Daijiworld Media Network – New York
New York, Dec 4: California Governor Gavin Newsom strongly criticised both conservative media and the Democratic Party’s own approach while speaking at The New York Times’ DealBook Conference in New York City on Wednesday, calling for a shift toward mainstream cultural connect as the party reassesses its setbacks in 2024.
Addressing the gathering, Newsom said the Democratic Party must broaden its appeal and avoid appearing judgmental if it hopes to regain wider public support. “We have to be more culturally normal. We have to be a little less judgmental,” he stressed, noting that the party needs to reconnect beyond its core voter base.
The Governor, known for championing California’s progressive stance and diversity, appeared to position himself as a national leader with broader resonance ahead of the 2028 presidential race, even though he maintained that he isn’t actively evaluating a bid.
Taking aim at Fox News, Newsom accused the network of normalising former President Donald Trump’s conduct. Comparing it to a propaganda outlet, he remarked, “You got Pravda, the primetime lineup at Fox … Normalization of deviancy.” He further criticised Trump’s derogatory language and behaviour, calling it “unbecoming of a president”.
Responding to moderator Andrew Ross Sorkin’s question on whether his social media strategy is inspired by Trump’s tone, Newsom acknowledged he approved sharper communication tactics to “wake everybody up” to what he described as the dangers of normalising extreme political behaviour.
He also condemned Trump’s use of an AI-generated image of himself in the Pope’s attire and his talk of placing his face on Mount Rushmore — comments that drew applause from the audience.
Newsom currently leads several early polls for the 2028 Democratic nomination. While he expressed humility about the growing national attention, he reiterated that his focus remains on countering Trump’s agenda, asserting, “He’s trying to wreck this country.”
As Democrats debate the right path forward, Newsom’s latest remarks signal a call for recalibration — one balancing progressive ideals with broader cultural acceptance as the party charts its future.