Newsom says Biden ‘deserves’ to be running

California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) in a new interview underscored his support for President Biden, dismissing suggestions that he could make his own 2024 bid for the White House. 

In an interview set to air Tuesday night on NewsNation’s “CUOMO,” anchor Chris Cuomo asked the California governor why he doesn’t run for the presidency. 

“Because I believe in this guy,” Newsom said of Biden.

“You think Joe Biden is the best the Democrats can do?” Cuomo pressed. 

Newsom responded that he has a “deep respect” and “reverence” for Biden “as a person.” 

“His character, his decency and his capacity to do great things. That’s why. I’m not worthy of that conversation. This guy deserves it. And we, as members of the party, deserve to have his back,” Newsom said.

The California governor has been considered as a possible presidential contender, and some see him as a potential candidate come 2028 — but he’s repeatedly fended off speculation that he could challenge Biden for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2024.

In recent interviews, he’s thrown his support behind the Biden-Harris reelection campaign.

On CNN over the weekend, Newsom defended against concerns about Biden’s age and backed Vice President Harris as “absolutely” the right running mate choice for Biden after some in the party suggested she be replaced on the 2024 ticket. 

“This guy is producing those results every single day with all that heat coming in, all that, you know, just the smash-mouth, surround sound, anger industry that’s been built around this guy, 24/7, defining the terms of opposition, 24/7, disciplined and focused.  He’s producing these results,” Newsom said of Biden on CUOMO.

NewsNation is owned by Nexstar Media Group, which also owns The Hill.