Over the weekend, California Governor Gavin Newsom (D) sat down with Chuck Todd from Meet the Press to discuss the upcoming presidential election. While much has been discussed about the matchup between President Donald Trump (R) and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R), Governor Newsom affirms Trump's 'vengeance' is a threat to democracy.
The California Governor discussed a number of political topics, sharing that he fears for democracy.
“I worry about the fetishness for autocracy that we’re seeing not just from Trump, but around the world, and notably across this country,” said Governor Newsom when asked if the country could withstand another four years of President Trump in the White House.
Calling DeSantis “functionally authoritarian,” noting that he’s “worried more, in many respects, of Trumpism, which transcends well beyond his term and time and tenure.”
Newsom has engaged in a rivalry with Governor DeSantis, dating back to the 2022 midterm election. Both have touted their eagerness to debate one another, but a date hasn’t been scheduled for that despite both lawmakers sharing their proposed rules for the debate.
Newsom has also been part of the presidential conversation as Democrats question President Biden’s age. Newsom has been speculated to be making a presidential run, but he quickly put the idea to rest, saying “I think we need to move past this notion that he’s [President Biden] not going to run.”
“President Biden is going to run and looking forward to getting re-elected.” For any donors that would be clamoring for Newsom to run, he tells them to “move on.”
“I think there’s been so much wallowing in the last few months and handwringing and disrespect, but we’re gearing up for the campaign,” Newsom assured.
As far as threats to democracy are concerned, Newsom shared that he believes “the vengeance in Donald Trump’s heart right now is more of a threat.”
