Daijiworld Media Network – New York

New York, Feb 25: California Governor Gavin Newsom on Tuesday released his memoir Young Man in a Hurry, a move political experts say is often a precursor to a potential presidential campaign.

Though Newsom has not declared his candidacy for 2028, analysts argue that publishing a book allows a prospective candidate to define their narrative ahead of a national run. Brian Arbour, a political science professor at the City University of New York, described such memoirs as a way to summarize a candidate’s vision and control publicity outside the regular news cycle.

Similarly, Washington State University professor Travis Ridout noted that book tours allow potential candidates to “campaign without really admitting that they are campaigning,” helping them establish credibility and frame their life story on their own terms.

Newsom, however, rejected the suggestion that his memoir is politically timed. The book’s release was delayed by a year due to the January 2025 Los Angeles wildfires. Speaking at a promotional event in New York, the 58-year-old Democrat said the book is not “one of those political books” tied to an election calendar.

“It’s not about the politician. It’s about what shaped me — the events, the travails, the setbacks, self-imposed and otherwise, the insecurities, the anxieties, the regrets,” he told attendees.

In the memoir, Newsom reflects on his dyslexia, his upbringing by a mother working multiple jobs, and his father, a judge connected to some of California’s wealthiest circles. Before entering politics, Newsom built a career in winemaking and hospitality and previously served as mayor of San Francisco.

Other Democrats seen as potential 2028 contenders have also turned to publishing. Josh Shapiro released a book in January, while Cory Booker and Andy Beshear are expected to follow later this year.

At the event, Newsom emphasized that his memoir is not a “10-point plan for America’s renewal” but did criticize Democrats for failing to counter Republicans aggressively enough.

“We just think the facts are going to bear up. We can win the argument. We can moralize this… That doesn’t work anymore with Donald Trump, we have to fight fire with fire,” he said, referring to Donald Trump.

Political observers also noted the locations of Newsom’s book tour, which include not only New York but also Georgia, South Carolina, and New Hampshire — states that play pivotal roles in presidential primaries. Experts suggest the stops may be aimed at broadening his appeal, particularly among African-American Democratic voters in the South.

Newsom, California’s governor since 2019, maintains that he has not yet decided whether to run in 2028. He told CNN that any such decision would be made in consultation with his wife and four children.