Would Gavin Newsom beat Trump? Don’t bet on it
Gavin Newsom’s yacht may be coming in after President Biden foundered last week in his debate with Donald Trump. Some Democrats are calling to replace the incumbent, and betting markets put Mr. Newsom as the favorite alternative.
But would the slicker-than-palm-oil governor stand any better shot of defeating Mr. Trump? Hard to believe. It’s telling that Californians have a lower opinion of their governor than of their stumbling president, in large part because Mr.
Newsom’s ham-handed policies are making the state unlivable. The French Laundry liberal also oozes disdain for commoners who disagree with him. His high-handed insistence on imposing his supposedly superior values on everyone else—from transgender lessons in kindergarten to electric-vehicle mandates—would likely repel more voters in swing states than Mr.
Trump’s boorish bombast. Consider Mr. Newsom’s State of the State speech last week.
He compared the current moment with 1939, when the “world was on edge as fascism spread its hate and destruction through Europe." He isn’t worried about the rise in antisemitism or geopolitical threats on multiple fronts including Russia, Iran and China. He’s alarmed by conservatives who criticize his policies. “We face another extraordinary moment in history—for California, for the country, and for the world.
We are presented with a choice between a society that embraces our values and a world darkened by division and discrimination," he proclaimed. “The California way of life is under attack. For conservatives and delusional California bashers, their success depends on our failure.
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