Despite his continued comments indicating otherwise, California Governor Gavin Newsom has been making some big moves that signal a future presidential run in the works. This week, Newsom traveled to China and Israel to meet with foreign leaders, most notably Chinese President Xi Jinping.
While his main topics of discussion ranged from climate change to nurses, many political commentators are speculating this move could mean Newsom will be replacing Joe Biden as the Democratic nominee for president in 2024 or 2028.
NEWS: @GavinNewsom meets Chinese President Xi inside China’s ???????? Great Hall of the People.
He’s the first Governor to visit China since 2019. @CAgovernor told me they focused mostly on ways they can tackle climate change & fentanyl abuse together. pic.twitter.com/0RMsEVXCSL
— Elex Michaelson (@Elex_Michaelson) October 25, 2023
Newsom’s meeting with Xi was centered around the subject of fentanyl exports from China. After their conversation concluded, the governor told reporters that he felt “remarkably positive” about how the exchange went, claiming that President Xi was “explicit about the desire to be even more specific in terms of what is needed” regarding identifying where these chemicals are going.
The governor also made a stop in Tel Aviv to visit a hospital and meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
AP reported on the meeting:
“California Gov. Gavin Newsom had a surprise meeting with China’s leader Xi Jinping in Beijing on Wednesday after being warmly welcomed by other senior leaders in a display of friendliness that stands in sharp contrast to the dialogue between the United States and China in recent years.
The governor is on a weeklong tour of China where he will push for climate cooperation. Newsom’s trip as governor, once considered routine, is drawing attention as it comes after years of heightening tensions between the U.S. and China.
“I’m here in expectation, as you suggest, of turning the page, of renewing our friendship and reengaging (on) foundational and fundamental issues that will determine our collective faith in the future,” Newsom said in brief opening remarks ahead of his meeting with Wang Yi, China’s top diplomat earlier in the day.”
Today @GavinNewsom is in China for a “surprise visit” with a Xi JinPing.
Last week, Newsom traveled to Israel.
Gavin Newsom is 100% running for President in 2024.
The swap is taking place right before your eyes. @TheDemocrats know Joe Biden can’t be their nominee. https://t.co/pXQMjiWuFK
— Laura Loomer (@LauraLoomer) October 25, 2023
While it remains unclear whether or not Gavin Newson will execute an official presidential bid anytime soon, one thing is certain: His multiple diplomatic foreign meetings point to some serious ambition on his part.
Whether or not this trip was an attempt at garnering international support for his potential candidacy or simply gaining experience as part of his duties as governor is yet to be seen however, it does seem like Gavin Newson has something up his sleeve.
