Experts Expound: Newsom trolling Trump

Has Gov. Gavin Newsom’s epic social media trolling of Donald Trump become old? 

“It had its moment as satire but it’s time to pivot back to being the grownups in the room.”

“The short answer? No. And old to whom? Certainly not to Democrats, who were languishing for someone among the ranks of Democratic elected officials who had the courage and skill to give Trump a taste of his own medicine.”

“It had its 15 minutes two months ago. Sadly the Governor has no second act. Who knows? Maybe he will take his job as governor seriously sometime soon.”

“While it may not be everyone in our world’s style of communicating – it sure has hit a responsive chord with everyday folks who see it online. You’d be amazed how much of a buzz it’s getting. One of Sarah Longwell’s last focus group podcasts asked Dems about it and they all knew and liked it a lot.”

“To quote San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, ‘So if we really want change, we need to break this pattern of equating spicy online attacks with actual, successful attacks on our very serious problems.’ It is not only old, it is pathetic.”

“Well, unless he can invoke a California Insurrection Act, clever tweets are about all he has at the moment.”

“If you’re going to communicate with Trump and his dingbat cabinet, you have to use language they understand.”

“It’s still fresher than the cringe social media strategy from Congressional Democrats.”

“No, by backing it up with populist economic substance like Newsom recently did on Fortnite Friday, it will only get stronger.”

“First things first: Democrats across the nation seem to be enjoying having a major Democratic governor taking on the President in this manner. Most of the trolls are truly funny; plus they are irresistible to mainstream cable TV and national press. Most important, Democrats are tired of waiting for other national Democrats and the congressional leadership to punch back at Trump policies in a manner that is embraceable and captures public attention. He is doing that, and he is still doing his day job. Judging by his national poll numbers, many independents seem to be enjoying this, too. Lighten up, critics!”

“NO.  The Governor had been seemingly rudderless with his podcast turning off progressives and heading into his lame-duck years, but his social media team has helped him find his groove. Instead of complaining about what Democrats should be doing to fight back, he is now doing it.

As long as Trump is being Trump, Gavin should continue with his social media team dialed to 11.  That and redistricting, of all things, have given Gavin new life heading into 2028 where he has a shot at being a frontrunner.”

“For me it not appropriate to use the Governor’s office official account to “troll” Trump.  Years ago people were outraged when Schwarzenegger made the “three stooges” comment and issued the FU veto letter – and said it was beneath the dignity the Governor’s office.  It was true then and true now.  The Governor’s Office is represented of the people of the state of California, not just a political subgroup.

Gavin Newsom can utilize a campaign account, or even his personal account, to continue to barrage against Trump.  Utilizing Governor’s office staff to go after the President with terms such as “Dementia Don” creates an official state position that folks with a mental impairment are free game for a disparaging comments. I have no issues with the Governor or his staff continuing to troll Trump, launching personal attacks or insults, or even YELLING via X – just do not use an official state resource, for what in effect is a campaign account run out of the Governor’s Office.  THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER.”

“It caused me to unfollow him on X. The arguments are so childish, and in many cases clearly wrong, that it became noise to all but those who thrive on anger and venom.”

“As with most lame duck Gov’s, he’s going thru Horseshoe staff pretty quickly … people who don’t have the same skin in the game, political knowledge, or institutional memory.  Ace & Kristen are still with him, but the new kids don’t know the promises that were made … so tried and true friends have been very disappointed this year.”

“Trolling on social media can be an effective political strategy – when it well done, used in limitation, and is paired with substance. But overdone it is tacky, tasteless and can be harmful to policy and political objectives. Some issues – and moments – require a serious leader and serious responses. As to the whether the trolling has gotten old? It smells worse than bad eggs at this point.”

Our panel of experts: Elizabeth Ashford, Hector Barajas, A.G. Block, Barry Brokaw, Samantha Corbin, Jon Costantino, Richard Costigan, Tim Foster, Rex Frazier, John Howard, Fiona Hutton, Gale Kaufman, Steven Maviglio, Mike MeCey, Paul Mitchell, Jack Ohman, Kassy Perry, Matt Rexroad, Garry South, Paula Treat, Micah Weinberg, Bill Wong, Daniel Zingale