BTW, california does not have the highest tax burden. Highest Tax Burden (worst for taxpayers): 1. Hawaii – 13.92% of personal income 2. New York – **13.56%** 3. Vermont – **11.53%** 4. California – **11.00%** 5. Maine – **10.64%**

Change in per-student funding of higher education in the 15 largest states, 2008–2016 California -3% Texas -17% U.S. -18% Florida -33% Source: Michael Mitchell, Michael Leachman and Kathleen Masterson, Center on Budget and Policy Priorities

Sometimes you get what you pay for

I think this is too in the weeds to catch on, and anyway CA is one of the few states to send DC more money than it gets back. If Newsom's weakness is "people hate California," then maybe, but also I think Fox News loudly broadcasts/drives that hate, but it's not actually a majority opinion.

Your devil's advocacy is helpful since you are right about the game the GOP Disinformation Machine will play. But Newsom is up to the challenge because the economic game the GOP is playing is suicidal.

I think you underestimate how easy it would be to caricature Newsom on multiple domains. Clinton-level baggage.

the other guy with the only major surplus in the last 50 years

Clinton's baggage was like high school baseball, compared to the World Series level that Trump has been involved in his entire life.

I don’t think a Dem can get away with an equivalent level of baggage as a Republican. No it’s not fair, but that seems to be how it is.

it's not even close to equivalent.

Trump baggage is far worse because it hurts everyone.

Trump's tariffs have Effed the entire market for equities. Free trade is good for CA and the entire country.