If Joe Biden decides not to run, Gavin Newsom will do so. This prospect seems more possible now that the president has questioned Biden’s candidacy in his first sit-down interview in more than 200 days.
According to two people with knowledge of his intentions, the governor of California “undeniably, unambiguously” intends to run for president if the incumbent isn’t seeking reelection.
“He certainly is going to declare that he is running for president once Biden says that he is not running,” a California fundraiser with connections to the Newsom family told The Wrap after the midterm elections.
No ifs, ands, or buts. If Biden does not run, he will,” they continued.
Newsom’s fervent desire to run for office was verified by a benefactor with ties to the Democratic Party and financing for its candidates in Los Angeles.
Biden defended his eligibility for office but did not confirm if he will run for reelection.
In an interview with 60 Minutes anchor Scott Pelley, Biden said, “My aim, as I said, to begin with, is that I would run again.” But it’s just a plan, you know.
“Have you really decided that I should run again? That is still up in the air,” the president said.
Since his prior statements indicated that he had every intention of competing for reelection in 2024, this is the first time Biden has really placed doubt on the possibility of doing so.
There are rumours and conjecture that Vice President Kamala Harris, who was once a senator from California, would enter the campaign if Biden decides not to. She has reaffirmed time and time again her intention to serve as Biden’s running mate for a second term in 2024.
In his first sit-down press interview in more than 200 days, America’s oldest president refuted claims that he is too elderly and psychologically competent to serve as president.
A slew of public blunders, including footage of him tripping on the steps of Air Force One and failing to shake Senator Chuck Schumer’s hand, have raised questions about his competence to serve a second term of four years.
CBS journalist Scott Pelley said, “Some people say you are unsuited for the position, and when you hear that, I wonder what you think.”
Watch me, the president said in response. Sincerely, that is all I can think of.
If you believe that I lack the necessary energy or mental clarity, that is one thing, he continued. “It’s another thing, you know, just watch and maintain my timetable,” the speaker said. Follow my lead.’
I appreciate the idea that people would remark, “You’re ancient,” he said.
However, in my opinion, it is related to your level of energy and whether or not the work you are doing is something that anybody, regardless of age, could perform.
The California Democrat would have his own obstacles to overcome if Biden decided not to run for office and Newsom entered the race.
The 2,117,730 signatures prompted California to hold a special recall election on September 14, 2021, but they also produced a significant vote of confidence for Newsom.
The COVID-19 outbreak in the Golden State was a major factor in the recall, along with accusations that Newsom was hypocritical for partying while imposing stringent rules for gatherings during the public health emergency.
Despite his own administration’s directives that persons not be with members of more than three families in the same area, Newsom attended a large birthday celebration gathering with lobbyists and business leaders at a posh restaurant in the Napa Valley in November 2020.
Newsom’s recent debate challenge to Republican Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who has swiftly emerged as the front-runner to run for president if Donald Trump does not, has served to feed rumors about his intentions to run.
When word got out that DeSantis was transporting migrants from his state to the opulent island of Martha’s Vineyard off the coast of Massachusetts, Newsom tweeted, “Hey @GovRonDeSantis, plainly you’re floundering, distracted, and busy playing politics with people’s lives.”
The governor of California said, “Since you have just one overriding need—attention—take let’s this up & discuss.” “I’ll have my hair gel with me.” Your hairspray is with you. When is the last day before the election?
A July advertisement that Newsom sponsored in Florida and Ohio was the first significant indication that his political aspirations go beyond the Golden State. The commercial blasted the GOP’s turn to the right on topics like abortion.