MSNBC’s Joe Scarborough blasted California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) on Wednesday, calling him an “embarrassment” during a segment on “Morning Joe.”
Scarborough’s remarks come amid growing scrutiny of Newsom’s leadership, both within California and on the national stage.
Scarborough urged Newsom to prioritize addressing state-level issues over engaging in high-profile national confrontations, including disputes with President Donald Trump.
He drew an analogy to professional boxer Chuck Wepner, whose unexpected challenge to Muhammad Ali inspired the film “Rocky.”
Scarborough suggested that while Newsom’s national skirmishes may appear courageous, they yield little tangible political gain for Democrats.
The host’s comments reflect broader frustration with Newsom’s approach, particularly regarding his handling of Texas Democrats fleeing to California over congressional redistricting.
Critics argue the governor has mismanaged the influx while pursuing aggressive electoral map changes in his own state, prompting accusations of hypocrisy, Trending Politics reports.
Newsom’s public missteps have compounded these criticisms.
He recently described Sacramento as “dull” and admitted he is present in the state capital only about once a week—a revelation that drew backlash from constituents and raised questions about his commitment to governance.
Scarborough also highlighted California’s redistricting efforts as part of what some analysts call a “redistricting arms race.”