In an interview that aired on Wednesday (November 2), California Governor Gavin Newsom (D) expressed his belief that Democrats are getting “destroyed” on messaging and “crushed on narrative.”
The remarks that come less than a week before the midterms seemingly show Newsom indirectly predicting there would be a red wave in the midterm elections.
Newsom relayed his perspective to CBS News’ chief Washington correspondent Major Garrett, explaining that Democrats are “getting crushed on narrative. We’re going to have to do better in terms of getting on the offense and stop being on the damn defense.”
The California Governor noted that the midterm environment felt like a red wave, and while Democrats are downplaying the likelihood Republicans would have Congressional successes, his feelings on the matter were “pragmatic.”
Pundits have speculated Newsom is gearing up for a 2024 presidential bid, having launched ads in red states like Texas and Florida, an unusual move for a Democratic Governor.
Despite his unusual moves, including inviting Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to debate him, Newsom waved off any speculation he was planning a 2024 presidential bid, telling Garrett, “it’s not the direction that I’m leaning into” while claiming “it’s not the moment.”
The remarks aired on Wednesday aren’t the first time the California Governor has been hard on his party about their lack of aggressive messaging.
Back in September, Newsom urged Democrats to craft a “compelling” narrative, telling the audience at Texas Tribune Festival in Austin: “These guys are ruthless on the other side.”
He then questioned the Democrats’ approach, “Where are we? Where are we organizing, bottom-up, a compelling alternative narrative? Where are we going on the offense every single day?” Concluding, “They’re winning right now.”
