Newsom Faces Backlash Over SAT Comment
A viral clip of Gavin Newsom saying he's a '960 SAT' student and 'cannot read a speech' drew conservative outrage and critics warned it could hurt his 2028 prospects.
Overview
A viral clip posted by the conservative account End Wokeness shows Gov. Gavin Newsom telling Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens he was a "960 SAT" student and that he "cannot read a speech."
The clip surfaced while Newsom was promoting his memoir on a book tour tied to the book's Feb. 24 release.
Conservative figures including Sen. Ted Cruz and rapper Nicki Minaj criticized the remarks as patronizing or racist, while Newsom spokeswoman Izzy Gardon called the backlash "MAGA-manufactured outrage."
The clip has been viewed over 20 million times, and critics said it could damage Newsom's standing as a top contender for the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination.
Newsom's tour began Feb. 21 in Nashville and continues with appearances listed for Feb. 23 in Rock Hill, Feb. 24 in New York, Feb. 28 in San Francisco and March 3 in Los Angeles.
Analysis
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Sources (8)
FAQ
Newsom told Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, 'I’m like you. I’m not better than you. I’m a 960 SAT guy. You’ve never seen me read a speech, because I cannot read a speech,' while promoting his memoir.
Conservatives, including Sen. Ted Cruz, Sen. Tim Scott, and Rep. Randy Fine, accused Newsom of patronizing Black audiences by implying low SAT scores and poor reading skills are relatable traits, labeling it racist or the 'bigotry of low expectations'.
Newsom spokeswoman Izzy Gardon called the backlash 'MAGA-manufactured outrage,' and Newsom defended the comments as sharing his personal experience with dyslexia to relate to the audience.
The remarks were made during a book tour event in Atlanta at the Rialto Center for the Arts, promoting his memoir 'Young Man in a Hurry,' in conversation with Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens; the tour includes stops in Nashville, Rock Hill, New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles.
History
4 sources