Newsom would pick a caretaker -- not Barbara Lee -- for Senate seat

[brooklynite]

Source: Politico

Gov. Gavin Newsom has ruled out appointing Rep. Barbara Lee to the U.S. Senate should Dianne Feinstein leave before her term is up.

“I don’t want to get involved in the primary,” Newsom said in a taped interview that’s set to air Sunday on NBC’s “Meet the Press.” It was the clearest he’s been in terms of opting for a Senate placeholder.

Newsom, a California Democrat, told host Chuck Todd that it would be unjust to the other 2024 candidates, including Reps. Katie Porter and Adam Schiff, if he were to appoint someone who would run for reelection.

“It would be completely unfair to the Democrats that have worked their tail off. That primary is just a matter of months away. I don’t want to tip the balance of that,” Newsom said in the interview.

Read more: https://www.politico.com/news/2023/09/10/newsom-lee-senate-california-00114885

[Mz Pip]

1. Caretaker

If necessary, maybe Barbara Boxer would do it for a few months.

[OMGWTF]

10. Brilliant idea!

[Hortensis]

2. He's right, of course.

The placeholder would still be a black woman, and would be a nice way to bring someone new along, or honor the service of another, who didn't intend to run this time.

[Lancero]

3. Why would the seat need a caretaker? We have a perfectly suitable Democrat in it already.

Nancy Pelosi put out the real reasons for these 'concerns' quite clearly. A big, fat, load of sexist bullshit.

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/07/us/politics/pelosi-feinstein-age.html

She suggested that the criticisms of Ms. Feinstein, 90, and questions related to her eventual retirement were gendered.

“It’s OK, you know, they can vote, and it’s all they need to do,” Ms. Pelosi, 83, said of the rationalizations offered for male elected officials who have faced age-related health concerns. “And then Dianne comes along and then they’re making such a fuss? Uh-uh. It’s a guy thing, but that’s the way the world is.”

And of course, little surprise that the RW are also spinning up the exact same attacks against Biden. We have, sadly, proven how effective these attacks can be with how quick we were to turn on Diane Feinstein.

Ms. Pelosi has also defended Mr. Biden when it comes to his age and the Republican attacks on his competency. Democratic voters, in poll after poll, indicate that Mr. Biden’s age is among their biggest concerns as he prepares for a re-election fight. The front-runner in the Republican primary, former President Donald J. Trump, is 77.

On Monday, Ms. Pelosi rejected concerns about Mr. Biden’s age. She told the BBC’s Stephen Sackur that “Joe Biden is wise,” adding that, “he has strategic thinking about getting things done — that’s why his presidency has been so successful on the domestic front.”

[oldsoftie]

5. No need to be concerned about McConnell then either.

The issues with Sen Feinstein are no secret. But the hold of the GOP over the Committee she is part of is also no secret. Last I read, she cannot be replaced because of them. So she simply must stay because of their intransigence. But acting like there are no issues is ignoring reality

[VeryProgressive]

6. Nonsense!

This has absolutely nothing to do with Feinstein's age. It does have everything to do with her competence and ability to do her job. If this was exhibited by any male senator, they would be given the same scrutiny. It's time for Feinstein to gracefully exit. Too bad Ginsburg didn't heed that advice. We ended up with Trump choosing her replacement.

[Unwind Your Mind]

11. If she leaves

We’ll get no judges confirmed for the rest of this Congress

She must stay and vote (and if it matters, she is my Senator)

[Nixie]

16. No, it's gamesmanship. Trying to game the primary as it's

common knowledge that an incumbent that he appoints will get a share of votes that take away from the primary candidates.

Proponents of Barbara Lee have already tipped their hand to these manipulations, so it’s good to see Newsom not falling for it. Feinstein’s age is the sheep’s clothing they have used to block Schiff.

[flying_wahini]

4. Republicans rubber stamp all their votes and that requires no thought at all.

[oldsoftie]

7. Its the right decision if the need arises.

[Auggie]

8. Smart n/t

[Voltaire2]

9. Seems like he's been thinking about this.

My guess is that it is likely to happen soon and he knows it.

[truthisfreedom]

12. Whatever Nancy thinks.

She’s got the most skin in the game.

[RicROC]

13. Gov. Newsom should appoint himself to the Senate position.

Are there term limits for CA governors? A Senate seat keeps him politically viable

[republianmushroom]

14. Newsom, smart move.

[MichMan]

15. Does the "caretaker" need to promise not to run for the seat as an incumbent?

[rpannier]

19. I think Newsom would insist

But there would be no way to force the person to stick by their word

[Nixie]

17. Major kudos to Newsom for not falling for the Barbara Lee trap so blatantly set for him.

And Pelosi is also right. If another man who is also advanced in age needed some more help from his aides to do his job, he would be allowed that with dignity and praised for working for the "people." Let's get real, and I'm glad Pelosi has called that out.

[Upthevibe]

18. brooklynite..............

I completely agree with Governor Newsom.

This is what I've been saying all along.