# I don’t grok the Newsom dislike among engaged Democrats **URL:** \ **Category:** Politics & Elections\ **Created:** [October 19, 2026, 9:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-don-t-grok-the-newsom-dislike-among-engaged-democrats/1033980 "2026-10-19T21:35:18Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![Tamerlane](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tamerlane/32/7602_2.png) [@Tamerlane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tamerlane)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2026, 5:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-don-t-grok-the-newsom-dislike-among-engaged-democrats/1033980/61 "2026-10-20T17:49:05Z")
> [@wolfpup](#): > > and is likable and charismatic. > [@DSeid](#): > > Honestly this is the big issue of contention. I think Newsom is more or less objectively charismatic. He connects well when he needs to and is a smooth speaker who is good at projecting personality (like that personality or not, witness the differing opinions on him trolling Trump). Comparing him to a politician very much on the same political spectrum, he’s smoother than Kamala Harris and I think would overall be a more effective campaigner. I don’t find him all that likable. Which I think is much more subjective than charisma. The two things are divorced in my mind. I respect the first, but my opinion of him is very much tempered by the second. By contrast IMHO I thought Obama was charismatic and likeable, Biden was likeable but not terribly charismatic. ---
**Author:** ![Jackmannii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackmannii/32/311_2.png) [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2026, 6:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-don-t-grok-the-newsom-dislike-among-engaged-democrats/1033980/62 "2026-10-20T18:01:47Z")
> [@Babale](#): > > Newsom has a real chance at winning But lacks Purity of Essence, which AOC and (maybe) Buttigieg have. There are plenty of Democrats who view Newsom and other viable candidates as “corporate” stooges no better than Republicans, and that the party should exclude them before they contaminate the new Progressive Nirvana. ---
**Author:** ![Babale](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/babale/32/15666_2.png) [@Babale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Babale)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2026, 6:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-don-t-grok-the-newsom-dislike-among-engaged-democrats/1033980/63 "2026-10-20T18:05:19Z")
> [@Snarky\_Kong](#): > > I very much don’t like Newson, love the liberal world order, and don’t want it to fail. Just completely false that people that don’t like Newson fall into those categories. I did mention: > [@Babale](#): > > people like that **and the people they successfully manage to misinform.** You haven’t said yet _why_ you dislike Newsom, unless I missed it; but I strongly suspect it has to do with misinformation. > [@Dr.Drake](#): > > Newsom has a very mixed record on LGBT issues, He really doesn’t though. His record on LGBT issues is pretty stellar. That’s why I don’t understand how anyone who is pro LGBT rights could possibly say that he is “horrible” on LGBT issues; the only people I expect to find his positions on these issues “horrible” are people who don’t want LGBT people to exist in public. > [@Sylvanz](#): > > I’m think that just because someone doesn’t agree with every one of your opinions doesn’t meant that person is evil or plotting/hoping for the end of the US. I agree! Since you said you don’t hate Newsom, you also don’t sound at all like the people we are talking about. ---
**Author:** ![Sylvanz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/fbc32d/32.png) [@Sylvanz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sylvanz)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2026, 6:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-don-t-grok-the-newsom-dislike-among-engaged-democrats/1033980/64 "2026-10-20T18:08:46Z")
Yet, people can hate Newsom and still not be plotting the end of the US. This is just a non-sensicle claim to me. On second thought skip commenting on this this is taking the thread off topic. Sorry mods I will drop this now. ---
**Author:** ![Babale](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/babale/32/15666_2.png) [@Babale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Babale)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2026, 6:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-don-t-grok-the-newsom-dislike-among-engaged-democrats/1033980/65 "2026-10-20T18:10:18Z")
> [@Sylvanz](#): > > Yet, people can hate Newsom and still not be plotting the end of the US. I agree, as I’ve said twice now. People can be misinformed about Newsom’s policies and positions leading them to hate him without being illiberal or anti-American. What I’ve seen zero evidence for is good faith liberal people hating him for his actual policies and positions. ---
