For Newsom, his biggest problem is not being left-wing enough for the establishment. A long time ago, it was about being conservative enough for the Republicans. Now, with the Democratic Party's radicalization and the growing influence of the progressive left, there's a new metric to measure: centristness.
Newsom's record as governor makes him a questionable candidate for 2028. The state has seen some of the most extreme policies pushed by California Democrats, including Medicaid expansion for undocumented immigrants and gender-affirming healthcare for prisoners. These decisions have been widely criticized by many Americans, who see them as overreach and out-of-touch with mainstream values.
Newsom's biggest problem is not that he's too progressive or that his record makes him a bad candidate – it's that the Democratic Party has moved so far to the left that even its centrist elements are now seen as radical. In other words, the party's "center" has become synonymous with "far left."
The article suggests that Chait and Novicoff are worried that Newsom might be perceived as too progressive because his record is seen as catastrophic by some Democrats. However, this criticism assumes that Newsom can somehow tone down his policies to appease moderates, which is unlikely.
In reality, the Democratic Party has moved so far left that it's become increasingly disconnected from mainstream American values. The party's leaders and base are now united in their opposition to even moderate measures that benefit corporations or wealthy donors.
The article also highlights Newsom's relationships with right-wing celebrities like Ben Shapiro and Charlie Kirk, which some see as proof that he's not radical enough for the progressive left. However, this criticism misunderstands the dynamics at play. The fact is that Newsom has palled around with these figures because he genuinely believes they represent a moderate wing of the Republican Party – one that can be reached through bipartisan compromise.
The Intercept article concludes by suggesting that if Newsom fails to win over progressives, it won't be because he's too left-wing, but because he lacks the inclination to be anything except what he is: a preening political operator beholden to a status quo that no longer exists.
Ultimately, Newsom's biggest problem is not his record as governor or his relationships with right-wing celebrities. It's that the Democratic Party has lost its connection to mainstream American values and now sees itself as part of an elite that's disconnected from ordinary people.
Newsom's record as governor makes him a questionable candidate for 2028. The state has seen some of the most extreme policies pushed by California Democrats, including Medicaid expansion for undocumented immigrants and gender-affirming healthcare for prisoners. These decisions have been widely criticized by many Americans, who see them as overreach and out-of-touch with mainstream values.
Newsom's biggest problem is not that he's too progressive or that his record makes him a bad candidate – it's that the Democratic Party has moved so far to the left that even its centrist elements are now seen as radical. In other words, the party's "center" has become synonymous with "far left."
The article suggests that Chait and Novicoff are worried that Newsom might be perceived as too progressive because his record is seen as catastrophic by some Democrats. However, this criticism assumes that Newsom can somehow tone down his policies to appease moderates, which is unlikely.
In reality, the Democratic Party has moved so far left that it's become increasingly disconnected from mainstream American values. The party's leaders and base are now united in their opposition to even moderate measures that benefit corporations or wealthy donors.
The article also highlights Newsom's relationships with right-wing celebrities like Ben Shapiro and Charlie Kirk, which some see as proof that he's not radical enough for the progressive left. However, this criticism misunderstands the dynamics at play. The fact is that Newsom has palled around with these figures because he genuinely believes they represent a moderate wing of the Republican Party – one that can be reached through bipartisan compromise.
The Intercept article concludes by suggesting that if Newsom fails to win over progressives, it won't be because he's too left-wing, but because he lacks the inclination to be anything except what he is: a preening political operator beholden to a status quo that no longer exists.
Ultimately, Newsom's biggest problem is not his record as governor or his relationships with right-wing celebrities. It's that the Democratic Party has lost its connection to mainstream American values and now sees itself as part of an elite that's disconnected from ordinary people.
The article's saying the party's moved way left, so even centrists are now radical? But like, what's wrong with being left-wing if you're a Californian? It's not like we're gonna be mad at him for wanting to help immigrants or prisoners get healthcare. Newsom's trying to find common ground, but it sounds like the party's all about being super left-right now, and that's where he gets stuck. 
the thing about newsom is he's just trying to fit in with a party that's gone completely off the rails 
. like, who else can make a bunch of progressives angry by not being radical enough? 
it's like being the most boring person at a rave – nobody wants you there 
. and honestly, i kinda get it, he is trying to appeal to moderates, but it's just a lost cause when the party is as far gone as it is 
. newsom's biggest sin isn't that he's too progressive or not enough, it's that he's still trying to find his place in a party that doesn't exist anymore 
.
The Dem party's just been hijacked by these far-left radicals and now they're expecting centrist guys like Newsom to moderate themselves? Like, what's next? They'll be saying we need a Republican as president too because that's just more "centrist". 
Newsom's record is fire, but the party's moved so left it doesn't even care about being electable anymore. And don't even get me started on these right-wing celebrities he hangs out with – some people think that means he's not radical enough... lmao what a bunch of nonsense! 
The fact is Newsom's got his own vision and he won't change just to appease the party elite.
. I think the article hit the nail on the head tho, like what even is a centrist anymore? 
. Like Newsom's trying to be the middle man but everyone's got their own opinion on what that means 
The party needs to get back to its roots and remember that "centrist" doesn't have to mean "compromising on values". It just means being willing to listen and work across the aisle. 