Following the conclusion of the CNN Presidential Debate, California Governor Gavin Newsom firmly rejected suggestions that he would replace President Biden, stating, ‘I would never turn my back on President Biden. Never turn my back on President Biden. I don’t know a Democrat in my party that would do so. And especially after tonight, we have his back.’ He added, ‘We run, not the 90-yard dash. We are all in. We’re going to double down in the next few months. We’re going to win this election.’
When questioned about Biden’s performance, Newsom emphasized his focus on ‘the substance,’ saying, ‘How about the substance? I care about the substance. I care about the substance.’ While not elaborating on what he meant by ‘substance,’ Newsom reassured reporters that he was committed to supporting the president and believed he was fit to lead the country.
Newsom’s comments come amid swirling rumors that he, a potential candidate for president in 2028, was being positioned as a replacement for Biden. Earlier this year, podcast host Joe Rogan speculated that the Democratic Party was preparing to swap out Biden with Newsom on the 2024 presidential ticket, suggesting a ‘ruse’ and a planned ‘forced step down.’
Following the debate, Newsom brushed off concerns about Biden’s age and performance, stating, ‘We’ve all had those nights’ and that Biden has consistently overcome such concerns. ‘He never gives up. He’s never giving up, fighting for us, fighting for democracy, our future kids, our grandkids. So we’ve got to have this back in this respect. And yeah, I hope he does come back, and I hope he is back on the stage in another debate,’ Newsom told MSNBC’s Alex Wagner in a post-debate interview.
When asked if he was ‘ready to take on Donald Trump,’ hinting at a possible replacement for Biden, Newsom again denied the rumors and reaffirmed his unwavering support for the president. ‘Absolutely not. I will never turn my back. That’s my personal point of view. I do not know one Democrat that would do that,’ he said.
