Mark StefanosCalifornia Governor Gavin Newsom has made his presidential ambitions no secret. He’s been dropping mad hints of his interest all year, and only recently made the proclamation that he’s “all in on Biden” even if our octogenarian president decides not to run. Sure, we totally believe that.
Newsom invokes Trump in his inauguration announcement
Newsom’s most recent foray into sparring the Trump came in his inauguration announcement yesterday, Thursday, Dec. 15.
An overt fundraising email from his camp about the event reads in part:
January 6.
Mark it down.
It’s not only Governor Newsom’s Inauguration Day, but it’s also the two year anniversary of the far-right’s insurrection and failed attempt to topple American democracy.
That’s why we’re starting the day with the governor leading a march of Californians from every corner of the state through downtown Sacramento.
For someone who’s All In On Biden, this seems eerily like Newsom will be using his inauguration speech as a national media opportunity to cast himself as a warrior against Trump. Trump has already declared as a 2024 presidential candidate, and is presumed to be one of the front-runners.
Per a new fundraising email, @GavinNewsom has chosen to be sworn in on Jan. 6 — two years after the attack on the U.S. Capitol.
The day will begin with a march led by Newsom to the state Capitol in Sacramento, followed by a speech and swearing in ceremony. pic.twitter.com/OrtsKDlMUX
— Maggie Angst (@MaggieAngst) December 15, 2022
Christopher Cadelago, reporter for Politico, noted that Newsom’s speech will focus on “defending democracy,” according to a source involved in the planning of the inauguration. “Defending democracy” has been a common refrain for Democrats to reference the threat that the Trump right allegedly poses to this country, and was used by President Biden as a rallying cry to the Democrat base in the closing days of the 2022 midterm campaigns.
News: California Gov. Gavin Newsom is planning for a Jan. 6 inaugural address in Sacramento, including a large march to the state Capitol and a speech focused on defending democracy, per a person involved in the planning.
— Christopher Cadelago (@ccadelago) December 15, 2022
Some political commentators have said that the the “defending democracy” line was effective in the midterms — indeed, Republicans hoping for a Red Wave were met with an underwhelming performance by their party, which failed to capture the Senate and only narrowly won the House.
A Trump/Newsom connection
For those eating up the Trump and Newsom tabloid drama, the two have a fun connection worth noting.
Newsom was married to Kimberly Guilfoyle between 2001 and 2006 during a period where she was an assistant district attorney in San Francisco and he was on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors.
Guilfoyle now is better known as a right-wing commentator, formerly on Fox News, including a stint as co-host of The Five. As of 2020, she’s also engaged to none other than Donald Trump Jr., the ex-president’s son.
She famously gave this screaming speech on behalf of Trump at the 2020 Republican National Convention to an empty hall. Fast forward to the last 20 seconds for the most fun part:
According to a recent interview, Newsom and Guilfoyle don’t talk anymore. Sad!
Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting LA Weekly and our advertisers.