When asked about the “switch” from Biden to Harris, Newsom sarcastically repeated points that Democrats had stated about the event.
“Now, we went through a very open process, a very inclusive process,” Newsom said, shifting the tone of his voice and prompting laughter from the hosts of Pod Save America, which is managed by several former Obama staffers.
“It was bottom-up, I don’t know if you know that,” he said. “That’s what I’ve been told to say.”
Newsom then chuckled as Jon Favreau, who was Obama’s former director of speechwriting, said it was a “blitz primary,” an election method several Democrats proposed to replace Biden. It would’ve seen delegates vote for several candidates, who would then campaign before a final decision was made.
In reality, Harris garnered the endorsements of several high-profile Democrats immediately after Biden’s announcement and quickly shored up support to become the party’s nominee. Some criticized the Democratic Party for what they viewed as an un-Democratic process in which voters didn’t get to choose Harris.
Some within the party had floated Newsom as a replacement for Biden, along with others, such as Govs. Gretchen Whitmer (D-MI) and Josh Shapiro (D-PA). Sen. Joe Manchin (I-WV) reportedly briefly considered a run before quashing the rumor himself. He wanted Democrats to hold a “mini primary.”
None of the candidates outside of Harris gained any serious traction. Biden’s quick endorsement of her appeared to seal the deal, and many within the party followed suit.
The Trump campaign returned to familiar attacks after hearing of the California governor’s comments.
“Gavin Newscum is saying the loud part even louder — this was an un-Democratic coup,” Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung told the Washington Examiner. “Comrade Kamala didn’t receive a single vote in the Democrat primary, yet she’s been annointed by the Democrat powerbrokers against the will of the voters. President Trump dominated the competition during the primary and EARNED his way to the nomination. The same can’t be said for Kamala.”
Harris was on the presidential ticket along with Biden when primary voters made their selections.
The Washington Examiner contacted Newsom’s office and the Harris campaign for comment.
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Harris celebrated becoming the Democrats’ presidential nominee this week at the Democratic National Convention.
Newsom was present at the DNC and is still considered a candidate to run for president in 2028. He spoke briefly while announcing his state delegates’ votes for president.
