By John Q. Hosedrinker 
California Governor Gavin Newsom is employing a communication style reminiscent of Donald Trump, utilizing tactics like capital letters and self-aggrandizing language. He has directly engaged in provocative online exchanges with prominent figures, including responses to criticisms. This approach, seemingly intended to mimic and satirize Trump’s methods, is generating both amusement and consternation within the political landscape. Newsom’s actions are viewed by some as a strategic effort to capture attention and energize his supporters, potentially positioning him favorably for a future presidential run.
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The Democrats have realized how to beat Trump – and he hates it. This isn’t a groundbreaking revelation; rather, it’s the culmination of observing a specific tactic that seems to be effective: fighting fire with fire, or in this case, Trump with Trump. The strategy involves mimicking his style, his syntax, and his self-absorbed persona, all while subtly mocking his weaknesses.
The current poster child for this approach is California Governor Gavin Newsom. He’s embraced the art of the trolling tweet, using it to call out his opponents. He’s calling himself “America’s Most Favorite Governor” and lobbing insults at figures like Fox News anchors, echoing Trump’s own bombastic and often nonsensical communication style. This approach isn’t simply about mimicry, though; it’s a strategic performance designed to trigger the very man it imitates. And the reaction from the Trump camp suggests it’s working. The White House response, or lack thereof, is telling, often resorting to memes and indirect acknowledgments, effectively admitting the tactic’s impact.
Of course, not everyone is convinced this is a long-term winning strategy. Some are skeptical, believing this approach is more of an irritant than a decisive blow, a small victory in a much larger battle. They question whether this social media skirmish translates into real-world wins, or if it’s simply a way to “slightly annoy” him. There are valid concerns that this focus on rhetoric overshadows meaningful policy changes. Many argue that true victory requires dismantling the structures that allowed Trump’s rise in the first place, addressing corruption, and reforming the electoral system. They want to see real action on issues that matter to everyday Americans, not just witty tweets.
There’s a sense of déjà vu, with many pointing out how often we’ve seen this headline before, each time with the same underlying theme of “the Democrats have figured it out.” The skepticism stems from a feeling of being burnt, of having heard this promise before, only to be disappointed. There’s a weariness that comes from seeing social media engagement touted as a substitute for real legislative action and meaningful change.
However, it is important to acknowledge that Trump’s opponents have been forced to adopt a more aggressive stance, given the severity of the situation. Some feel that a more confrontational approach is needed, and a degree of “fighting fire with fire” might be the only way to get through to Trump. It’s a shift away from the more traditional, “high road” approach, driven by the perception that the stakes are too high for civility.
The ultimate question is whether this strategy is sustainable and whether it can translate into tangible wins. The worry is that focusing on “owning” Trump on social media distracts from the real work of policy-making. The people want to see the bills being fixed. The Supreme Court trustworthy once again. The country demands a better electoral system.
While the short-term impact of the trolling may be amusing, the long-term goal is to create substantive, lasting changes, addressing the root causes of the problems, and ensuring that another Trump-like figure never again threatens to destabilize the country.