Gov. Gavin Newsom’s recent actions have landed him in hot water, culminating in President Donald Trump’s caustic jab that the California governor had “dropped out” of the 2028 presidential race. This quip followed Newsom’s ill-advised comments during a book tour appearance in Atlanta, where he awkwardly tried to connect with a predominantly black audience by stating, “I can’t read,” presumably as a nod to his own SAT score of 960. As many have noted, this was an unusual tactic for building rapport.
During his Atlanta stop promoting “Young Man in a Hurry,” Newsom attempted humor but ended up pushing a narrative that backfired. His claim of illiteracy, reportedly linked to his struggles with dyslexia, was likely exaggerated for effect. “You’ve never seen me read a speech, because I cannot read a speech,” he stated. This attempt at relatability might appear genuine on the surface but raises eyebrows regarding his suitability for leadership positions that require strong communication skills.
Trump wasted no time in mocking Newsom, taking to Truth Social to declare, “Wow! Gavin Newscum just dropped out of the Presidential Race!!!” While the comment was clearly a jest, the media’s breathless coverage of it revealed a deeper absurdity — that a non-candidate could be deemed a threat to political narratives simply by making foolish remarks.
Compounding matters, Newsweek reported on the incident, framing Trump’s post as an outright attack on Newsom’s political ambitions rather than acknowledging the caricature that Newsom made of himself. Newsom’s unorthodox style, which has garnered attention online, contrasts sharply with sentiment around his candidacy. Polls show him leading against other Democratic contenders, but his recent gaffes threaten to derail this momentum. A recent Echelon Insights poll places him at 24 percent support, only slightly ahead of Kamala Harris.
What stands out in this political landscape is the double standard in how reactions to trolling and mocking are perceived. Newsom’s office has vilified Trump online or insinuated that the former president suffers from cognitive decline, calling out “sundowning” with breezy mockery. Yet media outlets seem to boil down Trump’s light-hearted ridicule to a reaction born of fear and insecurity.
The irony is palpable: Newsom, who has positioned himself as a formidable opponent of Trump, resorts to personal jibes while stumbling over major social interactions. Meanwhile, Trump’s comedic timing seems to hold more substance than Newsom’s self-deprecation masquerading as appeal. The cautionary note for Newsom is clear: trying to craft an image of “everyman” through gaffes may reflect poorly on his presidential aspirations.
This dynamic shows how political narratives unfold around public personas. The threat to Newsom’s ambitions now appears to stem more from his own missteps than from Trump’s derision. The mounting responsibility on Newsom’s shoulders is enormous, yet with the way he’s handling public appearances, he risks becoming a punchline rather than a candidate.
As Newsom’s comments make headlines, the reality remains stark: if the California governor wishes to throw his hat in the ring for 2028, he must tread carefully. The distance to the election is long, and every public engagement will add to or detract from his credibility. “You might want to withdraw now,” Trump mockingly advised, hinting that self-inflicted wounds can only worsen in a race against sharpened opponents.
In the end, what went from a political punchline to potential embarrassment brings into focus the precarious nature of running for office. Newsom’s recent forays into humor may not have landed as intended, leaving audiences to question whether his real message resonates beyond laughter — and if it can translate into solid support when it matters most.
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