California Governor Gavin Newsom has become the subject of intense debate following comments he made at an event in Atlanta, Georgia. The event, held last Sunday, was part of a promotional tour for his memoir, "Young Man in a Hurry," set to release on Tuesday. Alongside discussing his political career, Newsom shared personal struggles with the audience, specifically his lifelong battle with dyslexia.
Addressing the predominantly black audience, Newsom expressed solidarity by disclosing his SAT score. "I'm not trying to impress you. I'm just trying to impress upon you. I'm like you. I'm no better than you," he said. He added, "You know, I'm a 960 SAT guy… you've never seen me read a speech because I cannot read – a speech."
The remarks triggered a swift backlash from several conservative media personalities. Fox News host Sean Hannity criticized Newsom's statement, suggesting it was equating the black community with lower academic scores. Newsom retorted on social media in a profanity-laced reply, pointing out what he considered hypocrisy in Hannity's outrage compared to his silence on incidents involving President Donald Trump.
Rapper Nicki Minaj and former Fox News anchor Megyn Kelly joined the criticism, with Minaj alleging that Newsom was condescending to the black audience by altering his speaking style and Kelly commenting that the footage might haunt him. Conservative commentator Mark Levin remarked that a Republican making similar statements would face severe political consequences.
In defense of the governor, Newsom's spokesperson condemned the reactions as "fake MAGA-manufactured outrage," highlighting that Newsom has openly discussed his dyslexia for years. The spokesperson also criticized those who dismissed or excused President Trump's controversial statements while attacking Newsom.
This controversy has arisen at a time when Newsom is considered a leading contender for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2028. Despite the Democratic Party's setbacks in the 2024 elections, early polls and prediction markets show Newsom as a top potential candidate, alongside former Vice President Kamala Harris.
Governor Newsom's book, "Young Man in a Hurry," details his rise in California politics, starting as mayor of San Francisco, and delves into his personal history, including his childhood experiences. His book tour is set to continue with stops in California and New York.
