MSNBC's Joe Scarborough took aim at California Governor Gavin Newsom on Wednesday, during a segment on "Morning Joe," questioning the effectiveness of Newsom's leadership style. Scarborough's critique comes as Newsom faces growing scrutiny both statewide and nationally, particularly regarding his engagement in high-profile disputes with figures like former President Donald Trump.
Scarborough likened Newsom's political maneuvers to those of boxer Chuck Wepner, who famously challenged Muhammad Ali, inspiring the "Rocky" movies. While Newsom's confrontations may seem brave, Scarborough argued, they ultimately fail to deliver substantial political wins for the Democratic Party. This sentiment echoes broader frustrations with Newsom's governance, especially his management of the influx of Texas Democrats fleeing to California over congressional redistricting issues. Critics accuse Newsom of mismanaging the situation while simultaneously pursuing aggressive electoral map changes in California, branding him a hypocrite.
Newsom's recent public statements have compounded these critiques. His description of Sacramento as "dull" and his admission of spending limited time in the state capital have sparked backlash, raising concerns about his dedication to his gubernatorial duties. Furthermore, Scarborough highlighted California's redistricting efforts under Newsom's leadership as part of what some analysts call a "redistricting arms race," with both Democratic and Republican states drawing district lines to gain political advantage, often at the expense of serving their constituents' interests.
The governor's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic has also been a source of controversy, culminating in a recall effort that, while unsuccessful, highlighted the precarious nature of his political support. Scarborough's comments point to these past issues continuing to affect Newsom's credibility.
Newsom's public feuds with figures like Florida Governor Ron DeSantis have done little to repair his image, with political observers noting that these disputes cast him more as a partisan figurehead than a focused state leader. This perception is further fueled by commentary like Scarborough's.
Scarborough's criticism of Democrats is not new. He previously questioned Rep. Jamie Raskin about the handling of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, calling out the party's inconsistencies in transparency and accountability. While some Democrats commend Newsom's support for Texas lawmakers affected by redistricting, others view it as government overreach.
Scarborough concluded that Newsom would be better served by channeling his political energy into addressing California's pressing issues rather than engaging in symbolic national confrontations. This tension underscores the challenge high-profile governors face in balancing local responsibilities with national ambitions. The episode serves as a reminder that public perception, political priorities, and tangible governance outcomes are all under close scrutiny.
