President Biden surprised everyone at the APEC leaders’ welcome reception in San Francisco by praising California Governor Gavin Newsom and even going so far as to say that Newsom “could have the job I’m looking for” if he wanted it. In light of declining approval ratings and increasing discontent within Biden’s own party, this statement is made in the context of these events.
At APEC 2023, which was billed as “the most significant event with world leaders in San Francisco in recent history,” Biden thanked Newsom and praised him as an exceptional governor. Some have speculated about Newsom’s future in politics in light of the president’s unorthodox comments.
There have been whispers that California Governor Gavin Newsom is engaging in a “shadow campaign” due to his extensive foreign travel, which has included stops in Israel during the country’s war with Hamas and a recent meeting in China with President Xi Jinping. The “backup quarterback” in the 2024 race, according to critics like Rep. Doug LaMalfa, who are worried by Newsom’s international involvement in the event that Biden’s nomination faces opposition from within the Democratic Party.
There is clear discord among Democrats on Biden’s bid; prominent politicians such as former Rep. Tim Ryan have voiced concerns about Biden and Trump competing in 2024. Ex-Obama aide David Axelrod expressed doubts about Biden’s nomination, highlighting that Biden alone can make the final call.
According to an unnamed Michigan state politician, Biden is best seen as a “transitional president,” whose talents may not be well-suited to the present political atmosphere. While some Democrats are demanding that Biden resign, others are accusing Newsom of secretly campaigning for president before he had announced his candidacy.
According to Julie Chávez Rodríguez, Biden’s campaign manager, Newsom was a “tremendous asset” to the campaign, as she responded to these rumors. It is no secret that Newsom has already decided not to challenge Biden in the 2024 election. Nonetheless, according to Axios, several Democratic candidates are preparing for a 2024 presidential run in the event that Biden’s sudden withdrawal is unanticipated.
Recent polls by Quinnipiac University and Fox News show that 59% of people disapprove of Biden’s performance, adding fuel to the fire of concerns of a 2024 Biden campaign. Among registered voters, a hypothetical 2024 showdown finds Biden four points behind Trump, according to a CNN poll. The margin of error is 45% to 49%. Both Newsom and other Democrats are cautiously maneuvering their courses in anticipation of unexpected developments, while the political landscape remains murky.