This writer finds it difficult to see how Newsom — who opines on national politics frequently, called in national names such as Biden, Harris and Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders to help him in the 2021 recall election and has close ties to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi — will be perceived as a “‘fresh face’/outsider” if that’s what Democratic primary voters desire in 2024.

What this writer does not find difficult to see is Newsom running against Harris if he detects a sufficient level of blood in the water and sees an opening. Some have speculated that Newsom would not challenge Harris as a courtesy, but their relationship is reportedly not that chummy.

After Newsom’s recall election, the Los Angeles Times reported that Newsom and Harris’ relationship can best be described as one “of friendship, rivalry, envy and mutual aid.” Citing sources close to both, the Times reported that when Harris’ 2020 presidential campaign fizzled out and later, when Newsom looked to be in imminent danger from the recall, “privately, each didn’t mind watching the other squirm just a bit.”