If the recent claims from Clickhole are to be taken seriously (which they shouldn’t), California’s Governor Gavin Newsom is reportedly eyeing a career in comedy. However, the truth is less humorous: Newsom is setting his sights on the presidency of the United States. His administration has intensified social media campaigns targeting Donald Trump, openly criticizing his policies and erratic tweeting style.
I have witnessed the evolution of Gavin Newsom firsthand, from his days as the Mayor of San Francisco to his current role as the Governor of California. This journey has been marked by a series of missteps, yet the world can now see the Newsom I have come to reluctantly tolerate—a man who often stumbles into doing the right thing, albeit in an annoyingly public manner.
Newsom is a politician who capitalizes on the spotlight. He made waves by legalizing same-sex marriage in San Francisco back in 2004, demonstrating his willingness to take bold actions as long as there are cameras and microphones nearby. Today, California finds itself in one of those politically charged moments, as Texas aggressively gerrymanders its districts to favor Republicans in the upcoming midterms. Newsom is seizing this opportunity, advocating for a similar gerrymandering effort in California and using one of his office’s social media accounts to launch a comedic offensive against the White House.
In this process, Newsom is doing something I find particularly frustrating: weaponizing nostalgia. Nostalgia, a potent force in politics, can evoke memories that are as intoxicating as they are misleading. Many of us fondly reminisce about times when we felt more optimistic about the political landscape, such as the year 2017. It was a year filled with significant events, including the Women’s March, the launch of the original Nintendo Switch, and Montenegro finally joining NATO.
During 2017, it seemed like every moment was charged with the hope that Donald Trump could be mocked into submission. The media landscape was rife with satire—think of shows like The Daily Show and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. The idea that we could tease Trump into retreat was a prevalent fantasy, even as we learned that his base thrived on his raw, unapologetic style.
Now, as we navigate the ongoing Trump era, many left-leaning politicians, including Newsom, have adopted social media strategies reminiscent of 2017’s resistance movement. His @GovPressOffice account serves as a nostalgic throwback, echoing the sentiments of a time when political engagement felt more impactful and meaningful. However, these tactics, often involving mockery of Trump, may not result in the tangible electoral gains that Democrats hope for.
For instance, an actual tweet from Newsom’s account boldly proclaims, “WOW!!! MY MAPS (THE BEST MAPS EVER MADE) WILL SOON PASS IN THE GREATEST LEGISLATURE ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD.” This attempt at humor and self-promotion mimics Trump’s style of all-caps declarations but raises questions about its effectiveness in swaying undecided voters.
While some may find humor in Newsom’s approach, it’s essential to consider whether parody and mimicry genuinely advance the Democratic agenda. Simply imitating Trump may reinforce the narrative that he sets the tone of political engagement. Democrats need to find a balance between high-road diplomacy and engaging in the political fray without merely mirroring their opponent.
To reclaim authority and respectability, the left must develop a coherent and relatable political strategy that goes beyond being a pale imitation of Trump. While needling the former president on social media may generate clicks and engagement, it lacks the substance needed for long-term political success. Until the left can redefine its identity and approach, we may find ourselves longing for the seemingly simpler days of 2017.
