Gavin Newsom is preparing to walk a political tightrope unlike any he’s faced before.
As he eyes a national stage, Newsom is attempting the nearly impossible: appealing simultaneously to the radical Islamist-Marxist-Progressive wing of the Democratic Party—whose leftist, anti-Israel, and wealth-redistribution rhetoric energizes a vocal minority—while presenting himself to the broader electorate as a caricature of the old-time centrist Democrat, a moderate pragmatist who supposedly stands for stability, tradition, and cautious governance.
Balancing these sharply divergent constituencies will define whether Newsom’s push for relevance on the national stage is seen as strategic political genius or a series of incoherent stances that leave both sides unimpressed.
How It Appears Today
| Policy / Position | Gavin Newsom | Zohran Mamdani |
|---|---|---|
| Characterization of Israel | Repeatedly used the term “apartheid” to describe Israel during remarks in New Hampshire. | Has been a long-time critic of Israel, frequently describing Israeli policies as oppressive and aligning with activists who use similar language. |
| Response to “Genocide” Claim About Gaza | Did not correct an interviewer who claimed “every expert” calls Israel’s actions in Gaza genocide. | Has associated with activists and messaging that frame Israeli military actions in Gaza as genocide or ethnic oppression. |
| Rhetoric Toward Israeli Leadership | Publicly criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calling him “stupid.” | Consistently critical of Israeli leadership and policies, often framing them as colonial or apartheid governance. |
| View on War With Iran | Said he was “very angry about this war,” arguing U.S. resources should go to domestic programs instead. | Generally aligned with the progressive anti-war position, opposing U.S. military escalation in the Middle East. |
| Wealth Tax Policy | Opposed a state-level confiscatory wealth tax in California, but expressed support for a national wealth tax, including the proposal from Bernie Sanders and Ro Khanna. | Supports aggressive taxation of the wealthy, including wealth taxes and redistributive economic policies. |
| Economic Inequality Messaging | Said Sanders has been “absolutely right” about inequality and that the U.S. must address wealth disparity “in a much more progressive manner.” | Central campaign theme has been redistribution and reducing wealth inequality, often through taxes on the rich and expanded social programs. |
| Political Strategy / Messaging Style | Recently adopting rhetoric and policy emphasis similar to progressive figures while positioning himself nationally. | Built political brand on left-wing populism, strong criticism of Israel, and taxing the wealthy. |
| Use of Jewish Voices in Israel Criticism | Referenced Jewish acquaintances and commentators (such as Thomas Friedman) when explaining his “apartheid” characterization. | Has highlighted support from some Jewish figures who are critical of Israeli policies to reinforce his arguments. |
Bottom Line
The comparison highlights areas where Newsom’s recent rhetoric and policy comments appear closer to positions long associated with Mamdani—particularly criticism of Israel and support for progressive economic policies like wealth taxes—while Newsom still frames some policies (such as wealth taxes) as more viable at the national level rather than the state level.
Governor Gavin Newsom is an empty-headed, lying liberal, lacking in core values, and is willing to do or say anything to please Nancy Pelosi, the Getty’s, and grab political power for his friends.
We are so screwed.
— Steve
