During a speech at an Iowa Democratic Party dinner, Senator John Fetterman took a swipe at California Governor Gavin Newsom, suggesting that Newsom is running for president against Joe Biden without having the courage to announce it. Fetterman stated, “There are two additional Democrats running for Pennsylvania, excuse me, running for president right now. One is a congressman from Minnesota, the other one is the governor of California, but only one has the guts to announce it.” Fetterman also expressed his unwavering support for Biden, challenging any Democrat who wants to criticize and go after Biden to instead write a check for Trump.
This is not the first time someone has accused Newsom of secretly campaigning for president. Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, during a speech in Iowa City last month, accused Newsom of running for president without making an official announcement. Ramaswamy said, “The man is running for president, doing it and doing it in disguise, doing it with a track record at a state that is more disastrous by the day.”
Newsom has repeatedly claimed to support Biden, but his recent actions have fueled speculation that he is positioning himself as a possible Democratic presidential contender. For instance, Newsom’s trip to Beijing, where he met with Chinese President Xi Jinping, along with his decision to participate in a televised debate with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, a Republican presidential candidate with opposite ideological views, has raised eyebrows. NBC News noted that these actions have contributed to the speculation surrounding Newsom’s presidential ambitions.
Despite the accusations and speculation, Newsom’s office chose not to respond to requests for comments on this matter. This silence may further fuel speculation and raise questions about his intentions.
With the 2024 presidential race on the horizon, politicians from both parties are starting to position themselves for a run at the highest office in the land. While it is not uncommon for potential candidates to test the waters before officially announcing their candidacy, the secrecy surrounding Newsom’s alleged presidential campaign has drawn criticism from both sides of the aisle.
In Fetterman’s and Ramaswamy’s view, Newsom’s failure to publicly declare his presidential aspirations shows a lack of transparency and authenticity. They believe that if Newsom truly wants to challenge Biden for the Democratic nomination, he should have the courage to announce his intentions to the public.
Others argue that Newsom’s actions are simply strategic, allowing him to gain exposure and build relationships with influential figures both domestically and internationally. By participating in highly publicized events and meetings, he aims to enhance his profile within the political sphere.
Regardless of the motives behind Newsom’s actions, one thing is clear: the 2024 presidential race is already heating up, and potential candidates are engaging in behind-the-scenes maneuvers to position themselves favorably. As the speculation surrounding Newsom’s presidential ambitions continues to grow, it remains to be seen whether he will ultimately throw his hat into the ring or choose to support another candidate. Only time will tell if Newsom’s alleged presidential campaign without an official announcement will translate into a viable bid for the Democratic nomination.
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