Gavin Newsom’s recent trip to Davos was intended to portray him as a savvy politician, ready to assert his influence on the global stage. Unfortunately for him, it turned into a comedy of errors, and not the kind he was hoping for. The California governor, clearly aiming for laughs, brought along a pair of “Trump Signature Series Knee Pads,” which didn’t exactly charm the crowd. The attempt to needle former President Trump fell flat, leaving Newsom to endure more eye rolls than applause.
Over the course of the event, Newsom’s attempts to curry favor and impress were met with swift retorts and a heavy dose of reality. Unlike the pliant audiences back home in California, the global gathering wasn’t inclined to coddle him. Instead, he found himself on the receiving end of pointed jabs. It was like watching a juggling act where the balls keep dropping. Even Elon Musk and former Treasury Secretary Scott Bessett took the stage to deliver their own critiques, painting Newsom not as a leader, but more like a cartoon villain in a cape.
Newsom’s economic understanding, or lack thereof, was put on trial in front of the whole world. The jabs and comparisons flew freely, likening him to fictional characters rather than a serious political contender. Whether it was being called a mix between a sparkly beach toy and a notorious psychopath, the barbs were sharp and unrelenting. It seemed the governor’s critics were lining up to take their turns, highlighting his scarce accomplishments and strange metaphors.
The most hilarious part of it all might be Newsom’s peculiar choice of imagery, trying to depict President Trump as a Tyrannosaurus Rex. This left many scratching their heads, wondering if Newsom thinks he’s starring in a Jurassic Park sequel. It didn’t help his case when he failed to provide any clearer metaphors for his own leadership, leaving skeptics to dub him a “Bronosaurus with a brain the size of a walnut.”
The scene played out like a bad Batman movie where the villain has taken over and everything is upside down. Newsom, in this scenario, seemed more like an overwhelmed actor trying to find his lines amidst a circus of critiques. Instead of solidifying his image as a strong contender on the national stage, his Davos performance ran the risk of solidifying him as the bewildered butt of the joke.