**Author:** ![bobot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bobot/32/21622_2.png) [@bobot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bobot)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2026, 6:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-don-t-grok-the-newsom-dislike-among-engaged-democrats/1033980/66 "2026-10-20T18:13:40Z")
I don’t want Newsom to be the nominee because I find his Trumplike social media meme b.s. to be childish and unimaginative. But if he ends up being the Democratic nominee, then so be it. ---
**Author:** ![wolfpup](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolfpup/32/10618_2.png) [@wolfpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfpup)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2026, 6:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-don-t-grok-the-newsom-dislike-among-engaged-democrats/1033980/67 "2026-10-20T18:19:13Z")
> [@Tamerlane](#): > > Comparing him to a politician very much on the same political spectrum, he’s smoother than Kamala Harris and I think would overall be a more effective campaigner. I think that’s true but a massive understatement. I had hoped (unrealistically) that Newsom could somehow be the candidate in 2024 instead of Harris. Harris had a reputation for being disliked among staffers in the Office of the VP and some of that character seemed to come across in her public appearances. I’m willing to bet that if Newsom had somehow miraculously been able to replace Harris, we wouldn’t be in the present disaster and the Orange One might well be in jail instead of the White House. ---
**Author:** ![DeadTreasSecretaries](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/deadtreassecretaries/32/4817_2.png) [@DeadTreasSecretaries](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DeadTreasSecretaries)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2026, 6:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-don-t-grok-the-newsom-dislike-among-engaged-democrats/1033980/68 "2026-10-20T18:27:26Z")
Most people’s opinions on politicians have little to do with their actual policies and aren’t the result of being convinced by media narratives, misinformation or otherwise. Tons of people form their views primarily on vibes and a ton of people don’t like Newsom because he genuinely comes off as unrelatable and dishonest. And even people who discount that personally are aware that if you get another John Kerry it doesn’t matter how good his policies are if he loses. ---
**Author:** ![Babale](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/babale/32/15666_2.png) [@Babale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Babale)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2026, 6:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-don-t-grok-the-newsom-dislike-among-engaged-democrats/1033980/69 "2026-10-20T18:35:37Z")
> [@DeadTreasSecretaries](#): > > Most people’s opinions on politicians have little to do with their actual policies and aren’t the result of being convinced by media narratives, misinformation or otherwise. True! It’s the Allegory of the Cave all over again. ---
**Author:** ![Calder](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e99b99/32.png) [@Calder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Calder)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2026, 6:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-don-t-grok-the-newsom-dislike-among-engaged-democrats/1033980/70 "2026-10-20T18:37:31Z")
> [@Pleonast](#): > > This is me. I judge politicians with a gut-level “can I trust this one” check. Newsom fails it. Sorry, life is not fair. > [@Velocity](#): > > The main thing I don’t like about him is that he just gives a sort of oily-hair sleazeball/snarky/I-think-I’m-a-genius vibe. He’s still way better than many other politicians, though, of course. > [@Chronos](#): > > Speaking just for myself, I think he’s all talk and no action. > [@DSeid](#): > > I readily go with my gut leading and my brain then looking for reasons to justify my gut. Which are post hoc definitely findable. > [@Fretful\_Porpentine](#): > > I don’t need a reason. All I need to know is that 1) my gut instincts are a strong _nope_ on this one; > [@Snarky\_Kong](#): > > He platforms Nazis. > [@Smapti](#): > > My preferred description is that he looks like the villain in a '90s kids movie who’s planning to tear down the beloved local community center/park/skate rink to build luxury condos. > [@Reply](#): > > And also, he’s probably the creepiest politician I’ve ever seen in my life. His face, his demeanor, everything about him just gives mega serial killer vibes. Again, I didn’t start this thread to change people’s minds but to try to understand something other people were strongly reacting to. I don’t seem to have the visceral reaction other people are getting. I don’t want to exaggerate this too much, as I get that Newsom is so polished that he can come across as fake. To be clear, I think a gut or vibe reaction to a politician is every bit as valid as a detailed analysis of their policy positions. Would you say that you fall into this is almost entirely a vibe thing or is there more too this? ---
**Author:** ![DesertDog](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/desertdog/32/11503_2.png) [@DesertDog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DesertDog)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2026, 6:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-don-t-grok-the-newsom-dislike-among-engaged-democrats/1033980/71 "2026-10-20T18:44:54Z")
> [@msmith537](#): > > My inlaws embrace MAGA but they aren’t evil. They’re just morons. Oh. That makes it okay, then. ---
