Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom was already figuring he’d get attacked for praising Trump. He had to qualify that “I didn’t kiss the ring”. Regardless your politics, you’re eventually going to get sick. You’re still human so even in one of the most liberal or progressive states, help is going to be welcomed. It’s wonderful to see the governor looking beyond the politics to the human toll of the virus.
It’s harder to be a statesman and working with Trump. Being political is the easy way.
Liberal opposition shouldn’t be praising a Republican unless there’s an ulterior motive. Nathan Ballard, a Democratic strategist that worked with Newsom, shows the lack of understanding the mind of a businessman over that of a politician.
“Let’s face it, he’s got to work with Donald Trump right now. He holds the keys to the federal treasury and he is a vindictive and impulsive man,” Ballard said.
It’s not vindictive, it’s just getting things done in a system that thrives on not getting things done. Trump probably gets tired of the constant obstacles. He’s bound to snap once in a while.
Something is wrong when you have to defend yourself against attacks while you’re taking care of the people in your state. The more state government officials are willing to work with Trump, the faster we’ll get over this. If you’re worried about giving Trump the credit, maybe it’s time to step down – or do it yourself.
Governor Newsom wants to move forward
As a Democrat, you’re not supposed to say nice things about a Republican. Even if those nice things are warranted and actually happen.
“We’ve developed very strong relationships with our federal partners,” Newsom said Thursday. His grateful tone while asking Trump for help has drawn accolades from unlikely corners such as the very conservative Assemblywoman Melissa Melendez and Fox News personality Tomi Lahren. It’s a big help to have regular updates and collaboration.
“You could have easily taken cheap shots like many other Democrats but you didn’t,” she tweeted, “and I have a lot of respect for that.” Ms. Melendez tweeted.
Governor Newsom has seen where bipartisanship works so he might go against the rabid Trump haters. Shortly after being elected he joined Trump and then-governor Jerry Brown to tour fire damaged areas. There was a handshake and somewhat of an embrace.
“I noted in my mind at that time that Newsom acted very much more like a statesman than taking the opportunity to be more political,” said Rob Stutzman, a Republican political consultant. Governor Newsom’s response during the earthquakes was similar. “He is very good in these hyper-political times at not politicizing crisis issues,” Stutzman said, even though “just about every other aspect of how he’s governed is uber-political.”
Keeping it positive
So why isn’t he criticizing Trump more? Essentially, we have enough problems. “I am working to solve problems, not create problems,” Newsom said Thursday. “I’m willing to put aside our differences on a lot of issues to meet this moment, so I can meet the needs of the people of the state of California.”
“We had a private conversation, but he said, ‘We’re gonna do the right thing’ and ‘You have my support, all of our support, logistically and otherwise,'” Newsom told reporters Monday
“He said everything I could have hoped for,” the governor asserted. “And we had a very long conversation and every single thing he said, they followed through on,” he noted.
“Every single thing… has been consistent with expectation we’d repatriate these passengers and do it in a way that does justice to the spirit that defines the best of our country,” the governor said.
