The state of California is in constant crisis. Whether it’s crime, homelessness, skyrocketing gas prices, fires (wild and homeless), water shortages, cost of living, clogged highways and crumbling, or our failing “public” (governmental) education system, we have a lot of problems that our next governor will, in theory, have to work through.
That’s why it’s so fitting and pathetic that state voters don’t see the two competing agendas being debated in a forum where people can actually weigh the arguments.
Get it, California Governor Gavin Newsom only agreed to one debate with his underdog opponent, Republican candidate and state senator Brian Dahle — on a public radio station in San Francisco, at one o’clock on a Sunday after noon, concurrent with Major League Baseball and NFL Football Play-offs.
The only way to get a smaller audience for this debate would be to hold it at a Beto O’Rourke rally…unless, of course, the NFL game features the Detroit Lions. Nobody wants to watch this.
Newsom had a plan to make this debate draw even fewer viewers and listeners, but then CNN+ was canceled.
Ironically and coincidentally, at the same time, Newsom says a debate in the witness protection program is all he has time for — when it comes to pleasing California voters, he challenges the governor of Florida Ron Desantis at a debate… on CNN. Eh?
Newsom tweeted, “Hey @GovRonDeSantis you are clearly struggling, distracted and busy playing politics with peoples lives. Since you only have one primary need – attention – let’s debate that. I’ll bring my styling gel. You bring your hairspray. Name the time before Election Day @CNN.
Additionally, Newsom ran ads excoriating GOP governors in Florida and Texas, and bought billboards in seven states advertising that abortion services are available in California.
I guess he thinks people aren’t leaving the state fast enough, so let’s go after the unborn.
It’s quite a way of branding a state.
The truth is, Newsom isn’t giving California voters the attention we deserve because he thinks he’s bigger than state politics and is all about becoming president of the United States.
It doesn’t do him any good to be seen on camera answering questions from a local reporter no one has ever heard of, about the myriad problems in California he hasn’t solved… or, for that matter, arguing with a Bieber farmer over water. Politics.
It makes him look small.
He wants to be on a big network, with professional hair and makeup, polished sets, dynamic lighting, a celebrity moderator, and an A-List opponent who will build enough drama to make the event a must-watch on TV.
Basically, Newsom wants a glitzy, big-budget, prime-time audience for his next television appearance, with all the dignity a presidential campaign demands.
Like NBC’s “The Masked Singer.”
At this point, how can he even attempt to deny his presidential ambitions and keep a straight face?
Rumor has it that Newsom wanted the debate to take place within the friendly confines of his own turf; but the French laundry is booked for a wedding that day.
Once again, California’s problems will be deliberately (and maliciously) ignored by the very people who can fix them.
I guess if we really want to know what California leaders think about public policy in the Golden State, we’ll have to wait until they also have a private meeting at the LA County Federation of Labor offices.
Until then, we are alone.
In Gavin Newsom’s mind, after surviving the recall, a star was born…and he’s got the ego to prove it.
John Phillips can be heard weekdays from noon to 3 p.m. on “The John Phillips Show” on KABC/AM 790.