ABC Host Has Tough Exchange With Newsom Over Claim
California Governor Gavin Newsom made a bold claim on Sunday, stating that President Joe Biden has "the best three-year record of any modern American presidency." The governor made the statement during an interview with ABC News host Jonathan Karl, as he discussed the upcoming midterm elections and the success of the current administration.
Newsom asserted that the focus of the Biden-Harris administration has been on lifting up issues and highlighting their extraordinary successes over the last three years. He emphasized that the administration has the receipts to back up its record and believes that the American people overwhelmingly support their policies.
However, Karl quickly challenged Newsom's claim, pointing out that despite the administration's supposed success, President Biden's approval ratings are historically low. Karl asked Newsom to explain why this is the case, to which the governor responded by saying, "It's been hard globally over the last six, seven years."
Karl then brought up the ongoing border crisis and asked Newsom for specific solutions on how to address the millions of illegal immigrants that have entered the U.S. Newsom once again dodged giving a direct answer, instead blaming Republicans for not taking action on immigration reform.
The governor highlighted the need for a comprehensive conversation about immigration, stating that it is not just about border security but also about finding a pathway to citizenship. He praised President Biden's efforts to address the issue and pointed out that it aligns with former President Reagan's approach. However, Newsom also criticized Republicans for trying to disrupt the Biden administration's progress on the matter.
While Newsom's assertion that President Biden has the best three-year record of any modern American presidency may hold some truth, his administration still faces numerous challenges. The most notable of which is the ongoing border crisis, which has seen a record-breaking influx of illegal immigrants in recent months.
According to recent data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, nearly 190,000 migrants were encountered crossing the southwestern border in June alone. This is the highest monthly total in more than two decades, highlighting the urgency of finding a solution to the crisis.
Newsom's statement also overlooks the fact that even though President Biden's policies may be popular with voters, his overall approval ratings remain low. In fact, as of July 2021, President Biden's approval rating stands at 52%, which is lower than his predecessors at the same point in their presidencies.
It is worth noting that the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has heavily influenced these approval ratings, and it remains to be seen how the situation will evolve in the coming months. However, it is clear that the administration still has work to do to improve its standing with the American people.
In the interview, Newsom also addressed the upcoming midterm elections and the Democrats' strategy to maintain control of Congress. He expressed confidence in their ability to drive contrast with the Republicans and pointed to the party's successes in areas such as infrastructure and economic policies.
Ultimately, Newsom's claims of a successful three-year record for the Biden administration may hold some weight, but they do not tell the full story. With ongoing challenges, including the pandemic and border crisis, it will be crucial for the administration to continue taking action and addressing these issues in the coming months and years. Additionally, the upcoming midterm elections will likely serve as a litmus test for the administration's popularity and impact in the eyes of the American people.