In the aftermath of the high-stakes presidential debate, California Governor Gavin Newsom found himself in the spotlight, fielding questions about the potential for a changing of the guard within the Democratic party. As one of Joe Biden’s staunchest allies, Newsom’s response made it unequivocally clear that he has no intentions of abandoning the current commander-in-chief, even in the face of mounting concerns over Biden’s debate performance.
Newsom’s Unwavering Support for Biden
Immediately following the debate, Newsom was confronted by reporters inquiring about the possibility of him becoming the next Democratic presidential nominee. The California governor swiftly shut down such speculation, asserting, “No, our nominee is Joe Biden. Looking forward to voting for him in November.” This firm stance underscored Newsom’s loyalty to the sitting president, a sentiment he would later reiterate in an interview with CNN.
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When pressed on Biden’s debate showing, which had drawn criticism from some within the Democratic party, Newsom took a staunch defensive posture. He dismissed the notion of any need to replace the president, declaring, “I would never turn my back on President Biden. Never turn my back on President Biden. I don’t know a Democrat in my party that would do so.” Newsom argued that the focus should be on the “substance” of Biden’s policies and record, rather than getting caught up in “style points.”
Governor Newsom states “we gotta have the back of this president” and that Democrats cannot turn on him over one bad performance.
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Emphasizing Party Unity
Newsom’s unwavering support for Biden extended beyond just the debate performance, as he emphasized the importance of party unity in the upcoming election. “We’re going to win this election,” he asserted, underscoring the need for Democrats to rally behind their standard-bearer. The California governor’s remarks conveyed a sense of confidence and determination, suggesting that he sees Biden’s continued leadership as crucial for the party’s success.
Newsom’s defense of Biden’s debate performance emphasized the primacy of substance over style. He contended that “people can debate on style points, but ultimately this election and who is the president of the United States has to be about substance.” This perspective underscored Newsom’s belief that the American electorate should prioritize the real-world impacts of Biden’s policies and decision-making over superficial considerations.
Newsom’s Potential Future Ambitions
While Newsom firmly dismissed any notion of challenging Biden for the Democratic nomination, the California governor’s prominent role in the post-debate spin room has inevitably fueled speculation about his own political aspirations. As a rising star within the party, Newsom has frequently been mentioned as a potential presidential contender, either in the near future or further down the line. However, his unwavering support for Biden in the wake of the debate suggests that he is content to remain in his current role for the time being.
Biden’s Age and Health Concerns
One of the key issues that has dogged Biden’s campaign is the question of his age and health. At 81 years old, Biden is the oldest president in American history, and the prospect of him serving a second term would mean that he would be 86 by the end of his tenure. This has led to persistent concerns about his physical and cognitive capabilities, which were further exacerbated by his debate performance.
Addressing the Debate Struggles
During the debate, Biden appeared to struggle at times, with reports of him clearing his throat, coughing, and occasionally struggling to finish his thoughts. This fueled concerns among some Democrats about whether the president has the necessary vigor and energy to effectively lead the country. Newsom’s defense of Biden’s performance sought to downplay these issues, emphasizing the president’s broader record and policy agenda.
The Broader Democratic Reaction
The reaction to Biden’s debate performance within the Democratic party has been mixed, with some party insiders expressing open concern about the president’s viability as the nominee. CNN senior political commentator David Axelrod, for instance, acknowledged that there would be “discussions about whether he should continue” as the party’s standard-bearer. This underscores the delicate balancing act that Biden and his allies must navigate in the lead-up to the 2024 election.
Newsom’s Potential Role in 2024
While Newsom has firmly rejected any notion of challenging Biden for the Democratic nomination, his prominent role in the post-debate spin room has inevitably fueled speculation about his own political ambitions. As a rising star within the party, Newsom has been widely viewed as a potential presidential contender, either in the near future or further down the line. However, his unwavering support for Biden in the wake of the debate suggests that he is content to remain in his current role for the time being.
The Path Forward for Biden and Democrats
As the 2024 election cycle approaches, the Democratic party will need to grapple with the challenges posed by Biden’s age and health concerns, as well as the broader political landscape. While Newsom’s vocal support for the president may provide a crucial boost, the party will ultimately need to chart a course that resonates with the American electorate and positions them for success in the next presidential race.
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