Gov. Gavin Newsom Travels To D.C. To Support Biden As Post-Debate Criticism Grows

California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) traveled to D.C. on Wednesday to meet with President Joe Biden (D) and show support as many voters call for his removal from the candidacy.

Newsom, a Biden supporter, attended a meeting in D.C. on Wednesday evening with other Democratic governors and congressional leaders to further discuss how to handle the criticism following Biden’s shaky presidential debate performance last week.

This comes after a Monday call amongst two dozen Democratic governors and the president aiming to address the debate situation, as many Americans began to question Biden’s cognitive ability to serve another term as president. Newsom was not on the call Monday night.

Newsom was in Atlanta last week to support the president as he debated former President Donald Trump. During the debate, Biden spoke unclearly and lost his train of thought while speaking, leading to criticism throughout the Democratic party. Newsom dismissed the idea that Biden should step down, arguing that voters must consider his political record rather than one 90-minute debate.

“You don’t turn your back because of one performance,” Newsom said to MSNBC host Alex Wagner on debate night. “What kind of party does that?”

The California governor has also provided financial support for the Biden campaign, helping raise several hundred thousand dollars for the president and the Democratic National Convention.

In a post on X, sharing the news of his fundraising, Newsom wrote, “We have to defeat Trump, re-elect POTUS, and have the backs of Dems up and down the ticket.” The post continued, saying, “Let’s post a huge number and scare the Trump campaign.

Newsom’s name has been discussed as a potential successor as a Democratic president, as well as a potential candidate if Biden steps down during this election cycle. Newsom has ignored this speculation regarding his potential candidacy.