Gavin Newsom Defers To Kamala Harris

What happened

California Gov. Gavin Newsom said he would not run for president in 2028 if former Vice President Kamala Harris enters the race. The CNN interview with Jake Tapper was released Monday. It took place during a Montana fly-fishing outing near the Bitterroot River and Bitterroot Springs Ranch. Newsom said, “I wouldn’t run if she ran,” and said he would not “waste everyone’s time.” He called a head-to-head race “mutual assured destruction” because they share supporters, friends, and political bases. Neither has announced a 2028 campaign.

How each side covered it

From the left

Left-leaning outlets framed the remarks as Newsom setting a clear condition on 2028. The Los Angeles Times reported he would not seek the Democratic nomination if Harris runs, quoting him telling Tapper, “I wouldn’t run if she ran.” The Times said he seemed to be avoiding a messy fight over California backers. The Miami Herald added that the two would compete too closely for supporters and donors.

From the right

Right-leaning outlets emphasized the strategic cost of a Harris-Newsom clash. Fox News and the New York Post reported Newsom said he would not run if Harris entered. Both highlighted his warning that such a race would mean mutual assured destruction. Fox News noted Tapper’s counterargument that Harris had already run while Newsom had not. The Daily Wire said he argued it would divide shared allies and benefit Republicans.

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Gavin Newsom Defers To Kamala Harris

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How each side covered it

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