Gavin Newsom’s Outreach to Tech Executives Raises Questions

California Governor Gavin Newsom has been sending prepaid cell phones, commonly referred to as “burner phones,” to approximately 100 tech executives across the state. According to a report by Politico, these phones come equipped with Newsom’s personal number and a personalized note, including one that reads, “If you ever need anything, I’m a phone call away.” This unusual gesture has sparked curiosity, particularly given the tech industry’s significant influence in the state.

The move is somewhat bewildering, considering that California’s tech leaders can already assume Newsom’s support. Moreover, at a time when the tech industry is increasingly associated with authoritarianism, it is puzzling why Newsom would want to publicly align himself with these interests. This action may alienate the voters who are most likely to support him if he decides to run for president, a prospect that many consider his long-term goal.

Newsom’s strategy appears to be counterintuitive, as he seems to be ticking off the very items on the list of ways to alienate his potential supporters. The occasional display of corporate favoritism is not uncommon, but it is unclear what he is doing to energize the people who actually vote. Furthermore, Newsom’s recent launch of a podcast, “This Is Gavin Newsom,” has not garnered significant attention. The podcast’s approach, which involves debating right-wing figures and seeking common ground, may not be the most effective way to appeal to Democratic voters.

Democratic voters are looking for a champion who will stand up against the Republicans’ most egregious tendencies, rather than someone who will befriend figures like Charlie Kirk, who has made derogatory comments about public employees, or Steve Bannon, Trump’s former advisor. Sentiment analysis of Newsom’s podcast has shown that many listeners are unimpressed. The Democratic Party’s struggles to respond to the current moment and its failure to meet the needs of its constituents have been well-documented.

The party’s favorability ratings are at an all-time low, despite the opposing party’s chaos and threats to Social Security. The general consensus is that Democrats lack a clear strategy, political identity, and courage. If Newsom wants to succeed, he needs to reposition himself as a progressive leader, rather than a moderate Democrat. The idea that candidates can win over moderate voters by appearing more conservative has not been supported by evidence.

A more effective approach for Newsom would be to run on a platform that combines economic populism, protection of Social Security and Medicaid, and a focus on human well-being, while maintaining a centrist stance on social issues. This approach, similar to that of Bernie Sanders, might give him a chance at the White House. However, if he continues to present himself as a watered-down version of a Reagan-era Republican, his prospects do not look promising.