Gavin Newsom’s latest attempt to win over the hearts of his audience is nothing short of peculiar. Imagine running for president by showcasing your mediocre SAT score as a defining feature. Yes, that’s right, Newsom recently told a crowd that he’s a “960 SAT guy,” suggesting he’s just as bewildered as the next person. One would think aspiring leaders would talk about their strengths—a history of good decision-making or exceptional leadership—but not Newsom. It seems he believes that downplaying his intelligence is a surefire way to connect with his potential voters.
Of course, this isn’t the first time we’ve seen politicians flaunt their not-so-stellar academic backgrounds. Remember President Biden, who infamously graduated last in his class, and how that’s worked out. It seems Newsom’s strategy is to sidestep the book smarts and focus on relatability, going as far as admitting he struggles with reading due to his claimed dyslexia. When pressed for details, his team was less than forthcoming about providing evidence of a diagnosis. It’s a classic case of trying to turn perceived weaknesses into strengths—and in this case, it might just be a bit too transparent.
Besides his struggles with academics, Newsom also loves telling tales of his humble beginnings. Raised in poverty with his mom working tirelessly, Gavin claims he spent his childhood surviving on frozen lasagna and macaroni and cheese. It’s a heartwarming story, no doubt, but those who have witnessed his policies might argue that empathy for poverty hasn’t exactly translated into effective governance for California’s many struggles.
In his tour stop in Atlanta, Newsom didn’t quite receive rave reviews, particularly from Black Americans in the crowd. While the audience was predominantly white, it’s clear his attempts at broad appeal are falling flat. He’s been criticized for pandering too hard without offering authentic solutions. Even attempts to differentiate himself from what he describes as a Democratic Party over-occupied with pronouns and identity politics sound hollow when his own record suggests he’s done exactly that. Plus, calling his wife the “first partner” and embracing terms like Latinx doesn’t exactly scream cultural normalcy.
Finally, Newsom’s political aspirations are not only being questioned by the public but also seemingly by his own family. His son bluntly told him that running for president isn’t feasible because he needs to spend more time at home with the kids. It’s an ironic twist when your bid for the Oval Office gets halted by your own offspring. While one could argue this is an attempt to portray himself as a family man, others can’t help but see it as an indictment of his capacity to prioritize. After all, if you can’t manage your household, how do you plan to manage a country? The truth is in the pudding, and with Newsom’s track record, there’s plenty to chew on.
