How the DNC might nominate Gavin Newsom for President in 2024

It's all in the fine print.

This past week, California Governor Gavin Newsom continued his presidential campaign – I’m sorry, his domestic and international publicity tour – with a visit to China, where he met with Chinese President Xi Jinping and other Chinese officials for the purpose of “delivering real climate action and creating opportunities for future collaboration and cooperation.”

He toured manufacturing facilities, savored local fare, and even floored a child during a game of basketball. (The kid and the Governor were both uninjured.) All the while, his media team was hard at work, providing much needed international exposure to further Newsom’s presidential ambitions.

Newsom’s international campaign follows his national tour, where he has met with college students in Florida, paid his respects to civil rights activists in Arkansas and Alabama, has warred with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (their debate is still on for November 30 – for the moment), and attended a Palm Sunday service at a Mississippi Baptist church.

He’s making all the right stops, as if he were conducting a presidential campaign. A campaign that further solidifies Newsom as a national figure, attempts to endear him to the public, bolsters his international profile, and makes him arguably the next leader within the Democratic party.

The press has taken notice. In a 60 Minutes in September, Newsom was put on the spot about his presidential plans. His answer was evasive - a clear indication of his ultimate goals.

All the while, Newsom has publicly supported President Biden’s reelection. But one can’t help but conclude there is a purpose to Newsom’s recent actions, especially if he is the DNC’s preferred 2024 candidate.

In line with that thinking, this is how the DNC could - theoretically - replace Biden with Newsom as their Presidential candidate for 2024. It would be done without a messy primary, put an end to the disastrous Biden Presidency, and help the DNC avoid potential down-ballot losses in 2024.

But it would require the post-nomination resignation of President Biden.