Amid mounting pressure for President Biden to drop out of the 2024 race, California Governor Gavin Newsom is leveraging his influence to rally support for the struggling incumbent. However, critics argue that Newsom's focus on Biden's campaign is neglecting pressing issues in his own state.
Gavin Newsom, the Democratic Governor of California, has emerged as a vocal surrogate for President Joe Biden, traveling to swing states and rallying for the incumbent. However, Newsom's actions have sparked criticism that he is prioritizing Biden's political aspirations over addressing pressing issues in his own state.
Newsom's recent campaign trail appearances come as Biden faces mounting pressure to withdraw from the 2024 race. State Senator Brian Dahle, Newsom's former opponent in the 2022 recall election, believes Newsom's goal has always been to become president.
Newsom's Shadow Campaign: Jockeying for Position at Biden's Expense
"Our budget's upside down. We have businesses leaving California. You can't afford to live here," Dahle said. "Those are all things we need to work on, and he's not here to work on those."
Last month, California's Democrat-dominated legislature passed a budget package intended to close a $46.8 billion deficit, a process in which Republicans claim they were largely excluded.
Newsom's Shadow Campaign: Jockeying for Position at Biden's Expense
Newsom has vehemently denied that he is running a "shadow campaign" to replace Biden. During a Biden-Harris rally in Michigan, he stated that he was invited by the campaign and is willing to do any task because he believes in Biden's character.
However, Newsom's critics argue that his focus on Biden's campaign is detrimental to California. The state continues to lose residents to conservative states, while large cities struggle with crime and homelessness.
Newsom's Shadow Campaign: Jockeying for Position at Biden's Expense
California has nearly one-third of the nation's homeless population, with over 181,000 people living outdoors. Dahle criticized Newsom's policies, arguing that they have not effectively addressed homelessness or other pressing issues.
"You can't afford to live in California. It's because we have regulations and a liberal legislature that continues to drive up the cost of everything," Dahle said.
Newsom's Shadow Campaign: Jockeying for Position at Biden's Expense
Despite assurances of his support for Biden, Newsom's presence on a call with Biden campaign staffers left some wondering if he is preparing for a potential presidential run. Newsom urged staffers to "worry less" and focus on working together.
Newsom's recent actions have raised questions about his priorities. While he claims to be committed to Biden's campaign, his critics argue that he is neglecting his own state's pressing issues. The upcoming 2024 presidential election cycle will provide a critical test for both Biden and Newsom.
