So far this month, Newsom has traveled to Alabama, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Florida, criticizing Republicans at every stop. In many instances, his criticisms align with positions I hold or have taken, and I could fill his calendar with visits to other red states that have policies I regard as wrongheaded. But why? Newsom has no political power in those states. He is so sufficiently unpopular among their voters that his presence there is as likely to help as hurt GOP governors. And, most important, his travels are a dereliction of the job he sought and won, because governors have a responsibility to focus on the problems that afflict their own state. …

In deep-blue California, zero Republicans hold statewide office, and Democrats enjoy a supermajority in the state legislature and control over almost all of the major cities. Right-wing authoritarians hold almost no power, nor would their defeat in the Deep South solve any of the state’s problems.

And what problems!

As Newsom produces slick videos on location, the Golden State finds itself in a perilous position.

[Newsom’s trying to distract from those problems by going on tour. For the most part, the media has indulged him as some sort of truth-to-power pilgrim, but he’s really nothing more than a traveling carny. Politico did step out from the media narrative long enough to report that Newsom’s fellow Democrats in these red states are fed up with his campaigning, as they know that Newsom’s appearances tie local Democrats to the failed policies and outcomes in California. — Ed]