California Governor Gavin Newsom (D) expressed his disappointment in Wednesday night’s Republican presidential debate, describing it as a “nothingburger.” In a conversation with MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow following the event, Newsom revealed that he had higher expectations.
“Honestly, more disappointed in it than I was expecting,” Newsom told Maddow.
However, one particular moment ignited his frustration: when former Vice President Mike Pence proposed expedited executions as a solution to mass shootings. Newsom vehemently criticized this proposal, labeling it as “pathetic” and highlighting Pence’s consistent promotion of this idea over several months. He admitted to cringing every time he heard such a suggestion.
“Pathetic. Absolutely pathetic,” Newsom said. “He’s been saying this now for months. I cringe every time I hear this.”
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Newsom argued that most mass shooters do not anticipate surviving their attacks, rendering expedited executions an ineffective deterrent. He found it absurd that this was presented as a solution during the debate, considering that guns are the leading cause of death among young people.
“What a joke, that that somehow is a deterrent,” he remarked. “Number one killer of our kids is guns, and that was a solution tonight, that was a debate for the next president of the United States on how to deal with mass shootings? I don’t want to say disqualifying. But honestly, for a former vice president, pathetic.”
Newsom has been a vocal advocate for stronger gun control measures and recently signed a California law imposing an 11 percent tax on the sale of firearms and ammunition. While the federal government also imposes taxes on these items, California is the first state to implement its own dedicated tax.
See his full interview with Maddow below:
