Samuel Case, FISM News
California Governor Gavin Newsom said that his fellow Democrats are getting “crushed” on the narrative ahead of the midterms and acknowledged a likely “red wave” in an interview with CBS News on Wednesday.
“We’re getting crushed on narrative,” he told CBS’ Major Garrett. “We’re going to have to do better in terms of getting on the offense and stop being on the d*** defense.”
When asked if the upcoming midterms feel “like a red wave,” Newsom said. “Yeah, of course it does.”
“I’m not paid to say that. I’m paid to say, ‘fate and feel.’ I mean, I get it,” he continued. “Look, I mean I could be the cheerleader. I’m also pragmatic. You feel it.”
In the same interview, Newsom said he has no plans to run for president. “It’s not my ambition,” he said, adding “I have no interest.”
California Gov. Gavin Newsom is campaigning for embattled Democrats in an effort to bail out a party he says is being "destroyed on messaging.” He spoke exclusively with @MajorCBS addressing questions about whether his political ambitions extend beyond the Golden State. pic.twitter.com/CzVdOhz7kX
— CBS Evening News (@CBSEveningNews) November 1, 2022
Recently Newsom inserted himself into the national political conversation by cutting an ad attacking Florida Governor Ron Desantis and by setting up pro-abortion billboards in Republican-run states.
Newsom has previously complained about Democratic messaging. In late September the governor told MSNBC the party has “a messaging problem [that] has persisted in our party for years and years,” particularly on issues like crime. “We’re losing that message,” he said.
Newsom’s latest interview comes as the “red wave” appears to be growing. The latest Real Clear Politics map shows Arizona, Georgia, Nevada, and New Hampshire will give Republicans a 54 to 46 Senate advantage. Until recently the fate of the Senate was considered a toss-up by most election analysts.
Meanwhile, in the House, Republicans are projected to take the majority with at least 228 seats in the midterms.