“Time to move on” was the message from California Governor Gavin Newsom this week as he looked to end any speculation that he might run for president in 2024. The Democratic governor, who has been touted as a 2028 hopeful, has said next year he’s all in for President Joe Biden.
“I think we need to move past this notion that he’s not going to run,” Newsom told NBC “Meet the Press” host Chuck Todd in an interview clip released on Friday. “President Biden is going to run, and I’m looking forward to him getting reelected.
Gavin Newsom Will Not Take on Joe Biden
Even as a majority of voters have expressed concerns over Biden’s age, Newsom has continued to maintain he won’t challenge the president for the Democratic primary next year.
When then pressed what the message to donors wondering if the nominee could be someone other than Biden, Newsom simply offered, “Time to move on. Let’s go.”
“I think there’s been so much wallowing in the last few months, and handwringing in this respect,” Newsom added “But we’re gearing up for the campaign. We’re looking forward to it.”
If Not Biden… Who?
The California governor was also candid when it came to who could step up, if Biden somehow didn’t end up running next year. Newsom said that Vice President Kamala Harris was the only person to be “naturally lined up” for the job.
It has been suggested that may have been said to smooth things over between Newsom and Harris, who previously represented California in the United States Senate. They both rose through the ranks of San Francisco and Golden State politics, Politico.com noted.
Gavin Newsom Vs. DeSantis
Newsom has been seen as a future presidential candidate, and there has been speculation he could face his political opposite, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis in 2028. In fact, both governors have agreed to go up against each other in a future debate hosted by Fox News prime time host Sean Hannity.
However, that has been seen as a point of contention by some Biden advisors, notably those in the orbit of the sitting vice president – who is also a likely 2028 contender. Newsom has acknowledged that he read reports that the VEEP’s advisers were upset about the still-pending debate, but has said he didn’t hear from Vice President Harris directly on the matter.
“I wish I knew who that was,” he said. “But I don’t hear it from her … and I’m certainly not hearing it from the White House itself.
Not Challenging Harris Either
Newsom has said he wouldn’t run against Biden next year but also reaffirmed he wouldn’t run against Harris either, telling Chuck Todd, “Of course not. By definition. Won’t happen.”
It appears Newsom is biding his time rather than seeking to take on Biden or Harris next year.
Author Experience and Expertise
A Senior Editor for 19FortyFive, Peter Suciu is a Michigan-based writer. He has contributed to more than four dozen magazines, newspapers, and websites with over 3,200 published pieces over a twenty-year career in journalism. He regularly writes about military hardware, firearms history, cybersecurity, politics, and international affairs. Peter is also a Contributing Writer for Forbes and Clearance Jobs. You can follow him on Twitter: @PeterSuciu.