**Author:** ![msmith537](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d9b06d/32.png) [@msmith537](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/msmith537)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2026, 6:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-don-t-grok-the-newsom-dislike-among-engaged-democrats/1033980/72 "2026-10-20T18:50:47Z")
No, it just makes it not malicious intent. ---
**Author:** ![rbroome](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/838e76/32.png) [@rbroome](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rbroome)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2026, 6:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-don-t-grok-the-newsom-dislike-among-engaged-democrats/1033980/73 "2026-10-20T18:57:20Z")
Newsom is from California. That is a major black mark in the other 49 states for any non-democratic voter. If any California candidate runs, all the republicans would have to do is remind voters that candidate X is from California. No further attacks would be needed. It is unfair but true. i think that is why plugged in democrats don’t want Newsom. Nothing need be personal, but the baggage is too heavy. The Democrats have lots of other candidates that aren’t starting 10 points behind. ---
**Author:** ![Snarky\_Kong](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a183cd/32.png) [@Snarky\_Kong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snarky_Kong)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2026, 7:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-don-t-grok-the-newsom-dislike-among-engaged-democrats/1033980/74 "2026-10-20T19:07:06Z")
> [@Babale](#): > > en’t said yet _why_ you dislike Newsom, unless I missed it; but I strongly suspect it has to do with misinformation. Yes, I am aware that you preemptively declared everyone that disagrees with you is wrong. ---
**Author:** ![iiandyiiii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/iiandyiiii/32/7924_2.png) [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2026, 7:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-don-t-grok-the-newsom-dislike-among-engaged-democrats/1033980/75 "2026-10-20T19:12:39Z")
> [@Babale](#): > > What I’ve seen zero evidence for is good faith liberal people hating him for his actual policies and positions. There are plenty of good faith liberal reasons to hate Newsom besides his policies and positions (like his terrible podcast choices, his flip-flopping, and even just his communications style). ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2026, 7:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-don-t-grok-the-newsom-dislike-among-engaged-democrats/1033980/76 "2026-10-20T19:14:30Z")
> [@Chronos](#): > > He did have the authority, because the NG had not been legally federalized, because Trump did not have the authority. The federalization was the illegal order he should have countermanded. When soldiers under your command are obeying illegal orders, you don’t wait for the courts to take care of it. You take care of it yourself, because it’s your job and your responsibility. > **[25-3727.pdf](https://cdn.ca9.uscourts.gov/datastore/opinions/2025/06/19/25-3727.pdf)** The courts handled in within two days. Otherwise, you would have chaos. > [@Babale](#): > > What would be the point of manufacturing a constitutional crisis and hoping the troops side with you when you can just go to the court and they’ll side with you? > [@Reply](#): > > Oh, and French Laundry. Fuck that guy. It was held outdoors, thus it was not within Newsom’s request that people avoid indoor multi-household gatherings and social mixing. > [@Swords\_to\_Plowshares](#): > > Newsome is horrible on LGBT+ issues and trans rights issues. Newsom has signed more bills protecting LGBT+ rights than any other governor. > **[Has Gavin Newsom really signed the most pro-trans bills of any governor?](https://www.advocate.com/politics/gavin-newsom-pro-transgender-bills)** > > The California governor made the claim in an interview this week. Read on for our fact-check. This week on _[The Ezra Klein Show,](https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/10/opinion/ezra-klein-podcast-gavin-newsom.html)_ a podcast hosted by _The New York Times,_ [California](https://www.advocate.com/california) Gov. [Gavin Newsom](https://www.advocate.com/tag/gavin-newsom) said he’s signed more pro-[transgender](https://www.advocate.com/transgender) bills into law than any governor. “I want to see trans kids,” said Newsom, a Democrat. “I have a trans godson. There’s no governor who has signed more pro-trans legislation than I have. No one has been a stronger advocate for the LGBTQ community.” His statement about pro-trans legislation is likely true, especially given the volume of such legislation in California. > But based on LGBTQ+ group [Equality California’s](https://www.eqca.org/legislation/#) database of legislation it has backed, plus _The Advocate_’s reporting, we count 47 pro-LGBTQ+ bills Newsom has signed into law since taking office in 2019, of which 21 