Gavin Newsom said Monday that he will not run for president in 2028 if former Democratic Party nominee Kamala Harris does run. The announcement struck many as bizarre. But it was, in fact, brilliant. Newsom accomplished two things.
First, the California governor confirmed that he intends to run for president, albeit in a backhanded way. He did so without actually declaring, which means he will (for now) avoid all the filing deadlines, legal requirements, and media scrutiny that would have accompanied a formal campaign launch.
Second, and more important, Newsom paid homage to the party. And not just the political elite, such as it is, which coronated Harris in 2024 without holding a single public vote; but also to the coalitions that form the Democratic machine.
By showing deference to the country’s first black and female candidate, Newsom sucked up to two crucial constituencies within the Dimorat party - blacks and women - most of whom that had been skeptical of him and his white frat boy image..
The snake in the Garden of Eden has returned.
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