California Governor Gavin Newsom, widely regarded as a strong contender for the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination, faces a significant problem: his own record. Rather than the progressive credentials expected of a leading Democratic figure, Newsom's tenure in California has been marked by a series of questionable decisions that have alienated many Americans.
Newsom's determination to thwart the 2026 California Billionaire Tax Act, which aimed to impose a one-time levy on residents worth $1 billion or more, is just one example. His stance on this issue reveals his true loyalties: Newsom remains firmly in the corner of the plutocrats, prioritizing the interests of billionaires over those of ordinary citizens.
Newsom's speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, further highlighted his problem. In an effort to appear moderate and centrist, he failed to distinguish himself from President Donald Trump, whom he likened to a T. rex – a creature that devours its enemies if you don't stand up to it. This comparison is particularly apt, given Trump's history of aggression towards anyone who dares to oppose him.
Moreover, Newsom's review of TikTok's moderation practices has been widely criticized as an attempt to appease the platform's corporate interests. His decision to launch this review, despite the lack of evidence that the app poses a significant threat to national security, suggests that he is more concerned with maintaining good relations with pro-Israel billionaires than with protecting the American public.
The Intercept notes that Newsom's willingness to engage in such self-serving behavior is par for the course. His recent appearance on his own podcast, "This Is Gavin Newsom," where he sat down with far-right celebrities like Ben Shapiro and Charlie Kirk, raised eyebrows among many observers. The conversation was less a dialogue of equals than an opportunity for Newsom to pander to his right-wing adversaries, further eroding the public's trust in him.
However, not everyone views Newsom's record as a problem. Some commentators have attempted to rebrand him as a centrist figure who can unite Democrats and Republicans alike. This criticism is particularly puzzling, given that many of Newsom's policies – such as his support for the billionaire tax and his mobilization of National Guard troops against Black Lives Matter protests – are deeply divisive.
Ultimately, the problem with Gavin Newsom is not that he lacks a strong progressive agenda or that he is too left-wing. Rather, it is that he has demonstrated himself to be more concerned with self-preservation and maintaining good relations with corporate interests than with standing up for the rights and dignity of marginalized communities. As such, many Americans will view him as a preening politician who is beholden to a status quo that no longer exists.
In this sense, Newsom's record is not a problem in the classical sense – it is rather a reflection of his true character. And if he hopes to succeed in the 2028 presidential election, he must demonstrate a willingness to challenge the existing power structures and fight for the values of justice and equality that have long been at the heart of Democratic politics.
Newsom's determination to thwart the 2026 California Billionaire Tax Act, which aimed to impose a one-time levy on residents worth $1 billion or more, is just one example. His stance on this issue reveals his true loyalties: Newsom remains firmly in the corner of the plutocrats, prioritizing the interests of billionaires over those of ordinary citizens.
Newsom's speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, further highlighted his problem. In an effort to appear moderate and centrist, he failed to distinguish himself from President Donald Trump, whom he likened to a T. rex – a creature that devours its enemies if you don't stand up to it. This comparison is particularly apt, given Trump's history of aggression towards anyone who dares to oppose him.
Moreover, Newsom's review of TikTok's moderation practices has been widely criticized as an attempt to appease the platform's corporate interests. His decision to launch this review, despite the lack of evidence that the app poses a significant threat to national security, suggests that he is more concerned with maintaining good relations with pro-Israel billionaires than with protecting the American public.
The Intercept notes that Newsom's willingness to engage in such self-serving behavior is par for the course. His recent appearance on his own podcast, "This Is Gavin Newsom," where he sat down with far-right celebrities like Ben Shapiro and Charlie Kirk, raised eyebrows among many observers. The conversation was less a dialogue of equals than an opportunity for Newsom to pander to his right-wing adversaries, further eroding the public's trust in him.
However, not everyone views Newsom's record as a problem. Some commentators have attempted to rebrand him as a centrist figure who can unite Democrats and Republicans alike. This criticism is particularly puzzling, given that many of Newsom's policies – such as his support for the billionaire tax and his mobilization of National Guard troops against Black Lives Matter protests – are deeply divisive.
Ultimately, the problem with Gavin Newsom is not that he lacks a strong progressive agenda or that he is too left-wing. Rather, it is that he has demonstrated himself to be more concerned with self-preservation and maintaining good relations with corporate interests than with standing up for the rights and dignity of marginalized communities. As such, many Americans will view him as a preening politician who is beholden to a status quo that no longer exists.
In this sense, Newsom's record is not a problem in the classical sense – it is rather a reflection of his true character. And if he hopes to succeed in the 2028 presidential election, he must demonstrate a willingness to challenge the existing power structures and fight for the values of justice and equality that have long been at the heart of Democratic politics.
his record? some ppl say he's not as progresive as ppl think he should be... i mean, tryin' to block a billionaire tax thingy? that dont seem right 
and talkin to ben shapiro on his own podcast? that sounds super awkward 
or is he just tryin' 2 appease the billionaires? 
Newsom's record is all over the place and his attempts to play it cool are just cringeworthy 
And what's with the billionaire tax act? It's like he's more concerned with lining the pockets of rich folks than doing what's right for the people. The fact that he sat down on his own podcast with far-right celebrities just shows how out of touch he is 
Newsom needs to get a grip and start fighting for the values that Democrats are supposed to stand for, not just kissing up to corporate interests 
. And what's up with the TikTok review? Is he really just gonna kiss up to pro-Israel billionaires instead of fighting for the people? 
. And let's be real, his friendship with pro-Israel billionaires over the American public doesn't exactly scream leadership 
. And that's a problem for Democrats and Republicans alike 
.
. So, yeah, let's see how he handles his own problems before we start thinking about unity with Republicans 
robot malfunctioning - it's stuck on autopilot with no humanity left 
. He's more worried about billionaires' feelings than the ppl 
. Comparing him to a T-Rex is spot on, he's just trying to devour his critics 
. Newsom's got some explaining to do, especially on TikTok and those far-right convo 
. I mean, he did try to pass a billionaire tax, which is pretty cool, right? But then he goes and tries to appease TikTok, which seems like the opposite of that. 
It's all just so confusing.
. I mean, come on, a T. rex comparison to Trump? That's just wild 
. But seriously, Newsom needs to step up his game and show us he's really for the people 
. Can't let corporate interests get in the way of justice and equality 
.
. Thwarting the billionaire tax act and cozying up to big corporations just shows where his true loyalties lie 
.
Newsom's record is like, super sketchy? Like, how can you be pro-billionaire tax? 
45% of Californians approve of his job as governor 
53% of Californians approve of him now, compared to 42% before 
What about the overall public perception of Newsom? 
53% of Americans have an unfavorable view of him 
A Gallup poll from last year found that 22% of Democrats think Newsom is the best choice to run for president in 2028 
Considering he's still the governor of California 
According to data from FiveThirtyEight 
However, it's gonna be a tough road ahead for him 
. The fact that he's friends with Ben Shapiro and Charlie Kirk is just wild 
. And don't even get me started on his review of TikTok 
.
Newsom's willingness to cozy up to corporate interests and appease the far-right is a major turn-off 
He's just trying to find common ground and make progress, you know? Maybe he can work on being more progressive without alienating everyone?