California Gov. Gavin Newsom, often seen as a Democratic golden boy, dropped a subtle bombshell on national television by admitting a flicker of doubt about former President Joe Biden’s mental capacity during a specific high-profile event.
During an interview on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” Newsom staunchly defended Biden’s legacy while confessing to a moment of concern at a Los Angeles fundraiser, an incident that briefly shook his confidence amidst a backdrop of broader Democratic unease, as New York Post reports.
Let’s rewind to that fundraiser in Southern California, where Biden reportedly failed to recognize actor George Clooney, a longtime friend and co-host of the event.
This eyebrow-raising moment left Clooney “shaken to the core,” as detailed in a book co-authored by CNN’s Jake Tapper, and even Newsom admitted that he and others were somewhat startled by Biden’s demeanor.
Newsom tried to soften the blow, pointing out that Biden had just returned from two European trips in a short span, perhaps offering a convenient excuse for the apparent lapse.
“The one exception, as it relates to the interaction I had with him, that gave me pause, one, was the fundraiser in Southern California. And all of us were a little taken aback,” Newsom said on “Meet the Press,” attempting to contextualize his concern with Biden’s packed travel schedule.
But let’s be frank—jet lag doesn’t fully explain failing to recognize a familiar face at a major event. This incident, while isolated in Newsom’s narrative, hints at deeper worries that conservatives have long voiced about leadership fitness in critical roles.
Shortly after this fundraiser, Biden faced another public stumble in a televised debate against Donald Trump, a performance widely criticized as disastrous and ultimately contributing to his decision to exit the presidential race amid Democratic pressure over cognitive concerns.
Newsom, ever the loyal party soldier, kept his reservations about that debate under wraps, privately expressing them with what he called “grace and humility” rather than airing dirty laundry for public consumption.
“For me, it wasn’t my job to go out there. My job was to let [Biden], give him the space,” Newsom stated on “Meet the Press,” dodging any direct critique of Biden’s capability for another term.
While his restraint might be admirable to some, it also raises questions about transparency—shouldn’t voters hear candid assessments from leaders like Newsom when red flags wave so boldly?
Despite these hiccups, Newsom was quick to pivot to Biden’s achievements, touting legislative wins like the CHIPS and Science Act and the handling of the COVID-19 recovery as proof of a successful presidency.
Yet, for many on the right, such praise feels like a deflection from the glaring issue of whether Biden was truly up to the task in his later months—a concern that transcends party lines when national leadership is at stake.
As Newsom eyes his own political horizon, with polls positioning him as a top Democratic contender for future races, his careful balancing act of loyalty and subtle critique suggests a man playing the long game, wary of alienating allies while navigating a party in transition.
