I'm a native Californian and my first memory of Newsom is instructive

[senseandsensibility]

It's from 2004. He was the mayor of San Francisco. I saw him on the local ABC7 news coming out of the courthouse in SF swarmed by the media and supporters. He had just directed the city-county clerk to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples in defiance of state law. When reporters asked why he had done that, he said matter of factly that it was a civil rights issue.

I remember being very impressed at the time. He didn't waste time going into tons of detail, but stated his position simply. And it was 2004, people. Most Dems were still against marriage equality then, including Obama. What followed was a protracted court fight, with the California Supreme Court legalizing same sex marriage in 2008.

He was ahead of his time and courageous. I give him credit for that. But I am in no hurry to promote him for 2028. I want a fighter, and he has my attention. But so do some others.

[msongs]

1. he is not warm and fuzzy at all nt

[tinrobot]

7. No, he is not. He's very polished.

Always says the right thing without revealing too much of himself.

As a Californian, I think he's been a great governor. But that alone is not enough. I wonder how he'll do in the rest of the country.

[speak easy]

12. Newsom will do well with Latinos.

He has the runs on the board.

[senseandsensibility]

8. Do we want warm and fuzzy?

[speak easy]

13. We want take no prisoners.

[Torchlight]

17. Nice shoes. Really. nt

[vanlassie]

2. I remember. He is an unsung hero in that regard.

I also give him credit for listening to the small group of State Deputy Public Health Directors who went to him in March to say “you must call for shelter in place.” He did it immediately. Probably saved many lives here in California.

[senseandsensibility]

4. Yes, I agree

He managed Covid very well here.

[CrispyQ]

3. He doesn't back down from a fight, that's for sure, & he's not afraid to poke some people who deserve it.

Definitely a contender for 28.

[cally]

5. My first memory of him, also!

I’ve never forgotten his bravery and stand. This was a time when other Democratic leaders, Pelosi et al, did not support his actions and news reports indicated they had asked him to not stand up. Many thought this would end his political career.

I’ve always supported him for this!. I’m not sure he’s my choice for 2028-mainly because I’m worried about the California label and I often prefer more progressive candidates

[C Moon]

11. Yeah, I thought he'd be great, but then I realized red states will hate him because of California.

[PatSeg]

6. Oh yes, I remember that as well

I've been impressed with him ever since.

[TheRickles]

9. He won the 2003 SF mayoral run-off election with a 53/47 victory over the Green Party candidate.

So Newsom was actually the centrist candidate in that one.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electoral_history_of_Gavin_Newsom

[slightlv]

14. Wouldn't make any difference to repugs...

California AND a Democrat! I'm afraid that's two huge strikes against him in red states... and unfortunately, there are a lot of red states to win over.

[flamingdem]

10. He's a contender.

I'm grateful for what he's doing standing up to Trump.

The rest is wait and see.

Viva California

[LudwigPastorius]

15. He is already trying to move to the center perception-wise (maybe not policy-wise) with some of the guests...

he has had on his podcast: Dr. Phil, Newt Gingrich, Frank Luntz, Steve Bannon, Charlie Kirk, & Michael Savage.

Newsome is a savvy politician, so I wouldn't be surprised if he modifies his bona fides to attract the national voters he's trying to win over and shed the "California liberal" image opponents are going to try to hang on him.

[flamingdem]

16. It will be amazing if he can shed his California label

Not sure he's hit the mark on that but he's great at slap backs to Maga!

[Ms. Toad]

18. And now he is on the wrong side of the LGBTQ civil rights issues. n/t