Fox News Host Concedes: Gavin Newsom 'Still a Threat' to Republicans
It might be surprising to hear, but even some folks over at Fox News are acknowledging the potential political power of California Governor Gavin Newsom. In a recent discussion on The Five, host Jesse Watters admitted that Newsom could pose a significant challenge to the Republican party, especially looking ahead to the 2028 election cycle. Could this be a sign of things to come?
Watters stated, "He's still a threat. He’ll probably get the nom and he’ll lie his way to the top. He’s rich, he’s tall, and he has a nice-looking family, and lies very effectively.” This admission comes as Newsom has increasingly positioned himself as a vocal critic of Donald Trump and the MAGA movement, raising his profile on the national stage. Is this a calculated move for a future presidential run?
Newsom's Strategy: Mocking Trump and the MAGA Base
Governor Newsom hasn't been shy about taking on Trump and his supporters. He's been actively engaging on social media, often mimicking Trump's signature all-caps style. He’s also accused the MAGA base of suffering from "California Derangement Syndrome," a jab at the common accusation of "Trump Derangement Syndrome." This aggressive approach has undoubtedly garnered attention, but is it an effective strategy for gaining broader appeal?
However, not everyone at Fox News is convinced. Greg Gutfeld offered a rather unique analogy, comparing Trump and Newsom to competing all-inclusive resorts. He argued that while Trump's "resort" might be "gaudy and a little unpredictable," it's ultimately more satisfying than Newsom's, which he claimed offers poor service and unfulfilled promises. It's a creative way to frame the debate, but does it accurately reflect the political landscape?
Criticism of Newsom's Policies
Other Fox News commentators, like Katie Pavlich, have criticized Newsom for lacking originality and simply copying Trump's tactics. Dana Perino pointed to the exodus of large companies from California, including Chevron's move to Texas in 2024, as evidence of the negative impact of Newsom's policies on the California economy. The debate surrounding California's business environment is certainly a hot topic, and these criticisms highlight the challenges Newsom faces. Could these economic concerns hinder his chances in a potential presidential bid?
Despite these criticisms, Jesse Watters acknowledged that Newsom's ability to appear "a little less crazy than the rest of the Democrats" is what makes him a threat. In a political climate often characterized by extreme rhetoric, perhaps Newsom's perceived moderation could be an asset. Only time will tell if Gavin Newsom's actions and political strategy will position him as a real contender in the future of national politics.
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