Gavin Newsom At Netroots Nation: On Gay Marriage, Running For Governor (VIDEO)

San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom arrived in Austin, Texas, on Saturday to address the Netroots Nation conference. Newsom, who launched an exploratory bid for governor earlier this month, has "built a national reputation pushing cutting-edge -- and controversial -- policies on same-sex marriage, healthcare and other issues."

We talked with Newsom about gay marriage politics and his gubernatorial ambitions:

Comments

[KevinVT]

Wow! He certainly hits that nail right on the head. Far too many Democrats still think it's OK to compromise on rights in order to get elected. (How many well-meaning liberals on huffpost brought up the "oh no, not now!" line, suggesting that the gays would tilt the election? Wait. Now is not the right time.)

I just wish people like this could get elected at the national level. Unfortunately bigotry and stupidity play too big a role in those elections.

[Raymondf]

Will never be govenor of California.

[GayGrandpa]

San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom needs two things to win. One is the right stuff! He has that in abundance and if he doesn't lose it then he will get the second thing in abundance also, money. Newsom will be riding on two years of fantastic Democratic governing as the Democrats fix and turn things around.

Newsom has always been gutsy about going back to basics and grasping what is right and fair and reasonable, prudent and productive. He is the onward and forward thinking that this state and the world needs...He is our future and would make a great governor! Where do I send my check?

[HollywoodBill]

The odds of Gavin Newsom becoming Governor are remote at best to non existent being more likely. Historically, the odds aren't in the Dems favor. Since 1900, there have been exactly four Democratic Governors, Culbert Olson, Pat Brown, Jerry Brown and the ill fated Gray Davis. Even within the state the uber liberal policies of San Francisco rarely play beyond the boundaries of the city itself. The six northern counties that really constitute the liberal voting bloc along with Los Angeles county rarely have enough clout to carry elections.

By and large, California votes for social moderates and fiscal conservatives on a statewide basis. The Dems have had control of both houses since the mid 1950s with one exception in the 90s but Californians don't give total control to one party. Dianne Feinstein couldn't get elected Governor and lost to Pete Wilson. Arnold and Pete Wilson typify what type of Republicans get elected.

Newsom's future is dependent on the outcome of Prop8, the amendment to California's constitution which defines marriage as between a man and a woman. Should it pass, Newsom's out. Even if it loses, Newsom's chances don't improve all that much.

A more likely candidate who could bridge the gap and would have an excellent chance of carrying the state would be Jerry Brown. And on the GOP side, it's shaping up that the Republicans might put up Meg Whitman, who could have the distinction of being the first female governor of California.

[radlib1]

Maybe the odds are against Gavin Newsom, but I like his approach to politics -- and, in particular, talking about gay marriage in the context of "equality" and "civil rights."

Jerry Brown I've always voted for, but maybe we need new, younger, fresher, feistier blood for our Governor.

[Eric8869]

I can't speak for the entire gay community but I know my friends and I just love this man. He is a true hero to us....and cute too. :)

[Angus703]

Gavin is doing a great job from what I read in the news. It would be good to see him as governor of California. Though I don't hear much negative press about Arnold, a conservative but a California conservative which is always a nice change.

[JackNasty]

At last, the Democrats have candidate who doesn't retreat on the issue of equal protection under the law for all Americans.

[JackND]

and controversial -- policies on same-sex marriage, healthcare and other issues."

Those "other issues" involving illegal immigration.