UPDATE: California Governor Gavin Newsom has fired back at Vice President JD Vance after the VP labeled him “crazy” during a heated segment on Fox News this week. The backlash follows Newsom’s viral meme war against former President Donald Trump, which has garnered significant attention on social media platforms.
In a segment on October 25, 2023, Vance urged Democrats to “stop sounding like crazy people,” while addressing Newsom’s recent social media antics. The Vice President’s comments reflect rising concern among GOP leaders over the effectiveness of Newsom’s meme strategy, which has positioned him as a formidable figure in the social media landscape.
Newsom, 57, took to X (formerly Twitter) to respond, sharing a clip from Vance’s interview with host Laura Ingraham. “He almost got it,” Newsom quipped, emphasizing the disconnect between the GOP’s perception and the humor embedded in his posts. His team has dubbed him the Democratic Party’s “Petty King,” and their memes have been relentless, targeting prominent Republican figures including Vance.
The meme war intensified after a controversial push by Trump to redraw Texas congressional maps, aiming to create five new potential GOP seats. In retaliation, Newsom announced plans to also reshape California’s districts, potentially adding up to five left-leaning seats in his heavily Democratic state. This strategic move is seen as a direct challenge to Trump’s influence and an assertion of Newsom’s political clout.
During Vance’s interview, he advised Democrats to embrace authenticity, stating, “You have got to be yourself. You have actually got to talk to people honestly about the issues.” His remarks highlighted a growing fear within the Republican Party that Newsom’s tactics could resonate with voters, particularly as he gains traction in the national conversation.
Newsom’s meme-fueled campaign has sparked widespread engagement, with GOP figures expressing frustration over his growing popularity. Fox News host Dana Perino has criticized the Democratic strategy, suggesting it attempts to mimic Trump’s tone rather than forge its own path.
Despite their claims of indifference, Trump’s communication team has been actively responding to Newsom’s jabs. Notably, White House press team member Steven Cheung was labeled an “idiot” by Newsom’s team after he accused the governor of avoiding press questions. Newsom’s office swiftly countered this narrative by sharing a link to a live Q&A session where the governor answered nine questions from reporters.
As the meme war escalates, the implications of this social media battle could alter the political landscape in the lead-up to upcoming elections. Observers are keenly watching to see how this clash between Newsom and Vance unfolds, especially as both parties prepare for a critical election season.
What’s Next: With an increasing spotlight on Newsom’s tactics, political analysts anticipate further responses from GOP leaders and a potential escalation in the meme warfare. As both sides gear up for the electoral battles ahead, the stakes are higher than ever.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story, as the implications for both parties continue to unfold.
