'He wants it': Internet skeptical as Gavin Newsom denies intention to replace Joe Biden amid 'internal fight'

DOYLESTOWN, PENNSYLVANIA: California Governor Gavin Newsom, a prominent Biden campaign surrogate, faced questions about his own presidential prospects while campaigning for President Joe Biden in Pennsylvania over the weekend.

Despite his name being floated as a potential replacement should the 81-year-old Biden step aside, Newsom remains unwavering in his support for the incumbent.

Gavin Newsom deflects the possibility of running for president

At a rally in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, Newsom emphasized the stark contrast between a Biden-Harris administration and a second term for former President Donald Trump, which he described as “America in reverse.” Highlighting the current administration’s economic record, he stood firm in backing Biden’s re-election bid.

In response to a reporter's question about running if the race became an "open convention," Newsom dismissed the notion. “That’s not even… it’s the hypothetical that gets in the way of progress in terms of promoting this candidacy,” he said.

“That’s a legit question, but it’s exactly where the other party wants us to be is having this internal fight. And I think it’s extraordinarily unhelpful. Said that literally the second after the debate. It was my first public comments. So I’ve been consistent in this belief, not just privately, but publicly,” reported New York Post. 

Joe Biden remains resolute in his re-election bid

Newsom’s campaigning efforts follow a private meeting between Biden and Democratic governors at the White House, as the president faces increasing calls to step aside due to concerns about his age and mental fitness.

Despite these challenges, Biden has reaffirmed his intent to run and win again, dismissing criticisms from his recent debate performance.

“I’m not letting one 90 minute debate wipe out three and a half years of work,” Biden asserted.

During the 90-minute televised debate, Biden frequently mumbled, trailed off mid-sentence, and struggled to articulate his points. Trump seized the opportunity to ridicule Biden's occasionally unclear statements. The incumbent frequently stumbled during his responses and, at one instance, paused before stating, "I beat Medicare."

Gavin Newsom expresses unwavering confidence in Biden's leadership

When questioned by Fox News about his continued support for Biden amidst growing dissent within the party, Newsom expressed confidence in the president’s leadership. “No. Look, there’s a handful of folks that may have different opinions,” Newsom said.

“The vast majority of the caucus remains solidly behind the president – president made that point very effectively yesterday in the interview, and that his speech in Wisconsin was very, very, very good. We’re going to see him out here in Pennsylvania in the next day or so. And, and we’re just, you know, staying the course, have his back.”

“And so I really believe in the president, believe in his character. I believe in his confidence, in his capacity. I wouldn’t be out here, 4th of July weekend, missing my kids and families unless I really believed it,” he concluded. 

Netizens divided over Gavin Newsom's support for Joe Biden

A social media user tweeted, "The mess is so bad nobody want to deal with the bull."

A second said, "His state is a hell hole. He needs to focus on the rampant crime in California."

A third added, "I hope Gavin runs, he runs one of the biggest states in the US. Joe can barely run to the bathroom."

"You know HE WANTS IT," read a tweet.

"Wolf in sheep's clothing," penned an individual.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.