California Governor Gavin Newsom comes across to many as though he believes he’s a gift to the world of politics.
But swagger just landed him in the doghouse.
Because Dianne Feinstein’s replacement just blew up at Gavin Newsom for uttering this line on national television.
Gavin Newsom was raised in America’s Leftist political epicenter as Nancy Pelosi’s nephew.
He’s suffered a few blows over the years including a divorce from his first wife following on the heels of an awkward magazine spread pitching the couple as the next couple to take over Jack and Jackie Kennedy’s Camelot. (Instead, Newsom’s ex-wife is now Donald Trump Jr.’s fiancé.)
Despite that—and his gross mismanagement of the state of California—Newsom is still likely the Democrats’ best hope for the future.
Somebody’s not gonna like this
But the consummate politician just made a misstep that could plague him big time.
That happened when Newsom made an appearance on NBC’s Meet The Press.
Chuck Todd pushed the Governor over why he hasn’t taken initiative to appoint a replacement for ailing Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA).
“Why should she still be serving as senator?” Todd asked, referring to the 90-year-old senator who has already handed power of attorney over to her daughter.
Despite appearing regularly disoriented and evidently unable to understand what’s going on, Feinstein’s handlers continue to prod her forward.
And during the interview Newsom expressed his reluctance to name her replacement even as Todd pressed him over whether he would honor his promise to appoint a black woman to the post as a “caretaker.”
“We hope we never have to make this decision,” Newsom replied. “But I abide by what I’ve said very publicly on a consistent basis: yes.”
That response set off 77-year-old Representative Barbara Lee (D-CA) off big time.
Lee has been widely-regarded as Newsom’s presumed replacement for Feinstein, given that she is already running for the seat and as a black woman, fits the bill Newsom outlined.
But she voiced her displeasure at Newsom’s response about appointing a “caretaker” to the seat.
A tale of two “caretaker”jobs
Lee shared a Politico post on social media headlined, “Newsom would pick a caretaker—not Barbara Lee—for senate seat.”
“I am troubled by the Governor’s remarks. The idea that a Black woman should be appointed only as a caretaker to simply check a box is insulting to countless Black women across this country who have carried the Democratic Party to victory election after election,” Lee vented in her post on X (formerly Twitter).
After pointing out how, despite all their lip service, Democrats rarely bother to actually elect black women to the Senate, Lee concluded with some advice for Newsom.
“If the Governor intends to keep his promise and appoint a Black woman to the Senate, the people of California deserve the best possible person for that job. Not a token appointment,” she added. “Black women deserve more than a participation trophy. We need a seat at the table.”
Based on that bold response on Lee’s part, Newsom may be in serious trouble.
The Governor likely tossed out his original promise to appoint a black woman—presumably Lee—in order to position himself to have enough support if Joe Biden were suddenly no longer in the picture for 2024.
But he’s also facing pressure on the home front considering that Nancy Pelosi’s eldest daughter, Nancy Prowda, is Feinstein’s “secret caretaker.”
Chances are Prowda is doing everything she can to ensure Feinstein stays in office long enough to help her mom make good on a promise to payback Rep. Adam Schiff (R-CA) for his role spearheading the first impeachment against Donald Trump.
Stay tuned to Blue State Blues for any updates to this ongoing story.
