In a surprising twist, Governor Gavin Newsom of California has rejected a request from his lieutenant governor to find a way to remove President Donald Trump from the ballot in the upcoming election. Lt. Governor Kounalakis had sent a letter to the California Secretary of State calling for measures to prevent Trump from running, citing concerns about his threat to democracy and liberties. However, Newsom dismissed the request, stating that candidates in California are defeated at the polls, and any attempt to remove Trump from the ballot would be a political distraction.
This decision by Newsom has raised eyebrows and sparked discussion among Democrats who have been leading the charge to remove Trump from ballots in various states, including Colorado. Even left-leaning figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Cornel West have expressed reservations about such strategies. Kennedy warned that if Trump is kept off the ballot, it could lead to parts of the country becoming ungovernable, as many would refuse to accept the election results. Similarly, West, who plans to mount a third-party run, believes that this should not be left up to the courts.
Interestingly, this move by Newsom seems to deviate from the anti-Trump trend seen among Democrats. Speculation has arisen concerning the motivation behind his decision. Some speculate that Newsom and Trump have a personal history, possibly a complex relationship, given their long-standing acquaintance. Others suggest that Newsom recognizes that such measures may actually benefit Trump politically, as they tend to galvanize his supporters.
Twitter Post On Gavin Newsom defies Democrats, refuses to remove Trump from ballot
While Newsom's refusal to comply with the lieutenant governor's request may appear principled on the surface, it raises questions about potential ulterior motives. The ongoing legal battle regarding Trump's inclusion on the Colorado ballot has further intensified the debate and drawn attention to the issue. Although the Trump team has until January 4th to formally file with the Supreme Court, it is highly anticipated that they will seek their involvement in this matter.
As the 2024 election approaches, it is evident that Trump's legal team will face a busy period. The outcome of the Colorado case and any subsequent involvement from the Supreme Court will undoubtedly shape the political landscape. The controversy surrounding attempts to exclude Trump from the ballot has already mobilized support within the GOP field, as rivals rush to defend him against what they perceive as an infringement on democratic processes.
The coming months will undoubtedly bring further developments and legal battles that will determine the fate of Trump's potential candidacy. Newsom's decision to reject efforts to remove him from the ballot in California may prove to have strategic advantages, ultimately benefiting Trump both in the primary and the general election, should he become the nominee. As events unfold, it remains to be seen how this complex political saga will unfold.
