Commentary
Part 1 of my analysis of the Newsom-Dahle debate is here.
Cruising into the second part of the debate, Gov. Gavin Newsom continued to show a strong familiarity with all issues on California, providing glib answers. Of the potential Democratic candidates for 2024, and comparing this debate with the Democratic primary debates from 2020, he comes off as the strongest contender. Should President Biden not run, Vice President Kamala Harris, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, and Sens. Bernie Sanders, Amy Klobuchar, and Elizabeth Warren are going to have trouble dealing with Newsom.
Energy
Newsom touted the success of his renewable energy policies in creating jobs. He said there are 200 renewable energy companies in the state “specifically targeting zero emission and electric vehicles. … It’s a trillion-dollar industry and we are going to dominate this industry.” He said the previous week 17 percent of vehicles purchased here were electric. “We know this works” to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and accelerate economic growth….