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ALPERN AT LARGE - The question of what Governor Newsom should do after his term expires is a good one, and I could argue that Gavin Newsom is both a coward and a smarter-than-average Democratic political leader.
Hence his podcast might (or might NOT) lead to a future in the media, but politics (at least for now) is probably a non-starter.
He’s overseen a California that’s overrun with debt, deficits, poor infrastructure management, and a magnet that attracts the homeless and illegal immigrants in our nation while repulsing those in the middle class and upper class who (gasp!) want to keep some of the money that they’re spending 60-80+ hours a week to make.
I therefore could easily see him showing up on MSNBC, CNN, or (gasp!) even Fox as a political commentator who would replace folks like the aging (and dare I say media-unfriendly) James Carville as someone who can reliably shred the Democratic Party for all they’re doing wrong.
In particular, Governor Newsom would do well to start with HIS own failures to restrain the Leftist radicals in the Legislature, and FINISH HIS TERM with a moderate budget and priority list/agenda of working with both moderate Democrats and the California GOP (yes they still exist) to really MANAGE the Golden State.
That means WORKING WITH TRUMP on infrastructure, limit-setting those who choose to be homeless (or even denying them any benefits if they’re not Californians), and prioritizing the well-being, health care and other needs of those here legally over those not here legally:
1. In short, Gavin Newsom needs to really make sure he “gets it” as to why Kamala Harris lost and really FIGHT LIKE HELL to be the next JFK who SHOWS HE’S LEARNED HIS LESSON ABOUT NOT GIVING IN TO THE FAR LEFT.
2. In short, Gavin Newsom needs to not just talk, debate, and do a podcast, but to PUT HIS MONEY WHERE HIS MOUTH IS AND NOT BE AFRAID TO IGNORE THE SCREAMING EXTREMISTS AND LEAD A NEW DEMOCRATIC PARTY BACK TO THE CENTER WHERE JFK AND BILL CLINTON ONCE WERE.
3. In short, Gavin Newsom needs to confront the reality that he now has a 27.0% favorable rating, and a 49.2% unfavorable rating, based on 30 polls.
4. In short, Gavin Newsom needs to show some serious courage and be a loyal opponent (but NOT enemy) of the President who still has right now a greater popularity rating than Newsom does—friendlier to the Left but willing to admit past mistakes to get the tens of billions of needed federal funds to California.
5. In short, Gavin Newsom needs to become more like, and govern like, more popular governors such as Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro or Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear.
Governor Newsom has to come clean, be willing to piss off a few on the Left, and declare he’s now fiscally sound, admitting mistakes and unlooked-for bad outcomes, of past California policies...and find more reliable centrist and even GOP allies for his remaining term as governor as his last chance for any presidential considerations.
Gavin Newsom has a well-known podcast and is open to debating conservatives—he’s got media exposure, and he’s an above-attractive man who will appeal to many women (particularly pro-choice women) and to many men (pro-choice or not) who want charisma and moderate leadership.
But the young males listening to podcasts like his are BASED—they’re more self-styled as principled, not caring what other people think, and doing what they feel in their heart is the right thing to do.
In other words, using critical thinking and displaying “masculine” principles to perform outcomes-based actions, successful policies, and balancing when to think with one’s head and to be motivated by one’s heart.
It would be very nice to have a two-party system again.
Strong women belong in both parties, and arguably I could easily see Rep. Alexandria Ocasio Cortez with a strong political future because—for all her flaws—she’s motivated and energetic and trying to be in touch with younger voters. Certainly much more so than Senator Chuck Schumer, who she might primary rather soon.
But masculinity is now back in vogue, and no less the strong women in the Trump cabinet (and let’s not forget his tough Chief of Staff, Susie Wiles, who runs so much behind the scenes, both politically and operationally).
So if Gavin Newsom wants to finish his term with guts, gonads, and gumption (and not give a damn about those who are offended I used those words), he’s got a future—even if it’s only on the political/media shows of Old and New Legacy Medias.
Because if he kisses the ring of the Sacramento Far-Left for the remainder of his term, and doesn’t declare any new Centrist battle cry, Gavin Newsom has no chance of ever entering the White House as anything other than a visitor on some tourist outing.
(Kenneth S. Alpern, M.D, is a dermatologist who has served in clinics in Los Angeles, Orange, and Riverside Counties, and is a proud husband and father. He was active for 20 years on the Mar Vista Community Council (MVCC) as a Board Member focused on Planning and Transportation, and helped lead the grassroots efforts of the Expo Line as well as connecting LAX to MetroRail. His latest project is his fictional online book entitled The Unforgotten Tales of Middle-Earth, and can be reached at [email protected]. The views expressed in this article are solely those of Dr. Alpern.)