specifically benefited [transgender](https://www.advocate.com/transgender) people. Most of the generally pro-LGBTQ+ bills benefit trans people as well. > > Among the specifically pro-trans bills are one making California a sanctuary state for out-of-state young people and their families seeking [gender-affirming care](https://www.advocate.com/health/what-is-gender-affirming-care); one preventing teachers from being forced to out trans students to their families; several addressing name and gender changes on official documents, either easing the process, assuring usage, or protecting confidentiality; and one requiring single-user restrooms to be labeled all-gender. > [@Babale](#): > > Are you anti-LGBT? Because I can’t imagine how someone who supports LGBT rights would ever say this with a straight face. > [@Babale](#): > > His record on LGBT issues is pretty stellar. That’s why I don’t understand how anyone who is pro LGBT rights could possibly say that he is “horrible” on LGBT issues; the only people I expect to find his positions on these issues “horrible” are people who don’t want LGBT people to exist in public. Yeah. > [@rbroome](#): > > Newsom is from California. > > That is a major black mark in the other 49 states for any non-democratic voter. More or less Californians like him, and out of state not so much- maybe because other states do not like California (or NY or Texas). ---
**Author:** ![Babale](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/babale/32/15666_2.png) [@Babale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Babale)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2026, 7:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-don-t-grok-the-newsom-dislike-among-engaged-democrats/1033980/77 "2026-10-20T19:19:16Z")
> [@Snarky\_Kong](#): > > Yes, I am aware that you preemptively declared everyone that disagrees with you is wrong. You’re welcome to prove me wrong at any moment by putting forward any substantive criticism of Newsom whatsoever. ---
**Author:** ![Babale](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/babale/32/15666_2.png) [@Babale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Babale)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2026, 7:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-don-t-grok-the-newsom-dislike-among-engaged-democrats/1033980/78 "2026-10-20T19:21:11Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > The courts handled in within two days. Otherwise, you would have chaos. You wouldn’t just have chaos, you’d be creating a constitutional crisis and then going to the National Guard and demanding that they take your side in it. If you gambled correctly and they take your side, then Trump has some egg on his face. Just as he did when the court ordered him to withdraw the troops. On the other hand, if they side with Trump, you’ve given him all the pretext he needs to crack down on your “insurrection”. There’s very little upside, while the potential downside is apocalyptic. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2026, 7:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-don-t-grok-the-newsom-dislike-among-engaged-democrats/1033980/79 "2026-10-20T19:24:04Z")
> [@Babale](#): > > You’re welcome to prove me wrong at any moment by putting forward any substantive criticism of Newsom whatsoever. Yeah, so far we have what Calder so nicely summarized- > [@Pleonast](#): > > This is me. I judge politicians with a gut-level “can I trust this one” check. Newsom fails it. Sorry, life is not fair. > [@Velocity](#): > > The main thing I don’t like about him is that he just gives a sort of oily-hair sleazeball/snarky/I-think-I’m-a-genius vibe. He’s still way better than many other politicians, though, of course. > [@DSeid](#): > > I readily go with my gut leading and my brain then looking for reasons to justify my gut. Which are post hoc definitely findable. > [@Fretful\_Porpentine](#): > > I don’t need a reason. All I need to know is that 1) my gut instincts are a strong _nope_ on this one; > [@Calder](#): > > My preferred description is that he looks like the villain in a '90s kids movie who’s planning to tear down the beloved local community center/park/skate rink to build luxury condos. > > Reply: > [@Reply](#): > > And also, he’s probably the creepiest politician I’ve ever seen in my life. His face, his demeanor, everything about him just gives mega serial killer vibes. As far as the last, apparently this poster have never seen trump. 🙀 ---
**Author:** ![Snarky\_Kong](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a183cd/32.png) [@Snarky\_Kong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snarky_Kong)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2026, 7:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-don-t-grok-the-newsom-dislike-among-engaged-democrats/1033980/80 "2026-10-20T19:26:28Z")
1. I have 2. Preemptively declaring anyone that disagrees is wrong is poisoning the well and indicates any discussion is unlikely to be fruitful. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-don-t-grok-the-newsom-dislike-among-engaged-democrats/1033980.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-don-t-grok-the-newsom-dislike-among-engaged-democrats/1033980.md?page=5)