[ad_1]
California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Monday dodged questions about speculation about his possible 2024 presidential bid.
With recent polls showing Americans growing concerned about President Biden’s mental health, Fox News’ Sean Hannity asked Newsom if he had received a request to run for president. Newsom responded, “I see what you mean. No — I didn’t answer.”
While rumors swirl about possible presidential ambitions, Newsom previously tried to dispel such speculation by endorsing Biden’s re-election bid in April.
At present, the 80-year-old President Biden has not faced challenges from incumbent Democratic politicians. But two characters emerged as his main antagonists: spiritual teacher and self-help author Marianne Williamson, and environmental lawyer Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Still, concerns about Biden’s age and vigor loom over his re-election bid.
A recent Washington Post-ABC News poll found that only 32 percent of voters thought the 80-year-old president possessed the mental acumen necessary to be commander-in-chief.
The unease surrounding Biden’s fitness for office extends beyond party lines. A CBS News/YouGov survey found that only 58% of Democrats think Biden should run for re-election, while 75% of self-described independents oppose the idea. Among Democrats who think Biden should not run, 45% expressed concern that he would not be able to complete a second term, while 20% doubted his chances of winning re-election.
The California governor brushed off concerns about Biden’s health in an interview with Hannity, claiming he believed the president was mentally sharp. “I talk to him all the time. Yes, I do [believe he’s sharp enough]. I take this very seriously,” Newsom said.
While affirming his confidence in Biden, Newsom has been aggressively promoting his national image in recent days. He criticized Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis for diverting migrants from the U.S.-Mexico border to Sacramento and proposed the “28th Amendment” aimed at restricting gun ownership.
In an unexpected twist, the 55-year-old governor also praised former U.S. President Donald Trump for his handling of the Coronavirus disease Pandemicsaid, “It’s incredible. He…didn’t play politics — didn’t play anything — during COVID with California — that’s the truth.”
Read also| | Hardline conservatives demand House Speaker McCarthy’s concessions in debt ceiling standoff
Newsom hasn’t shied away from acknowledging the dire homelessness situation in his state, attributing it to a variety of factors. He cited high housing costs, questionable regulations and resistance to new housing starts and construction due to local opposition.
While taking responsibility, Newsom said: “We own this, Sean. I’m not here to defend this.”
[ad_2]
Source link