Newsom to DeSantis: ‘You’ll Never Beat Trump’

During a heated debate on Fox News, California Governor Gavin Newsom did not hold back in his assessment of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’s political prospects. The debate, framed as a clash of red state versus blue state ideologies, saw Newsom boldly claim that DeSantis stands no chance against Donald Trump in the race for the Republican presidential nomination.

Newsom’s remarks came amidst a segment on immigration and border issues, where he criticized DeSantis for political posturing and questioned the effectiveness of his tactics, pointing out that DeSantis is “down 41 points in [his] own home state.” Newsom, leading California since 2019, openly expressed skepticism about DeSantis’s ability to outperform Trump, who currently leads the race for the Republican nomination.

The exchange also touched upon broader political themes, with Newsom addressing a conspiracy theory suggesting he might be anointed the Democratic nominee over President Joe Biden, despite not running in the Democratic presidential primary. Newsom refuted these claims, emphasizing his commitment to supporting the Democratic Party and the White House. He humorously noted that neither he nor DeSantis would be the party nominees in 2024.

The debate, hosted by Fox News’ Sean Hannity, was marked by contentious exchanges, including discussions about state economies and approaches to the coronavirus pandemic. Newsom faced allegations from Hannity and DeSantis of running a “shadow campaign” for the presidency in 2024, which Newsom denied. He confidently asserted that Biden would remain the Democratic nominee, predicting that DeSantis would soon endorse Trump for the Republican nomination.

In a particularly sharp exchange, when DeSantis brought up Biden’s “cognitive decline,” Newsom retorted, “I would take Joe Biden at 100 versus Ron DeSantis any day of the week, at any age,” showcasing his staunch support for Biden and his skepticism of DeSantis’s political viability against Trump.

This debate highlights the intensifying political dynamics as the 2024 presidential election approaches, with key figures in both parties jostling for position and influence. Newsom’s remarks reflect not only his personal views but also the broader strategic calculations within the Democratic Party regarding potential Republican candidates.