Key Highlights
- James Woods warns that Gavin Newsom’s “atrocious” record in California will eventually undermine his presidential appeal.
- The actor dismisses other potential Democratic leaders as a “clown show.”
- Woods argues that Newsom is deflecting responsibility for wildfires, blaming climate change and not state failures.
- He also criticizes San Francisco’s “notorious poop map” and claims California leadership has tolerated worsening street conditions unless a foreign leader was visiting.
James Woods Critiques Gavin Newsom’s Leadership in California
In an interview with “One Nation with Brian Kilmeade,” actor James Woods warned that Governor Gavin Newsom’s rising national profile is masking what he called an “atrocious” record, particularly regarding wildfire management.
Early Appeal and Power Vacuum
Woods, known for his sharp commentary, dismissed other potential Democratic leaders as a “clown show,” stating that they lack the necessary leadership qualities. He argued that Newsom is filling a “power vacuum” within the party:
“They have no leader. I mean, Kamala Harris, AOC, all these people, they’re — I hate to use the expression, because it’s used so often, but they’re a clown show, and nature abhors a vacuum.”
Wildfire Management Criticism
The actor pointed out that Newsom is not addressing what he sees as clear state failures. Woods contended that the wildfires in his neighborhood were fueled by state neglect rather than climate change:
“This slick grifter, Gavin Newsom, whose record is atrocious, but people don’t pay a lot of attention to that fact. He’s filling in the slot, basically,”
He cited specific examples, such as houses burning down due to unattended brush and terraced land:
“It’s really simple.
Our house did survive… by the grace of God, and because we followed fire department guidelines,” he said, noting that he cleared brush and terraced his hillside. “The house next to us didn’t do it — burned down.”
Woods accused the state of neglecting a nearby parcel of land that he said became a dangerous ignition point:
“They haven’t cleared that brush since the 1978 fire, because that little piece of land there is controlled by the state,” Woods said. “And they’re protecting a plant that is literally a weed. And that’s where the fire started in our neighborhood.”
Other Criticisms
In addition to wildfires, Woods criticized San Francisco’s “notorious poop map,” arguing that Newsom failed to address worsening conditions:
“One of the most beautiful cities in the history of this nation, San Francisco, had to have the notorious poop map, so that tourists would not find themselves wading through human waste and used heroin needles as they walked the streets of this once-beautiful city, because this man couldn’t find a way to stop that from happening,” he said.
Woods also highlighted what he sees as neglect by California’s leadership:
“They haven’t cleaned up for ‘our tax-paying, hard-working citizens’ unless a foreign leader was coming. But they would clean up if it meant getting more votes or more publicity.”
Implications and Analysis
The criticism from Woods comes as Newsom is increasingly seen as a potential Democratic presidential candidate in 2028. His record, particularly on issues like wildfire management and city cleanliness, could become a major point of contention.
Critics argue that while Newsom has gained national attention, his failures at the state level may ultimately undermine his political aspirations. However, supporters maintain that he is effectively managing California’s complex challenges and growing in popularity across the country.
Conclusion
The debate over Newsom’s leadership will continue to shape discussions around potential Democratic candidates for the 2028 presidential election. As Woods suggests, his record could be a deciding factor in whether he emerges as a frontrunner or faces significant challenges on the campaign trail.
