MSNBC’s Morning Joe Rips Newsom for 2028 Hopes While His Own State Collapses [WATCH]

California Governor Gavin Newsom faced criticism Wednesday from MSNBC host Joe Scarborough after launching a two-day political tour in South Carolina, even as California continues to confront a range of ongoing crises, including wildfires, crime, homelessness, and infrastructure failures.

Newsom’s visit to South Carolina included stops at rural coffee shops and small businesses, which many political observers interpreted as a potential preview of a 2028 presidential campaign.

The California governor’s travel drew immediate attention from Scarborough during Wednesday’s broadcast of Morning Joe on MSNBC.

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“Huh, that’s interesting. That’s a long flight, actually,” Scarborough said, referencing Newsom’s trip across the country.

“And he, of course, talking about how he feels good about his chances, cleaning up the quality of life issues back in California.”

Scarborough went on to say, “I gotta say, Jonathan Lemire, if Gavin Newsom, he goes to South Carolina, they’re talking about his presidential race. Well, let the early morning talk about 2028 begin. I mean, that’s a guy who, if he runs, he’s got a lot to defend in California if you look at quality of life issues there. Man, he’s a really good fighter on TV, he’s a really good debater, but he’s got a really big pile of problems back in California.”

Co-host Jonathan Lemire also weighed in, noting that California has become a “boogeyman” for Republicans due to post-pandemic issues, including crime, drug use, and natural disasters.

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Lemire’s comment referenced the state’s growing challenges that have drawn criticism from both sides of the political aisle.

Among the most pressing problems facing California is the recurring devastation caused by wildfires.

In 2024, wildfires in and around Los Angeles scorched more than 40,000 acres and left thousands homeless. State leadership, including Governor Newsom, came under fire for its response and preparedness.

One incident in January 2024 drew particular attention when Newsom was confronted by a resident in an impacted community who questioned the state’s lack of preparation and water supply to fight the fires.

Newsom responded that he had attempted to call the president “five times,” but said the calls failed due to poor cell service. He then stepped into his vehicle without further response.

According to a report by OpenTheBooks, a government transparency organization, firefighters in areas such as Altadena and Pacific Palisades faced low or non-functioning fire hydrants during the fires.

The report also noted that while key officials at the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power received significant taxpayer-funded salaries, the city lacked the necessary infrastructure investment to adequately prepare for fire emergencies.

Meanwhile, California’s homelessness crisis has worsened. Despite Newsom’s administration allocating $24 billion since 2019 to address homelessness, the number of homeless individuals in the state has continued to grow.

As of 2024, the Public Policy Institute of California reported that over 187,000 people were homeless in California, comprising nearly half of the nation’s total homeless population.

The state has also experienced a mass exodus of residents in recent years, largely attributed to rising crime rates, a high cost of living, and a deteriorating quality of life in major cities.

In San Francisco, residents of the Tenderloin District filed a lawsuit in March 2024, accusing city officials of allowing open-air drug markets and ongoing criminal activity.

The lawsuit alleged that the city had failed to enforce laws or provide adequate public safety in some of the most impacted neighborhoods.

Despite these challenges, Newsom’s South Carolina tour included public remarks that hinted at long-term political ambitions.

Carefully watch this 2 minute clip of @GavinNewsom at his @GavinNewsom28 event in S Carolina today.

In addition to his typical hand/shoulder gestures, he’s copying Obama’s accent, manner of speech, tone (“have neglected), & messaging.

Clearly he’s being advised to do this. pic.twitter.com/cS8A8k8nl5

— Houman David Hemmati, MD, PhD (@houmanhemmati) July 9, 2025

However, his decision to campaign out of state while California continues to face significant problems has drawn increasing scrutiny.

Scarborough’s remarks on national television may signal growing concerns even among Democrats about how Newsom’s record in California could impact any future run for higher office.

As the state continues to navigate crises involving infrastructure, homelessness, and public safety, the political consequences of Newsom’s travel and messaging may continue to unfold.