California Governor Gavin Newsom expressed concern over what he termed as the “overindulgence” in former President Trump’s hush money trial during a recent interview, highlighting the potential electoral advantage Trump could gain from excessive attention.
MSNBC host Jen Psaki raised the issue to the Democrat governor, citing a “chorus” of individuals who believe that the trial is inadvertently boosting Trump’s political standing. A sentiment that she admitted was driving her “crazy.”
Gov. Gavin Newsom worries about 'overindulgence' and 'obsession' with Trump hush money trial: 'Less is more' https://t.co/WyFwd9IeWg
— Fox News (@FoxNews) April 21, 2024
Psaki then pressed Newsom on how he would persuade undecided voters regarding the significance of the case. The governor asserted, “He doesn’t care if he’s the hero or the heel, he just wants to be the star.”
“When we are focusing on him, I do worry electorally that he has a slight advantage,” Newsom elaborated. “And so, I am a little concerned about the overindulgence around the day-to-day. I get it, I totally get it.”
He emphasized the profound impact of a criminal trial, juxtaposing it with the significance of democracy and recent legal developments, such as the Dobbs decision, which overturned Roe v. Wade.
Newsom also emphasized that the attention on Trump should not overshadow the significance of RFK Jr. gaining ballot access in Michigan, a pivotal swing state.
Gavin Newsom on Jen Psaki's program stating that RFK Jr. is someone that the Biden campaign needs to take seriously:
— Eric Abbenante (@EricAbbenante) April 21, 2024
"How worried are you about the potential impact of RFK Jr on President Biden's reelection chances?"
"I think you have to take that very seriously."
Then the Biden… pic.twitter.com/wkOQQc34k8
He remarked, alluding to Trump’s disposition, “I tend to lean towards the perspective that less is more when it comes to our fixation on spotlighting individuals who actively seek attention, regardless of their intentions or current circumstances.”
Psaki initiated the whole conversation by highlighting that Trump would be compelled to “sit quietly through his criminal proceedings” this week, following the completion of jury selection and the commencement of opening arguments scheduled for Monday.
Psaki also inquired of Newsom about RFK Jr.’s candidacy and whether he was concerned about its potential to harm Biden’s chances.
Newsom cautioned that if RFK Jr. manages to secure a spot on the ballot in other states, particularly swing states, Democrats must consider it “very, very seriously.”
“He is a Kennedy. We revere Kennedys. At least I do,” he said. “At the end of the day, common sense would dictate it’s real. Jill Stein is real. Cornel West is real. We know that, those were determinative, those third parties, in these last elections.”
Newsom also informed Psaki that he would dedicate a significant portion of his time to assisting Biden’s campaign in Arizona and Nevada. He emphasized that abortion would play a significant role in these states.
Resist The Mainstream reported earlier this year about Newsom dubbing the late-term abortion debate “a complete canard.”
“I think we’ve established that firmly in the context of what states are doing, like California, where we established a constitutional right to access abortion. And at the end of the day, I think that’s a determination for women and their doctors,” Newsom said when pressed by NBC “Meet The Press” host Kristen Welker.
Gavin Newsom says abortion is “a determination for women and their doctors.”
— The Post Millennial (@TPostMillennial) February 26, 2024
pic.twitter.com/XbGCd0TCbG
None of this rhetoric from the California governor is new, however, as Newsom has shifted his national efforts towards advocating for reproductive rights with the primary season intensifying in anticipation of a divisive November general election.
Democrats view their longstanding and robust backing of abortion rights as a significant advantage in their campaigns.
Newsom, a staunch supporter of President Joe Biden, routinely highlights the substantial disparities between the parties regarding abortion rights issues.
This is an excerpt from RTM.