California, Governor Newsom's home state, stands as a symbol of modern liberal ideology. It frequently serves as a target for attacks from voters across the political spectrum, according to AP.

Republicans often cite California as an example of poor governance, characterized by exorbitant tax rates, strict gun control, the sheltering of undocumented immigrants, and excessively progressive movements. Moderate voters express weariness with pressing daily issues such as expensive housing, petty theft, and widespread homelessness on sidewalks. Even within the Democratic Party, many are disappointed that despite its progressive reputation, the wealth gap in California is profound, with a stark contrast between the working class and Silicon Valley billionaires.

Vera DeVito, a 78-year-old Democratic Party member, believes it will be difficult for Newsom to garner national support. "Everyone thinks California is different, especially in the South. They're not keen on California", she stated.

In the nearly half a century since former California Governor Ronald Reagan was elected president, the state has seen a long list of candidates fail in their White House bids. These include Governor Pete Wilson, Governor Jerry Brown, businessman Tom Steyer, and most recently, Vice President Kamala Harris.

The California governor at a campaign event in South Carolina on 4/9. Photo: AP

Despite this challenging history, Newsom makes no secret of his presidential ambitions. In a recent interview, he left open the possibility of announcing his decision before the end of this year.

Last month, Newsom visited South Carolina from 9-12/9, ostensibly to bolster support for the Democratic Party ahead of the November midterm elections. He framed this as part of his "Take Back Our Country" campaign, traveling to conservative Southern states to rally voters against Donald Trump and Republicans.

This marked Newsom's third visit to South Carolina during the midterm election season. AP noted that Newsom's packed schedule in the state was on par with, or even exceeding, a genuine presidential campaign.

In the Democratic primary election process, South Carolina serves as the kick-off state for selecting a presidential candidate in the coming year. A candidate who fails to win or attract voters there has almost no chance of representing the party in the presidential race.

At each stop, Newsom highlighted hundreds of millions of USD that Trump and his family had earned from cryptocurrency and other private business activities since the 2024 election. He also criticized the deployment of National Guard forces to Los Angeles and other major US cities, the presence of federal immigration agents in Los Angeles and other cities, and efforts to obstruct the midterm elections, including recent moves to restrict mail-in voting.

"He has great potential", remarked Kirk Bovill, a 65-year-old actor who attended a Newsom rally. "There's one thing he does well: He's not afraid to confront Trump".

Meanwhile, Republican activists primarily focused on Newsom's connection to California.

CJ Westfall, the Republican Party chairman for Dorchester County, described Newsom as "a far-left Democrat, who is probably the leading candidate in the presidential race right now".

"We don't want Gavin Newsom to turn our South Carolina into a second California", Westfall stated. He was surrounded by Republican banners proclaiming, "Wrong coast, this is the East Coast, not the West Coast" and "Go clean up your own state first".

Newsom's team acknowledges that the "California aversion syndrome" is real, even among some Democratic Party members. However, they argue that the California governor possesses the talent and experience to respond to such criticisms on the national stage. Newsom frequently appears on Fox News and has debated Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.

Newsom (second from left), speaking at Allen University, Columbia on 4/9. Photo: AP

Newsom himself admits that California is both a political liability and his "greatest opportunity".

Indeed, some achievements that critics use to attack him are precisely the issues that could attract strong support from core Democratic voters.

Under Newsom's leadership, California has implemented progressive policies such as: expanding healthcare coverage regardless of immigration status, extending paid sick leave, providing free school meals for all students, mandating a minimum wage of 20 USD per hour for fast-food workers, protecting women from other states who seek abortions, applying strong gun control and climate change response laws, and halting death penalty executions.

California remains the most populous state in the US and boasts the 4th largest economy globally, even as critics decry the state's high taxes, which have driven some businesses and residents to other states. However, the population has rebounded since the Covid-19 downturn.

While South Carolina voters may hold mixed opinions about California, many say they are drawn to Newsom's charismatic image. The 58-year-old Democratic politician exudes the aura of a president "born for television" as he captivates voters in a white shirt, rolled-up sleeves, and no tie.

DeVito believes Newsom still has much work to do if he wants to persuade voters.

"He's a bit slick - smooth talk but no real substance yet", she commented after hearing his speech in Dorchester. "But on the upside, he has a handsome appearance, which somewhat makes up for it".

Hoang Lan (According to AP, Reuters)