MSNBC host Joe Scarborough criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom on Wednesday for his recent online posts targeting President Donald Trump, calling the effort “quite embarrassing” for Democrats.
Speaking during the morning broadcast of Morning Joe, Scarborough said Democrats appeared unsettled and uncertain in their approach.
“You can see the Democrats are trying to find their footing and it’s quite embarrassing actually,” Scarborough said.
“I mean, Gavin Newsom I mean, have you seen what he’s doing online? And he’s like, just take a deep breath. Don’t don’t try to turn the ship 180 degrees. They don’t know what to do.”
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Scarborough suggested that instead of focusing attention on President Trump, Democrats should emphasize issues impacting voters directly.
He listed economic concerns as the key areas where he believes the party should place its attention.
“I have a good idea. Instead of trying to make school Donald Trump talking to the camera about affordability. Talk about making groceries like, more, more affordable. Talk about what you’re going to do for housing. Talk about what you’re going to do for energy prices that continue to go up,” Scarborough said.
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He referred to a recent congressional discussion about rising energy costs, pointing to New Jersey as an example.
“We heard the congressman talk about energy prices skyrocketing in New Jersey yesterday,” Scarborough noted.
Scarborough questioned why Newsom and other Democrats continue to focus their messaging on President Trump, even as he made clear that Trump will not be on the ballot in future cycles beyond his current term.
“You know, don’t try, you know, as I’ve been saying, Donald Trump’s not on the ballot in 26. He’s not on the ballot in 28. Why try to drag Muhammad Ali into the ring when you get Chuck Wepner standing right in front of you?” Scarborough asked.
Scarborough invoked a boxing metaphor to illustrate his point, comparing Trump to heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali and other Democratic opponents to Wepner, a journeyman fighter who once faced Ali.
“Wepner is a bleeder, he’s a bleeder, you want him. So why are you going after Donald? No, you are not running against Donald Trump,” Scarborough continued.
“Go after Tweedledee and Tweedledum.”
Scarborough’s remarks came amid a period of heightened political tension in the Democratic Party as prominent figures attempt to navigate their strategy against Republican opponents.
Newsom, who has been a high-profile surrogate for Democrats nationally, has often engaged in sharp rhetoric online.
The Morning Joe host’s critique underscored the challenges facing Democrats as they attempt to define their message while addressing economic concerns.
Scarborough argued that focusing on issues like affordability, housing, and energy costs would provide a more effective approach than concentrating on Trump, who remains the dominant figure in the Republican Party but is not directly on the ballot in upcoming midterm and state elections.
Scarborough’s comments add to ongoing debates within the party about strategy and messaging, particularly as figures like Newsom balance their roles as state leaders with broader national ambitions.