Take Newsom at his word. He may never run for president

Most of us have realized to not swallow the whole lot a politician says. They play too many phrase video games. Republicans and Democrats alike.

That’s very true with politicians who duck and slide when requested whether or not they aspire to larger workplace. They attempt to depart the choice open in order that they’ll be “talked about” — with out making themselves targets.

That stated, it’s previous time for us — particularly within the information media — to simply accept what Gov. Gavin Newsom says about his presidential aspiration. Cease fantasizing a few potential Newsom race for the White Home.

California’s Democratic governor has repeatedly insisted: He’s not working for president in 2024. The telegenic 55-year-old gained’t run even when ageing President Biden, 80, doesn’t. However Biden is working, in order that situation is moot.

If Biden did drop out unexpectedly, Newsom would defer to his outdated San Francisco ally, Vice President Kamala Harris, as the following Democratic standard-bearer. He’d by no means run in opposition to her.

What about 2028? Standard knowledge is that Newsom is plotting for that presidential election as a result of, except Biden is changed within the White Home by one other Democrat earlier than then, the celebration’s nomination shall be large open.

However I’m extremely skeptical Newsom is even interested in a 2028 race.

Why? Primarily due to Newsom’s struggles his total life with dyslexia. It’s my guess — based mostly on observing him and speaking with Newsom insiders — that he views the presidency with some trepidation.

Dyslexia limits studying skill and impacts areas of the mind that course of language, based on the Mayo Clinic.

It actually doesn’t imply that somebody with dyslexia isn’t match to be president. Just a few presidents have been troubled with it, beginning with George Washington. Additionally Thomas Jefferson, who authored the Declaration of Independence.

So one can adapt, as Newsom has. However he has struggled.

Newsom has issue studying, particularly speeches off teleprompters.

In a 2021 interview with Occasions reporter Taryn Luna, Newsom acknowledged: “I’m mesmerized by the politicians which can be actually handed a script or speaking factors from an advisor … and so they’re capable of go up there and simply learn off the script superbly.”

For Newsom, a five-minute speech might require six hours of preparation and analysis, which is why he seems so good at speaking off the cuff. There’s nothing off the cuff about it.

He advised Luna: “It’s spelling, writing and simply deep struggles studying — and the studying is comprehension, as a result of I can learn two chapters and actually be daydreaming. And I’ve learn each phrase and never bear in mind one rattling factor except I’m underlining it.”

Early in his political profession, Newsom stated, “I spotted I’m simply gonna outwork everyone.”

It’s laborious. However think about him attempting to deal with a president’s sweeping, worldwide portfolio — and fixed speechmaking calls for — whereas adjusting for dyslexia, even with an enormous workers.

I envision Newsom shuddering on the thought.

Why do I believe that? Primarily due to all the trouble he has gone to the final three years to keep away from giving a conventional, annual State of the State deal with to a joint session of the Legislature. It’s often probably the most festive day of the yr within the Capitol.

However Newsom feels he can’t deal with the teleprompter with out hours of follow. And he doesn’t like doing that in a wierd setting.

“He hates giving speeches,” a prime aide as soon as advised me. “It’s anxiety-producing.”

However stiffing Congress by abandoning the president’s annual State of the Union deal with wouldn’t play nicely within the nation’s Capitol.

None of this implies Newson wouldn’t — or shouldn’t — run for president. However learn his personal phrases.

He stated final yr he had “subzero” curiosity.

Final month, Fox TV host Sean Hannity tried to coax the governor into discussing a attainable 2024 presidential run.

“Underneath any circumstances, would you get on this race?” the conservative questioner requested. “No,” Newsom instantly replied. “I believe [Biden’s] a person of decency and character. I’m actually pleased with the president.”

Chuck Todd, moderator of NBC’s “Meet the Press,” tried once more Sunday. What if Biden doesn’t run?

“The vice chairman is of course the one lined up,” Newsom replied. “We have to transfer previous this notion that he’s not going to run. … There’s been a lot wallowing in the previous couple of months and handwringing on this respect.”

What does he inform followers who urge him to run? “Time to maneuver on.”

However that’s troublesome for us within the information media to simply accept. An enormous state governor is loads higher copy when he’s considered as a presidential candidate.

What Newsom actually desires is to be seen as a nationwide political chief. And that objective he’s attaining.

George Skelton is a Los Angeles Occasions columnist.