(Luis Cornelio, Headline USA) President Joe Biden appeared to dismiss persistent rumors suggesting that California Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-Calif., might take over the Democratic presidential candidate due to concerns about the incumbent’s mental faculties.
As Biden departed Tuesday for a three-day fundraising trip to California, a reporter queried whether Newsom should “stand by” for a potential DNC emergency.
“You’re going to California. Is this about coming up with a Plan B for 2024?” a reporter asked. “Does Gavin need to stand by?”
Biden seemed to sidestep the question, flashing a bright white smile. Instead, Biden retorted nonsensically: “Are you ready? Well, I’m looking for— I’m looking at you. We’re looking at you.”
Pres. Biden departs for California campaign swing … first reporter question is about Gavin Newsom .. “Is this coming up with a Plan B for 2024? Does Gavin need to stand by?” pic.twitter.com/XcTqb4XHok
— Howard Mortman (@HowardMortman) February 20, 2024
As the reporters spoke over each other, seemingly vying to ask a question, Biden interjected by announcing imminent Russian sanctions in response to the contentious death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny.
While these sanctions could exacerbate an already delicate global stage, Biden is grappling with a laundry list of scandals rocking his 2024 re-election bid. Immigration, inflation, an impeachment inquiry, low polls and questions about his age are among these challenges.
Notably, some observers have considered Newsom, a younger and charismatic Democrat, as a potential replacement for the Biden 2024 ticket.
Despite Newsom consistently denying any aspirations for a presidential bid, the Democratic governor has fielded questions about such a scenario.
In January, Newsom declared there was no chance of him running for the Democratic ticket. Simultaneously, he hailed Biden as a “man of character” with “a record of accomplishments.”
Gavin Newsom on Joe Biden: “A man of character, a man of decency.”
Adulterer Gavin Newsom gives lesson in irony: “I’m old school. Talk about loyalty.” pic.twitter.com/QmkUQKE4ZE
— James Woods (@RealJamesWoods) January 27, 2024
He added, “I’m old school. Talk about loyalty, I’ll go to the ends of the earth for this guy, I really would. I’m not making that up.”
During a GOP presidential debate in September 2023, Newsom deflected Fox News host Sean Hannity’s inquiries about accepting the DNC nomination.
“Yes or no, will you ever, ever accept the Democratic nomination to run for president in 2024 under any circumstances at all? That’s a yes or no,” Hannity asked, to which Newsom replied: “No. Biden is going to win this reelection.”
Hannity flat out asks Gavin Newsom: “Under any circumstances at all, will you ever accept the Democratic nomination in 2024?” pic.twitter.com/zRpK54q8XJ
— TV News Now (@TVNewsNow) September 28, 2023
