Gov. Gavin Newsom to be a campaign surrogate for President Biden ahead of debate

Governor Gavin Newsom is slated to travel to Atlanta, Georgia to be a surrogate for the Biden campaign during the president’s upcoming debate against former President Donald Trump, according to multiple reports.

The New York Times reported on Tuesday that Newsom is “expected to appear in the so-called spin room as a feisty surrogate.”

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But what is a campaign surrogate?

According to Dictionary.com, a campaign surrogate Is “someone who acts on behalf of a politician or political candidate by making public appearances, issuing statements, etc., when that person is engaged elsewhere or when that person’s image would be bolstered by certain affiliations.”

Newsom has been one of Biden’s most visible supporters, often pushing back on concerns some have about Biden, such as his age.

“I’ve seen him up close, I’ve seen him from afar, but here’s my point: It’s because of his age that he’s been so successful,” Newsom said on NBC’s “Meet the Press” in February.

Newsom has long been viewed as one of the Biden-Harris top campaign surrogates, but his latest effort to show support for the current president has drawn criticism from his fellow Californians.

On Tuesday, Newsom released his State of the State address on social media and YouTube after postponing the address back in March.

Former California governors typically delivered the speech to the Legislature in person at the State Capitol, around the same time as the president’s State of the Union address.

California Republican lawmakers said that Newsom’s decision to pre-tape his speech was another example of his “dismissiveness towards them.”

“Another cowardly and classic move by Newsom delivering a prerecorded State of the State the same week as the presidential debate,” State Senator Brian Dahle, (R-Bieber), posted on X. 

It’s important to note that Newsom has never been a fan of live speeches, given the difficulty his dyslexia gives him while reading from a teleprompter during a live event.

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Last year, Newsom skipped the speech entirely and embarked on a statewide tour to announce a series of major policy proposals, according to the Associated Press.

While Newsom is away, the Lieutenant Governor, Eleni Kounalakis, will serve as Acting Governor under California’s constitution.

The first 2024 presidential debate between Biden and Trump will be Thursday at 6 p.m.

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