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Newsom is and always will be a shameless chameleon. I think Buttigieg is a better case, because not only is he gay and married himself, but he's already been a good example of 'smart guy, knows which way the wind is blowing, but limits himself to smart political pitching rather than lying or deceit'. Like if you look at him appearing on Jubilee's video 1 Politician vs 25 Undecided Voters when he's asked a couple of questions where he clearly low-key agrees with the questioner (I think he was asked why Kamala sounds so fake for example) he puts a good spin on it but listening carefully he doesn't like, say "oh Kamala is secretly this cool person" like some politicians. At least that's my read on it.
Agreed.
I too like Pete better. (as much as should 'like' a politician)
He doesn't shamelessly exploit his tribal membership cards. (any more than standard politician amount) It would've been easy for him to ride a 'Gay' or 'Veteran' wave, but he's stayed true to an Obama-eque eloquent-statesman image.
As a shameless YIMBY, I was surprised that he took transportation. All good transportation policies are uphill battles and the head-of-department for failure. Successful projects considered underused, wasteful & go massively overbudget. (Peak usage for new infra takes years to pick up). Failed projects have all of that and also don't get finished. By those standards, he's done a good job as transportation secretary. There was the whole FAA coverup that Trace leaked, but even he seems to like Pete. So I won't hold that one against him. Pete's also younger, and I like that.
Newsom definitely comes off as slimy. Also his California Governor term has bad optics. The zombie-ville SF & LA wildfire videos will not do him any favors. He is more likeable than Kamala & Hillary, but that's a low bar.
I like to think of myself as a good public speaker, but I can recognize when someone is straight up better. This guy is so good. (Obama and Trump too). Supreme wordcels. Vance is a good speaker too, but he doesn't have the necessary flair to stick his landings.
Before anyone comes around calling Pete a 'McKinsey consultant lite'.........I view that as a positive.
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