Gov. Gavin Newsom, a leading Democratic figure in California, defended former President Joe Biden’s mental fitness during an NBC interview, addressing concerns about Biden’s ability to serve through 2029. As part of the ‘Meet the Press’ segment, Newsom was directly questioned by NBC News host Kristen Welker, who asked him whether he genuinely believed Biden could have served as president until January 2029. Newsom responded by emphasizing his focus on preventing Donald Trump’s return to office, citing the potential risks of a Trump presidency. He stated that there was no interaction he had with Biden that suggested otherwise, and he dismissed claims that Democrats had misled voters about Biden’s capabilities.
In response to questions about the recent loss of Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign, Newsom attributed the outcome to a range of factors, including historical headwinds such as the ‘woke’ movement, the 107-day gap between the primary and the general election, and the lack of an open primary. He also mentioned the influence of media outlets such as ‘The View’ in shaping public perception. Newsom acknowledged the complexity of analyzing the election loss, noting that more detailed analysis was needed to fully understand the factors at play.
Newsom further addressed his potential candidacy in the 2028 presidential race, revealing during a previous interview that he would consider running seriously after the 2026 midterm elections. However, he clarified that his current focus was on legislative priorities such as Prop 50 and ensuring fair and free elections. He expressed a strong aversion to politicians who lie to the public, emphasizing his commitment to transparency and accountability. His comments reflect his broader political stance, which aligns with a corporatist approach, balancing support for corporate interests with efforts to address social and political challenges.