California's Gavin Newsom touts his support for President Joe Biden and sidesteps replacement talk

SOUTH HAVEN, Mich. (AP) — California Gov. Gavin Newsom offered a forceful defense of embattled President Joe Biden on Thursday, telling Democrats in Michigan that the 81-year-old president has the record and energy to win a second term despite widespread doubts about his ability to campaign or govern effectively.

“This is a serious moment in American history. It’s not complicated,” Newsom told Van Buren County Democrats, turning their attention to the prospects of another Trump presidency. “What I need to convince you of is not to be fatalistic, not to fall prey to all of this negativity. ... Do more. Worry less.”

Newsom's plea highlights the tenuous balance for Democrats and party lieutenants like the 56-year-old governor: He has long been a top Biden campaign surrogate and was among the governors who rallied behind the president after a private White House session on Wednesday. Yet Newsom himself is among those mentioned as potential replacements should Biden step aside and allow an open convention when Democratic delegates convene in Chicago next month.