Unless the decision to appoint someone who doesn't live in California massively backfires (and I don't think it will because I just don't think Democrats care), I think this is probably the best choice Gavin Newsom could have made. With growing concerns over age of our politicians, he has launchd a new career. That's certainly going to help his standing with black voters, a group that he's going to need to court for his political future. I think generally they were more supportive of having a black woman in the Senate than Barbara Lee specifically. While I like Lee, I think Newsom has an excellent dodge in being able to say "There's a race for the seat and it's unfair to pick the person in third place." I'd honestly be fine with Schiff, Lee, or Porter because they're better options than most voters will get but I'm not in the tank for any of them (even Lee whom I would probably back for her actions 20+ years ago, but still... 20+ years ago) but I won't lie: I'd give anything to be a fly on the wall to hear their campaign morning meeting. It would be hilarious.danfrank wrote
I think it’s a smart choice by Newsom. Given the current state of unions, the fact that she (and her wife) have a long history of labor activism is a big plus. He’s courting multiple Democratic constituencies: The Black and queer communities, plus labor, plus pro-choice women (leading Emily’s list gives her great cred in that regard).
Newsom has NOT asked her to serve as just an interim, so let’s see how she does. The 2024 race for this seat looks to be an exciting one.
I'm increasingly wondering if Gavin Newsom is going to end up President next year. What 87 step plan does he already have in motion?
EDIT: my other favorite thing about this choice is that it does a spectacular job of making the right enemies, i.e. right-leaning people who don't know what the fuck they're talking about. True, she doesn't live here; how many Democrats really are going to care when Gavin Newsom just appointed a leading figure of one of the issues that Democrats care the most about?
LAST EDIT: um, fingers crossed she's not corrupt.
LAST LAST EDIT: well, that didn't take long. She represented Uber to fight classifying drivers as employees and was on the board of public policy and campaigns for Airbnb. Not the best... probably doesn't get to call herself a tireless advocate for working people but... I don't know, not the worst.