Newsom’s Sarcastic Take on the 'Open Process'
During a podcast appearance on Pod Save America, California Governor Gavin Newsom humorously commented on the Democratic nomination process.
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“We went through a very open process, a very inclusive process,” Newsom joked, adding, “That’s what I’ve been told to say,” prompting laughter from the hosts.
A '30-Minute Convention'
Newsom further poked fun at the process, quipping that the Democrats held a “30-minute convention” between President Biden’s tweet announcing his withdrawal and his endorsement of Harris.
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This playful jab showed the perceived lack of a transparent, democratic selection process, which some critics found troubling.
Catalyst for Change
President Biden’s decision to step down came after a challenging debate performance in June.
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Despite initial resistance, stating only divine intervention could make him exit, mounting pressure from within his party and the media led to his withdrawal. This move quickly shifted the focus to Harris as the presumptive nominee.
The Rapid Endorsement of Harris
Immediately following Biden’s announcement, several high-profile Democrats rallied behind Harris.
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This swift endorsement process bypassed traditional primary procedures, raising eyebrows and sparking debates about the fairness and inclusivity of the Democratic Party’s nomination process.
Newsom’s Joking Tone Draws Criticism
Governor Newsom’s comments didn’t sit well with everyone. Critics on social media, including journalist Glenn Greenwald, slammed the party’s process and Newsom’s lighthearted approach.
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Some viewed his remarks as a mockery of democratic values and an indication of an orchestrated, top-down decision-making process.
Critics Weigh in on the Nomination Process
Reactions to Harris’ nomination have been mixed.
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Questions have been raised about the transparency and inclusivity of the process, with critics arguing that it didn’t reflect the true will of the voters, contrasting sharply with the party’s democratic ideals.
Inside the DNC: Other Contenders Considered
Before Harris’ nomination was solidified, other potential candidates like Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Senator Joe Manchin were considered.
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However, none gained significant traction, and Harris quickly consolidated support, particularly after Biden’s endorsement, sealing her position as the nominee.
Newsom's Potential White House Ambitions
Governor Newsom’s humorous comments might also hint at his own political aspirations.
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As someone seen as a future contender for the White House, his remarks on the nomination process could reflect a deeper awareness of the political dynamics within the Democratic Party.
Democratic Party’s Defense of the Process
Party leaders, including Nancy Pelosi, defended the process, denying any favoritism toward Harris.
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They argued that the situation demanded swift action to ensure a strong and unified front for the upcoming election, despite the unconventional nomination process.
Public's Reaction and Social Media Buzz
The video clip of Newsom’s interview quickly went viral, sparking widespread discussion and debate on social media.
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Many users expressed concerns over the party’s approach to leadership selection, while others found Newsom’s candidness refreshing in a political landscape often marred by guarded language.
What This Means for 2028
With Harris now leading the ticket, the focus shifts to the upcoming election and beyond. Meanwhile, figures like Newsom are positioned to play a pivotal role in the future of the Democratic Party.
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His comments, while humorous, might also hint at the broader strategy and potential challenges the party faces moving forward.