News
September 19, 2025
LZ Granderson: Biden was supposed to be a bridge. He became a roadblock.
From the outside looking in, Gov. Gavin Newsom unofficially announced he was running for president March 30, 2023, the day he transferred $10 million from his state campaign funds to launch his PAC, Campaign for Democracy, along with a nationwide tour. Newsom unofficially suspended his campaign a month later, on April 25, the day President Joe Biden announced he was seeking reelection.
LZ Granderson, in a recent opinion piece, argues that President Joe Biden, initially envisioned as a unifying figure, has instead become an obstacle in the path of potential Democratic candidates. Granderson's critique centers around the perceived stifling effect Biden's decision to seek reelection has had on the ambitions of other prominent Democrats.
The article highlights the case of California Governor Gavin Newsom as a prime example. According to Granderson, Newsom appeared to be laying the groundwork for a presidential run as early as March 30, 2023. On that date, Newsom made a significant move, transferring $10 million from his state campaign funds to launch a new Political Action Committee (PAC) called "Campaign for Democracy." This action, coupled with plans for a nationwide tour, strongly suggested to many observers that Newsom was testing the waters for a potential presidential bid.
However, Newsom's apparent campaign was short-lived. Just under a month later, on April 25, Newsom seemingly pulled back from his unofficial campaign, the same day President Biden formally announced his intention to run for reelection. Granderson argues that this timing is not coincidental. Biden's announcement effectively froze the field, discouraging other potential candidates from challenging an incumbent president from their own party.
Granderson suggests that Biden's initial appeal stemmed from the perception that he would serve as a "bridge" to a new generation of Democratic leaders. He was seen as a steady hand who could restore stability after the Trump presidency and pave the way for younger, more progressive voices to emerge. However, by seeking a second term, Biden has, in Granderson's view, prevented those voices from gaining traction on a national stage. The article posits that this decision, while perhaps understandable from Biden's perspective, has inadvertently created a roadblock for ambitious Democrats like Newsom and potentially others waiting in the wings. The piece implies that the Democratic party may be missing an opportunity to showcase fresh perspectives and dynamic leadership due to the incumbent's decision to seek reelection.
The article highlights the case of California Governor Gavin Newsom as a prime example. According to Granderson, Newsom appeared to be laying the groundwork for a presidential run as early as March 30, 2023. On that date, Newsom made a significant move, transferring $10 million from his state campaign funds to launch a new Political Action Committee (PAC) called "Campaign for Democracy." This action, coupled with plans for a nationwide tour, strongly suggested to many observers that Newsom was testing the waters for a potential presidential bid.
However, Newsom's apparent campaign was short-lived. Just under a month later, on April 25, Newsom seemingly pulled back from his unofficial campaign, the same day President Biden formally announced his intention to run for reelection. Granderson argues that this timing is not coincidental. Biden's announcement effectively froze the field, discouraging other potential candidates from challenging an incumbent president from their own party.
Granderson suggests that Biden's initial appeal stemmed from the perception that he would serve as a "bridge" to a new generation of Democratic leaders. He was seen as a steady hand who could restore stability after the Trump presidency and pave the way for younger, more progressive voices to emerge. However, by seeking a second term, Biden has, in Granderson's view, prevented those voices from gaining traction on a national stage. The article posits that this decision, while perhaps understandable from Biden's perspective, has inadvertently created a roadblock for ambitious Democrats like Newsom and potentially others waiting in the wings. The piece implies that the Democratic party may be missing an opportunity to showcase fresh perspectives and dynamic leadership due to the incumbent's decision to seek reelection.
Category:
Politics