Newsom Throws Fire On Fellow Dems, Demand Answers On Biden’s Unfair Dismissal As Harris Takes Over

California Governor Gavin Newsom has drawn attention for his sardonic remarks regarding the Democratic Party’s process of transitioning from President Joe Biden to Vice President Kamala Harris as the party’s 2024 presidential nominee.

During an appearance on the podcast Pod Save America on Friday, August 24, 2024, Newsom sarcastically criticized the process that led to Harris’s nomination, leading to a mix of laughter and criticism from the political community.

In a tongue-in-cheek tone, Newsom described the switch as a “very open process, a very inclusive process,” and added, “It was bottom-up, I don’t know if you know that. That’s what I’ve been told to say.”

His mockery of the process was met with chuckles from the podcast’s hosts, including Jon Favreau, a former Obama speechwriter.

The comment highlights the frustration some Democrats have expressed regarding the swift and seemingly closed nature of Harris’s nomination.

Despite proposals for a “blitz primary”—a method that would have allowed delegates to vote for several candidates before a final decision—Harris quickly gained high-profile endorsements after Biden’s announcement, securing her position as the nominee without a competitive primary.

The criticism of the process is not without precedent. Several Democrats, including Newsom himself, were considered as potential alternatives to Biden.

Other names, such as Governor Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan and Governor Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania, were also floated, along with Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia, who briefly entertained a run before dismissing the idea.

However, none of these potential candidates gained significant traction, and Biden’s endorsement of Harris seemed to finalize her nomination.

The Trump campaign seized on Newsom’s comments to criticize the Democratic process.

Spokesman Steven Cheung described it as an “un-Democratic coup,” arguing that Harris’s nomination was the result of backroom dealings rather than a democratic choice by voters.

“Comrade Kamala didn’t receive a single vote in the Democrat primary, yet she’s been anointed by the Democrat powerbrokers against the will of the voters,” Cheung said.

Harris celebrated her nomination at the Democratic National Convention earlier this week, while Newsom, who is still considered a potential presidential candidate for 2028, was present at the event.

Both the Harris campaign and Newsom’s office have been contacted for further comment on the matter.