WATCH: Did Newsom Just Admit Biden Is A Cognitive Mess?

As was made evident after the GOP’s second 2024 primary debate, Governor Gavin Newsom (D-CA) relishes the spotlight even in hostile territory. He’s a slimy politician who rarely makes verbal errors. Sure, he lies through his teeth, but that hasn’t stopped his political success.

That made his reaction to Sean Hannity’s comment about President Joe Biden’s mental ability, or lack thereof, all the more interesting Wednesday night.

From the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, Hannity tried goading Newsom into admitting that he wants to run for higher office in 2024. The two yukked it up, smiling and laughing as Hannity laid out the scene, positing that the pomp and circumstance might appeal to Newsom’s presidential ambitions.

“I know the truth, in your heart, in your mind, you want this,” Hannity said as Newsom grinned and shifted in his seat. “But you have basically gone on a media tour sucking up to Joe Biden, and you know he’s a cognitive mess.”

Newsom looked him dead in the eye, and said, “I also know he’s got an extraordinary record to run on,” before getting into a back-and-forth. (emphasis added)

It was easy to miss, but Newsom acknowledged that  Biden is a “cognitive mess.”

Hannity: “You basically have gone on a media tour sucking up to Joe Biden, and you know he’s a cognitive mess.”

Newsom: “I also know he’s got an extraordinary record to run on…”

Did Newsom just admit Biden is a cognitive mess? https://t.co/WbOSjSteYr

— Tim Meads (@TimMeadsUSA) September 28, 2023

Given his political prominence and apparent lust for power, it stands to reason that Newsom knew what he was doing with that answer.

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By praising Biden, he gave himself cover and avoided overtly criticizing the president. Yet by gently admitting Biden’s obvious mental handicaps — and they are obvious— he opened the door for Democrats to consider another possibility.

Today, Newsom finds himself holding a great deal of power in choosing the late Sen. Diane Feinstein’s replacement pick.  Will he use that to his advantage to try and position himself in 2024 or beyond? Only time will tell.

For now, it seems evident that Biden is going to be the 2024 Democratic nominee. But should his health get in the way and actually force him off the ballot, Newsom has primed himself as the heir apparent.

The views expressed in this piece are the author’s own and do not necessarily represent those of The Daily Wire.