The ongoing feud between California Governor Gavin Newsom and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has taken center stage in recent political discussions. The two have been exchanging insults and jabs for the past two years, with Newsom regularly taking shots at DeSantis and other prominent GOP figures, such as Texas Governor Greg Abbott.[0] DeSantis, in turn, has criticized Newsom for his handling of California’s problems and for fixating on Florida.
Recently, the feud has escalated, with DeSantis taunting Newsom to throw his hat in the ring and challenge President Joe Biden in the 2024 presidential election. Newsom has been vocal about his support for Biden and has no intention of running against him. However, he has been actively working to expand his national name recognition and strengthen his position in the Democratic Party.
During an interview with Fox News host Sean Hannity, Newsom discussed his conversations with Biden and defended the president’s track record. Hannity pressed Newsom on whether Biden is “cognitively strong enough” to be president, playing a supercut of Biden’s verbal gaffes and physical stumbles.[1] Newsom responded by saying he has spent time with Biden and believes he is capable.
Newsom’s latest bid for attention is proposing an amendment to the U.S. Constitution that would legalize California-style controls on guns.[2] He garnered national media attention, but many see this as disconnected from reality.[2] Throughout his time in office, Newsom has consistently advocated for increased limitations on the use of firearms.[0] Following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in June 2022 that invalidated crucial aspects of California’s concealed carry gun law, Newsom and the Democrats in the state legislature are working on a new proposal to strengthen the regulations.[0]
DeSantis and Newsom’s feud has also extended to social media, where the two have exchanged insults and criticism. DeSantis has taken credit for chartering two planeloads of South American migrants to Sacramento, which Newsom criticized as a political stunt.[3] Newsom has also criticized DeSantis for his handling of Florida’s problems and his chances in the upcoming Republican primary, where Newsom speculated that “Trump is going to clean his clock.”[4]
The ongoing feud between Newsom and DeSantis highlights the growing divide between Democrats and Republicans in the United States. As both politicians seek to strengthen their positions and national name recognition, their rhetoric and actions become increasingly polarized. While the feud may be entertaining for some, it ultimately does little to address the pressing issues facing the country.
0. “Gavin Newsom says Fox News, host Sean Hannity are on a ‘doom loop about California’” Sacramento Bee, 19 Jun. 2023, https://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/capitol-alert/article276491206.html
1. “Gavin Newsom Gives Sean Hannity Blunt Fact-Checks In Fiery Fox News Clash” HuffPost, 13 Jun. 2023, https://www.huffpost.com/entry/gavin-newsom-fact-checks-hannity_n_6487d963e4b0756ff85f9889
2. “Newsom, like Trump and DeSantis, always seeks attention” CalMatters, 18 Jun. 2023, https://calmatters.org/commentary/2023/06/trump-desantis-newsom-seeks-attention/
3. “‘Challenge Joe’: DeSantis finally responds to Newsom’s criticisms” SFGATE, 15 Jun. 2023, https://www.sfgate.com/politics/article/desantis-finally-responds-to-newsom-criticisms-18154387.php
4. “DeSantis jabs Newsom over 2024: ‘Are you going to throw your hat in the ring?'” POLITICO, 15 Jun. 2023, https://www.politico.com/news/2023/06/15/desantis-newsom-2024-asylum-seekers-00102174
