California’s Governor Gavin Newsom seems to have taken a peculiar page from President Trump’s playbook, opting for bold all-caps social media posts in what appears to be a bid to become Trump’s greatest political rival. While his staff busies itself with crafting these dramatic online proclamations, one might wonder where the focus on California’s pressing issues has wandered off to. Instead of tackling tangible problems, like the rampant wildfires that have left neighborhoods in ashes, Newsom seems more intent on engaging in a performative tussle with the former President.
Recently, Newsom took the stage at a press conference to introduce California’s new redistricting plans. He did so with a flourish, calling it “Liberation Day” and promising maps so beautiful they’d make the Trump presidency a thing of the past. It’s almost like he’s competing with Trump’s own brand of reality TV-style political maneuvering, but whether or not his styling will resonate is up for debate. Perhaps focusing more on policies rather than Twitter-like trolling would garner him more respect.
During the same event, an almost poetic drama unfolded. Border Patrol officers, in a showcase of ironic timing, were seen arresting illegal immigrants right outside the press conference. Newsom was visibly riled, declaring it a top-down tactic from Trump’s America, showcasing precisely what kind of hero he desires to be against this “authoritarian” backdrop. However, his critics are quick to point out a certain theatrical flair that undermines sincerity – more akin to emulating Avenatti than a truly formidable leader.
Critics argue that instead of mimicking Trump’s social media style, Newsom should turn his attention to addressing California’s own set of pressing issues — failing schools, crime rates, homelessness, and environmental challenges. The very problems everyday Californians grapple with while their Governor is seemingly caught up in battles of rhetoric. It’s compelling to question who really benefits from this posturing and if it truly serves the interests of his constituents.
As for those in the Republican corner, there’s an ironic kind of flattery at play here. If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, then Trump must be blushing from all the attention Newsom is showering on him. But really, one must ponder, if Newsom wishes to present himself as an alternative future leader, he might perhaps want to conjure an original political identity that isn’t just a shadow play of his adversary. The punchline may well be that in borrowing elements of Trump’s model, Newsom inadvertently highlights the originality and impact of Trump’s own unimitated style.
