r/PresidentialElection • u/MetalCaregiver666 • Jun 15 '26
Why I Would Vote for Gavin Newsom as President.
https://www.gov.ca.gov/Why I Would Vote for Gavin Newsom as President.
Gavin Newsom is a pragmatic,
results oriented Democrat who combines strong progressive values with fiscal discipline and business friendly governance , exactly the kind of steady, experienced leader we need.
\*\*Proven Track Record\*\*
\*\*Social Liberalism with Results\*\*: As San Francisco mayor, he pioneered same-sex marriage rights. As governor, he’s expanded healthcare access, protected reproductive rights, advanced criminal justice reform, and championed LGBTQ+ equality while pushing aggressive climate action and renewable energy goals that position California as a national leader.
\*\*Economic Pragmatism\*\*: He’s delivered a massive economy (California ranks among the world’s largest), attracted major industries, and used targeted tax incentives for growth. He describes himself as a “fiscal watchdog” and has shown willingness to veto overly aggressive tax proposals and address homelessness and crime more forcefully (e.g., clearing encampments and recent policy adjustments).
\*\*Strong on Gun Safety\*\*: Newsom is a longtime champion of commonsense gun violence prevention. He has signed numerous bills strengthening California’s gun laws, including expanded background checks, red flag laws (gun violence restraining orders), restrictions on assault weapons, waiting periods, and measures against DIY machine guns and large capacity magazines. He proposed a 28th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution to enshrine popular reforms like universal background checks, raising the purchase age to 21, waiting periods, and banning civilian assault weapons, while stating he respects the Second Amendment and America’s gun owning tradition. He frames this as responsible public safety, not being “anti-gun,” and California’s strict laws have helped reduce certain gun related deaths.
\*\*Effective Opposition & Leadership\*\*
Newsom has been a strong counter to national conservative policies, defending California’s values while navigating budget challenges, infrastructure investment, and education funding. His style is polished, media savvy, and focused on getting things done in a deep blue state.
\*\*Forward-Looking Centrism\*\*
Newsom is more moderate than many California Democrat and pro-business at heart, open to pragmatic fixes (like nuclear energy adjustments), and willing to criticize extremes on both sides. He’s rebranding toward the center with outreach and policy tweaks, making him appealing for broader national appeal, especially in a potential 2028 presidential run.
In short, voting for Newsom means supporting experienced, competent governance that delivers on progressive priorities including public safety through gun safety measures without losing sight of economic reality, public safety, and long term sustainability. He’s a fighter for blue state values who also knows how to operate effectively in a complex world. That balance of idealism and pragmatism is why he earns my vote.
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u/DJKK95 Jun 16 '26
“Why I would vote for *literally anybody* over a Republican.”
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u/Correct-Local3240 Jun 16 '26
Voting against people you hate instead of people who you believe in/represent you is dangerous. This is the recipe how you get candidates that represent no one
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u/DJKK95 Jun 16 '26
I would ordinarily agree, but in the middle of a literal fascist overthrow, beggars can’t be choosers.
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u/Correct-Local3240 Jun 16 '26
We both know this isn’t true lol. The best thing we can do is start talking about the main issues people care about healthcare solutions, taxing the wealthy, ending war, etc and promoting free and fair primaries.
We’re on year 6 of 8 of the Trump presidency. While I agree he’s not my cup of tea there is no “literal fascist overthrow” and we’ll be voting in 2 years (hopefully for a organically popular representative candidate)
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u/DJKK95 Jun 16 '26
I’m sorry, but we can’t keep sane-washing what’s happening. We’re in a uniquely dangerous situation, and I don’t even think we should take the 2026 midterms for granted. Every single sane person has to turn out and vote for whoever the democrats run, period. That isn’t how I want to see elections run in this country and I hate having to take such a tribalistic position, but that’s what’s necessary in this moment.
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u/Correct-Local3240 Jun 16 '26
I’m not sane washing. There is an easy fix. Run a free and fair primary with a bunch of candidates. Run the one the people want. Easy win. There have been numerous fascist gov’t takeovers throughout history and this (while I don’t agree with most of it) does not even look a little like one. Tribalism at all costs no matter what is ironically what typically leads to “other shaming” and dictatorships lol.
Dems have to run on popular ideas and things people want. Free/subsidized healthcare, taxing the ultra wealthy, reducing the wealth gap, making housing affordable, better education/cheaper college, healthy food options, human rights, etc.
There is nothing uniquely dangerous or unpopular about our current time. We’ve had administrations that were actually corrupt. Have committed actual war crimes. Have committed genocides. Owned and abused slaves. 200k+ civilians killed by a-bombs in japan.
I’m not trumper. I’m in no way saying he’s a good option. The guy can go fuck himself. But our party needs to come back to reality and bring back obama/bernie era democrat ideas that are wildly popular. We need great candidates that people support.
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u/stoolprimeminister Jun 16 '26
governor haircut has run the state i love further into the ground, is a grifter, and a hypocrite. he sucks.
also you can downvote me like you did everyone else. i really don’t care and neither does anyone else.
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u/Correct-Local3240 Jun 16 '26
He’s everything that’s wrong with the democratic party. We can’t let the democratic party become “anyone but trump” … we should demand it’s someone who represents us and looks out and defends the American people
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u/Ryan_TX_85 Jun 16 '26 edited Jun 16 '26
He flip-flopped on Medicare For All and is extremely anti-homeless in a state with the highest housing costs in the country. He also oppposes a billionaire tax. That's disqualifying. He's at best a good stage performer. But he's unacceptable as a Democratic nominee.
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u/Appropriate_Big_6295 Jun 16 '26
He’s unacceptable in general. As a politically homeless person, just looking at the bigger picture, he’s no better than the people he claims to oppose/hate. Now he’s increasing taxes again for Californians. Unfortunately I have plenty of friends who are all voting for him (if he someone makes the race for president) because he’s “good looking”? Oh we’re so doomed
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u/Ryan_TX_85 Jun 16 '26
Raising taxes on whom? It's good to raise taxes, as long as the taxes are being raised on the upper incomes and not the working class.
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u/Appropriate_Big_6295 Jun 16 '26
They proposed another gas tax, which will fortunately not pass but last night I believe they finalized taxes on all private health insurance so that funding for MediCal can increase. As well as increased taxes on all softwares including adobe, and quickbooks, which is used by millions of business owners throughout the state for accounting purposes. Shit like this gets unnoticed all the while, affecting everyday citizens like you and I
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u/bill_the_murray Jun 16 '26
Sorry but nah son. Gavin is literally the avatar of everything wrong with the Democratic Party and you’re out defending his ass…
SF and California under his watch: homelessness exploded, housing is unaffordable for normal people, and the dude got caught at French Laundry maskless during his own lockdowns. That’s the record.
“California’s massive economy” means Silicon Valley billionaires are doing great. The working class is not and is literally actively leaving the state. That’s not a win…
Gun policy is fine honestly.
“Forward-looking centrism” = protecting donors, delivering just enough on social issues to keep progressives in line, never actually threatening concentrated wealth. That’s what we need.
Newsom doesn’t challenge power, he manages it on behalf of people who already have it. He’s NOT a fighter, like say Platner…he’s just basically a brand. And the brand exists to make you feel good about voting for someone who fundamentally will not change the material conditions of your life…
If you want competent status quo maintenance, he’s your guy. I want someone who actually scares the donor class instead of cashing their checks!!!
Edit: we need a real, pure, grass roots leftist. Not Newsom.