Nov. 11, 2025 5 AM PT
To the editor: If Gov. Gavin Newsom leans on California’s symbolic picture throughout a possible presidential marketing campaign, it dangers backfiring (“How can Newsom stay relevant? Become the new FDR,” Nov. 9). Whereas California’s positions can be utilized to strategically spotlight coverage successes, its polarizing picture can exacerbate alienation.
In response to a 2024 survey for the Los Angeles Times, 50% of adults nationwide imagine California is in decline. 48% of Republicans imagine the state is “probably not American.” Regardless of Newsom’s latest improve within the polls, leaning on California’s symbolism is more likely to proceed alienating voters who view the state negatively.
The counterargument offered right here by columnist Anita Chabria is that “common folks hate despair, poverty and Nazis excess of they hate California.” That over-simplification fails to handle voter considerations on nationwide points.
Fashionable or not, Newsom struggles to attraction to his critics. Reasonably than showcasing California as America’s future, he ought to as an alternative popularize his coverage successes and advocate for uniform progress.
Paolo Estrella, Claremont
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To the editor: I agree with columnist Mark Z. Barabak that affordability would be the key issue within the 2028 presidential election (“Newsom prevailed on Proposition 50. But the White House is still a big reach,” Nov. 9). I like Newsom, however as a Michigan native, I’m sure that the inevitable opposition marketing campaign advertisements exhibiting gasoline, grocery and residential costs in California will evoke shock in a lot of the nation. As governor for eight years, Newsom will probably be seen as chargeable for it.
To win, whoever the Democratic candidate is must tie affordability to decreasing inequality. This would come with growing revenue and property taxes on the rich with a view to fund baby care, tuition, medical protection and housing help, the important thing elements of the affordability disaster.
Newsom, who will probably be perceived as presiding over an unaffordable state, is solely the unsuitable messenger. It’s too unhealthy, as a result of the best messenger can even must challenge energy and Newsom definitely has that.
Alan B. Posner, Santa Barbara
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To the editor: Like Rodney Dangerfield, California simply will get no respect. “Far left,” “nutty,” “secular,” “permissive.” Can we please dream up some new stereotypes? These are outdated, drained and worn out.
And “tax-happy”? Now that’s wealthy coming from non-Californians. Within the fiscal yr 2023-24, California paid $806 billion in federal taxes, the biggest quantity of any state. California is a “donor state” as a result of it contributes extra in federal taxes than it receives again in federal funding.
And as for outdated, worn-out cliches, it’s my flip: Ah, California, “can’t stay together with her, can’t stay with out her.” Or, put one other method, “don’t chew the hand that feeds you.”
Mark Richardson, Encinitas
