By Tim Redmond
So of course, to nobody’s suprise, Gavin announced for governor, and he did it the way he likes to do these things — on Twitter. He claims it’s all about new media, but it’s actually about avoiding the old media — Newsom hates to be challenged, can’t handle himself in a tough debate and doesn’t want the press to ask any questions that might rain on his self-celebratory parade.
And I can’t believe this, for Newsom flak Garry South:
“The Obama campaign changed politics in America forever, from top to bottom. And anyone who tries to use the old model will find, like Hillary Clinton did, that it doesn’t work anymore,” South said. “We’re going to take this campaign for governor to places that no other race has gone.”
Yes, the Obama campaign changed politics, but techology and media were only a part of that package. Obama inspired voters with a message of hope (and competance, and fearless leadership) — and that mattered a lot more than all the blogging and tweeting in the world.
For Newsom to compare himself to Obama is the height of misplaced arrogance.
Newsom’s Facebook campaign photo, “Think Bold” — promoting his Fresno announcement rally:
A famous photo of Obama at a Dayton rally:
Hmmm ….