Growing criticism, slipping approval ratings, and narrowing margins on the question of whether to pull him from office prompted Gov. Gavin Newsom to unload on the statewide editorial board of McClatchy’s California newspapers.
Speaking to the board via Zoom, Newsom vented frustration that California’s Capitol press corps weren’t sufficiently highlighting the state’s positive attributes ahead of the recall election.
“It would be damn nice if our homegrown team started focusing on what’s right,” Newsom said. “Everybody outside the state is bitching about the state.”
Newsom, later in the interview, slightly cooled down but noted the barbs from the press.
“Forgive me, I know I’m a little pointed today,” he said. “I’ve been taking a lot from – you folks.”
Throughout the interview, Newsom peppered his remarks with expletives to underscore his point, a stark break from his often tedious and verbose addresses on various policy issues, including the coronavirus.
Newsom similarly spared no fiery language for lawmakers of the San Joaquin Valley, attacking Republican lawmakers and Rep. Devin Nunes (R–Tulare) while attempting to tout his successes in the region.
