Gavin Newsom Tries To “Move On” From 2024 Presidential Speculation, Tells ‘Meet The Press’ Moderator Chuck Todd That Joe Biden “Is Going To Run”

California Governor Gavin Newsom says that it is time to “move on” from speculation that he would be a presidential aspirant if Joe Biden doesn’t run for president.

Appearing on Chuck Todd’s final stint as the moderator of Meet the Press on Sunday, Newsom was asked why he wouldn’t be a likely candidate if Biden decides to withdraw.

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“Well, I think the vice president is naturally the one lined up and the filing deadlines are quickly coming to pass and I think we need to move past this notion that he’s not going to run,” Newsom said. “President Biden is going to run, and I am looking forward to getting him reelected. I think there’s been so much wallowing in the last few months, and handwringing in this respect. But we’re gearing up for the campaign. We’re looking forward to it.”

When Todd pressed him on it, Newsom said, “Time to move on. Let’s go.”

The speculation about Biden has been amped up by recent dismal polling, showing voters’ concerns about his age and a tight race for reelection even if Donald Trump is the Republican nominee.

Todd also asked Newsom about his relationship with Harris, asking him if he can envision running against her in a Democratic primary.

“Of course not. By definition. Won’t happen. I’ve said that 1,000 times. We privately continue to maintain a very good relationship, interpersonal. Just, ‘How are you doing? Checking in.’ It’s been a challenging few years with Covid. And we’ve had the opportunity to sit down, have lunch together in the White House, spend time talking about important things…and trivial things.”

Newsom also said that he hasn’t heard from Harris that she is upset over his plans to debate Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, with Fox News’ Sean Hannity as moderator. Newsom said that “apparently someone in her office is” upset, “because I read some off-the-record quotes. I wish I knew who that was. But I don’t hear it from her so — and I’m certainly not hearing it from the White House itself.”

Kristen Welker is succeeding Todd as moderator of Meet the Press, scheduled to debut on Sept. 17.

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