think he's doing 2 important jobs:
1. Governing California. It's a big, difficult job, and he seems to be handling it okay in the face of unsavory groping from F47's federal government.
2. Providing a high-profile distractive target under cover of which others may operate more freely.

[creeksneakers2]

93. He can't win in the general.

CA passed tax payer funded health care for illegals. Too unpopular.

[Tribetime]

96. It's so early but I trust him right now and a few others

[lovesfruit]

100. He's a no

for me, personally.

Pete Buttigieg 2028, please.

[Bayard]

103. Sorry to say, we have to take back the presidency no matter what

That means two regular white guys this time around. No women, no blacks or other minorities, no gays, no atheists, etc etc. No one from either coast.

Even if Newsom is not so far left, he is perceived as such simply because he's from Calif, and he's very visible.

I'm thinking Midwest and a Southerner. Who knows who will turn up in the next 3 years, but one of my picks will be Gov. Beshear.

[JanMichael]

105. It will be 24/7 ads about "French Laundry". Hypocrite will be the messaging.

He doomed himself with that hoity toity unmasked brunch at the very chic French Laundry (stupid fucking name for a restaurant) during the height of COVID.

I remember seeing that and just shaking my head thinking way to go dumbass.

And I sort of liked him then.

[BannonsLiver]

140. If that's the best they've got he'll he just fine.

I’ll take the adorable, quaint little French Laundry scandal over a certain answer to a certain question that Harris gave in 2020 that ended up becoming a wildly effective TV ad for Trump that aired around the clock last fall. There’s no comparison!

[JanMichael]

150. I doubt that's all. And it was not adorable. It was dickish.

I was just looking for the easiest quick hit. I'm sure there are others. Obviously this doesn't really matter to Republicans (they probably admire it) but some people will see it is something about character.

It's obvious that particular luncheon could not be jumped on like the 2020 Harris interview that was on 24/7 last year. But it will play a part.

And I like him.

[BannonsLiver]

155. Yeah I don't agree that the French Laundry is relevant or would cost him primary or GE voters.

Anyone who cares is most likely to be a MAGAt anyway and would vote for Don Jr or Vance. Not a big deal.

[Agent Orange Tabby]

167. If dick move over 5 star dining disqualifies him

Time to re-examine our standards. I’m good throwing assholes into arena of full contact blood sport that is politics if I hope to pull out a winner, provided policy positions align. Reality is anyone with chance at slaying the MAGA beast would benefit from shot of narcissism.

[BlueTsunami2018]

109. I'm for him because he can win.

America is very superficial and above all he looks the part. He’s tall, good looking, has presence and speaks well.

That’s more than half the battle right there.

Is he sufficiently left for me? Of course not, no one is but he’s way better than any Republican. You have to take step one before you can take step five. And we have to stop allowing these fascist assholes to drag us ten steps back after we’ve taken step one.

Step one, win the damn offices. He can do that.

Of course this all assumes we’re going to have real elections by the time this comes up to a vote.

[still-prayin4rain]

124. Yes, agree with this. Who can win has to be top priority.

[AntiFascist]

112. I would like to see him take a really forceful stand against Trump..

that might even be something moderate conservatives could appreciate, meeting unlawful force with force backed up by the Constitution. Follow Mayor Bass' lead:

https://mayor.lacity.gov/news/mayor-bass-issues-executive-directive-support-immigrant-communities

[Torchlight]

116. Far too early to read the terrain

I'll wait to see what happens this year and who seems best predisposed to make a measurable difference when the time presents itself. That said, I'm not quite that ossified or orthodix in my fortune-telling to believe he would either Make or Break any one campaign.

[dlk]

117. Will there even be an election in 2028?

And even if there is, will the voting machines be so thoroughly rigged, no Democrat could possible win, no matter the number of votes they receive?

Let’d not kid ourselves, the Trump Republicans have no respect for the Constitution or the rule of law. They will not go willingly.

[Johonny]

119. He is running

That much is well known. Trump hates him, which is like free advertising.

He will have two years to run for president and I think he is all in after 2026. So we will see.

[elleng]

121. My choices: Beshear, Buttigieg, Pritzker, Newsom

AND Harris

[still-prayin4rain]

123. I like him. I'm a little afraid he won't meet the far left's purity tests though.

[elleng]

127. Many/most would probably meet tests of

far left or 'center' left.

[JCMach1]

126. Let's have a primary and let him prove it

I am open to almost anyone at the moment. Almost

[mikewv]

130. Pete Buttigieg (nm)

Pete Buttigieg

[SSJVegeta]

131. Ever dating kim Guiyfoile should be an automatic disqualifier for elected office

[Raine]

147. Not just dated but married her. 😵 nt

[Bobstandard]

135. This thread a perfect example of Democrat circular firing squad

Even if the next election wasn’t rigged, we’d blow it. The thread above shows how.

[BannonsLiver]

141. Yes, it's odd to see supposed Democrats completely buy into GOP narratives about CA.

[Wanderlust988]

136. Beshear might actually carry Kentucky due to his popularity here

It would be close, but that's 8 EV's that could switch to Dems that we haven't had since 1996. Kentucky would be a battlerground for sure. He's really beloved here. He won counties that Trump won with 80% of the vote. And even in the counties he lost, he lost by single digits where another Dem would've lost by 20 or 30 pts.

The crazy thing is that I think Beshear could easily win the general election. He's got a flawless background...a beautiful wife and 2 teenage kids. He knows how to talk to rural and redneck folks, but also just as comfortable in the black church. His father taught him politics well. He's like Biden without all the gaffes and age baggage.

He checks all the boxes, but he's not a flamethrower like AOC or Crockett. He's more behind the scenes cutthroat. But our base has wants firebreathers, not winners, so not sure he'd win the primary.

[carpetbagger]

142. Last I heard he opposed USSC expansion.

I'm holding out for someone who can actually do more than a holding action before the next plunge. It could be him, but it's not as of right now.

If he wins the nomination, he'll get my absentee ballot from Alberta.

[oasis]

144. He'd get my enthusiastic vote.

I’m a Dem ‘till my dying day.

[H2O Man]

145. Possibly.

That's a good ways away. It seems better to focus on the mid-terms. Maybe consider options for president after those.

[Raine]

146. This Califorian says NO thanks. nt

[mucholderthandirt]

153. Nope. Dems better give us better options, or we'll lose. Not that we'll probably have voting...

[zanana1]

161. I'm wondering about voting in 2028.

We can reclaim this democracy if we have fair elections, but I don't don't know if we'll have the opportunity to do that in 2028.

[Jilly_in_VA]

158. Just as long as it's not Fetterman!

And that should be the last word in this thread.

[Totally Tunsie]

162. Put a Whitehouse in the White House!

*sigh* If only Sheldon wanted the job...

[Luciferous]

164. No thanks

[WarGamer]

169. As a Californian who has traveled a lot...

The "California Thing" is going to hurt him in parts of the country