If Maryland’s Governor Wants to Lead the Nation, He Needs to Start Acting Like He’s Already Running It
By Barry O’Connell
Let’s be blunt: Gavin Newsom is eating Wes Moore’s lunch.
While California’s governor is out here trolling Donald Trump with AI-generated memes, all-caps tweets, and redistricting warfare, Moore is still playing the dignified statesman—delivering eloquent speeches, hosting town halls, and insisting he’s “not running” for president. That’s noble. But it’s also naïve.
In the age of algorithmic politics, gravitas alone doesn’t cut it. If Moore wants to be a serious contender in 2028, he needs to stop auditioning for The West Wing and start throwing elbows in the digital octagon.
🧠 The Newsom Playbook: Troll, Trend, Repeat
Newsom’s strategy is simple and brutal:
- Mock Trump as “President Bone Spurs”
- Flood social media with parody content that dominates the algorithm
- Lead aggressive redistricting efforts that make national headlines
- Raise millions in days while Moore is still “pondering” his next move
It’s not just trolling—it’s tactical. Newsom is building a brand that’s emotionally resonant, visually viral, and politically lethal. Moore, meanwhile, is trailing in national polls with less than 3% support.
🧭 Moore’s Moment Is Now—Not 2030
Moore says he’s focused on Maryland. Fine. But the country is watching. His appearances in South Carolina, his keynote at the Gridiron Club, and his increasingly combative tone toward Trump all scream pre-campaign positioning. So why the hesitation?
David Axelrod put it best:
> “Moore is a powerful, bright, charismatic figure… But if he’s too craven about capitalizing on the opportunity of fighting with Trump… that would be a mistake.”
Translation: Stop waiting. Start swinging.
🎭 Hire the Comedy Writers, Wes
Moore has the résumé: Army veteran, nonprofit CEO, bestselling author. He has the charisma. He has the moral clarity. What he lacks is the meme muscle—the ability to weaponize satire, spectacle, and digital chaos the way Newsom does.
Imagine Moore’s team producing:
- A parody video of Trump trying to spell “Baltimore”
- A TikTok series called “Moore Than Trump” featuring Gen Z creators
- A merch line that says “Defend Democracy. Defund Narcissism.”
It’s not about cheap shots—it’s about emotional resonance. Moore needs to make voters feel something. Right now, Newsom is making them laugh, rage, and donate. Moore is making them nod politely.
🗳️ 2028 Democratic Primary Standings (August 2025)
According to the latest Emerson College and Morning Consult polls:
| Candidate | National Support (%) | Notes |
|------------------------------|----------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Gavin Newsom | 25% | Surging due to aggressive anti-Trump trolling and redistricting push |
| Pete Buttigieg | 16% | Steady, but overshadowed by Newsom’s media dominance |
| Kamala Harris | 11% | Former nominee, now slipping in visibility and support |
| Josh Shapiro | 5% | Pennsylvania Governor, gaining traction in swing states |
| Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez| 4% | Popular among progressives, but not expanding base |
| Wes Moore | <3% | Rising star, but not yet breaking through nationally |
| Others (Whitmer, Pritzker, Beshear, Booker, etc.) | <3% | Mentioned, but not polling significantly |
🗳️ Final Thought: The Presidency Isn’t Awarded. It’s Taken.
If Wes Moore wants to be president, he needs to act like he already is. That means leading the national conversation, dominating the digital battlefield, and refusing to let Gavin Newsom define the Democratic resistance.
Because if Moore waits until 2030, he may find the moment—and the movement—has already passed him by.