The California governor described White House reporters as ‘sycophants’

California Governor Gavin Newsom criticized the media for what he described as overly deferential coverage of Donald Trump, characterizing reporters in Oval Office press briefings as “sycophants.”

The Democratic governor — widely seen as a potential contender for the 2028 presidential race — made the remarks during a Sunday interview with progressive commentator Jack Cocchiarella.

Cocchiarella pressed Newsom on what he framed as “hesitancy” within the White House press corps to scrutinize certain subjects: namely, the 80-year-old president’s health.

“You see these press conferences in the Oval Office,” the governor replied. “You maybe have one or two reasonable reporters. They ask a question; there’s no chance for a follow-up. And then it’s seven sycophants from news outlets.”

  • shirasho@feddit.online
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    2 days ago

    There is a very clear difference between a Centrist and somebody who does nothing. Steady progress is fine as long as progress is made.

    Inaction means you are fine with the current situation. The people who do not stand up to the bully are no better than the bully, and the people who think otherwise are deluding themselves so they can feel better about not helping.

    I’m getting particularly frustrated that commenters are taking a very clear statement and manipulating it to put words in my mouth in order to think they’ve made a point. I’m not blaming you specifically but you are the straw that broke the camel’s back.

    I can’t fucking believe wanting politicians to actually make the world a better place would be so fucking controversial.

    • ModCen@feddit.uk
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      2 days ago

      I think it’s fair to say that you shouldn’t blindly vote for someone just because they’re a Democrat. You should definitely evaluate the person. But I think Gavin Newsom specifically is an alright guy and I think he would lead a fairer administration than Trump’s, if elected. But I guess most people, if elected, would lead a fairer administration than Trump’s.

        • ModCen@feddit.uk
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          1 day ago

          Is he? I don’t think Newsom demonises immigrants as much as Trump does… and Newsom has talked recently about favouring federal taxes on very wealthy people, to fund things like healthcare, while Trump seems to be happy to allow the wealthy to keep getting richer and act however they want towards the American public.