The 2028 presidential election may seem distant, but the race is already taking shape – and California Governor Gavin Newsom is emerging as a Democratic frontrunner. In a political landscape defined by division and spectacle, Newsom’s blend of poise, pragmatism, and progressive vision sets him apart as a leader ready for the national stage. His recent handling of President Trump’s relentless attacks has not only revealed his political maturity, but also sparked growing national interest in what he could bring to the White House.
Donald Trump’s second term has been a whirlwind of confrontation, with Gavin Newsom a frequent target. Labeled a “disaster” and accused of everything from “soft on crime” to “harboring illegal immigrants,” Newsom has faced relentless attacks. Yet, unlike some Democrats who get drawn into Trump’s chaos, Newsom responds with restraint and focus. “Donald Trump has lit the proverbial match,” he said recently, pointing to the president’s role in stoking division. “He’s putting fuel on this fire.” This composure is earning Newsom fans far beyond California.
Voters nationwide, exhausted by outrage-driven politics, are drawn to Newsom’s style: firm yet thoughtful, bold yet practical. His leadership in California – spearheading nation-leading climate policies, passing tough gun reforms, and protecting reproductive rights – shows a willingness to tackle tough issues. Yes, California faces challenges such as homelessness and high costs, but Newsom’s response – “We don’t get it right all the time, but we try, and we learn” – reflects a commitment to progress over perfection. Under his watch, California’s economy remains the world’s fifth-largest, a testament to his ability to balance innovation with governance.
Most importantly, he understands the moment: Newsom’s media savvy also sets him apart. He’s unafraid to spar on Fox News or debate conservatives directly, yet he avoids the trap of performative politics. His digital presence – sharp, authentic, and engaging – shows he can connect with younger voters while commanding respect from party elders. South Carolina Rep. JA Moore sums it up: “He’s fighting for democracy itself.”
Critics will point to California’s struggles, but Newsom’s record shows he’s not just managing a state – he’s testing solutions for the nation. His policies on clean energy and tech regulation could scale nationally, appealing to independents and moderates who crave competence over ideology. “It gives Gavin the ability to be a leader of a resistance that is not contrived,” said Rob Stutzman, a Republican strategist. “It’s real, because Trump has attacked him and his state.”
The Democrats need a leader who can unite a fractured party, counter Trumpism without mirroring it, and inspire a weary electorate. Newsom’s executive experience, charisma, and vision make him their next big bet. In 2028, America will need steady hands and a clear path forward. Gavin Newsom is already proving he’s the president-in-waiting to lead the way.
See also: No Kings Day Protests in the United States
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Roswell, I too have been watching and listening to Newsom and hoping that he or somebody in the Democratic Party would come to the fore and start the process of normalising US politics. There is so much dross to be flushed out of Washington – all those blonde bimbettes in matching pastel two-piece suits will be surplus to requirements and need to be relocated.
The fact that Trump calls him Newscum is a good sign as it demonstrates that Trump sees him as a dangerous opponent; so he calls him names.
The deficiency in the US system of nominating Presidential candidates is that they go through a series of state-run presidential primaries which frequently don’t throw up a challenger until close to the election date, but Newsom has been handed the opportunity to make himself known well in advance by his mature handling of Trump.
In the Australian system at least, we get to know the front runners well in advance of the election just as we had the opportunity to assess opposition leader Spud Dutton and decide well in advance that he was unelectable.
I view what is happening in the US as an outsider who has never visited but has family and close friends living there – as it happens mostly in California.
Certainly Newsom’s response to Trump’s “send in the guards” shitshow, is demonstrative of a man who not only knows his community, but respects and works with them and for them.
I wish him and his state well, and think that he would be an outstanding alternative to the f-wit that sits in the oval office now – when he’s not playing golf that is.
Terry, friends back in America have been talking about this guy for a while as a future presidential candidate. I can now see why.
PS: None of those friends live in California. His appeal certainly does cross state lines.
Agree, he can deal with RW media well enough and appeal to younger generations; he has dealt easily with Fox News’ Hannity and far right ‘Trumper’ Charlie Kirk.
Related, he will be targeted relentlessly by Trump, FoxNews etc., as LA is by Miller & Homan promoting Tanton ‘great replacement’ solution versus ‘immigrants’.
Conversely, as ‘never Trump’ Bill Kristol et al. complain, electoral issue is centrist non voters who are too easily gamed and misdirected by forms of voter suppression, including constant dog whistling of liberal democracy, plus the centre’s own single issue purity eg. on Gaza.
See how Netanyahu, Hamas, Putin & Trump ‘Gaza project’ inc Qatargate etc., helped Trump prevail in US elections with Biden & Dems blamed as were Starmer’s Labour (in opp’n!) and Oz ALP government; due to Biden & Dems being ‘weak’, alleged ‘anti-semitism of the left’…..Orwellian……