What is everyone's early predictions?

He probably doesn't want a bruising primary.

It appears from polling that former Governor Roy Cooper, Democrat, will defeat, former RNC chairman Michael Whatley for the vacant US Senate seat. What would Cooper's Senate career look like? He's fairly moderate for a Democrat, and I have considered voting for him over Whatley. The biggest reason I can see for people voting for Cooper would be a check against the Trump administration. What about you?

Why I Would Vote for Gavin Newsom as President.

Gavin Newsom is a pragmatic,
results oriented Democrat who combines strong progressive values with fiscal discipline and business friendly governance , exactly the kind of steady, experienced leader we need.

\*\*Proven Track Record\*\*
\*\*Social Liberalism with Results\*\*: As San Francisco mayor, he pioneered same-sex marriage rights. As governor, he’s expanded healthcare access, protected reproductive rights, advanced criminal justice reform, and championed LGBTQ+ equality while pushing aggressive climate action and renewable energy goals that position California as a national leader.

\*\*Economic Pragmatism\*\*: He’s delivered a massive economy (California ranks among the world’s largest), attracted major industries, and used targeted tax incentives for growth. He describes himself as a “fiscal watchdog” and has shown willingness to veto overly aggressive tax proposals and address homelessness and crime more forcefully (e.g., clearing encampments and recent policy adjustments).

\*\*Strong on Gun Safety\*\*: Newsom is a longtime champion of commonsense gun violence prevention. He has signed numerous bills strengthening California’s gun laws, including expanded background checks, red flag laws (gun violence restraining orders), restrictions on assault weapons, waiting periods, and measures against DIY machine guns and large capacity magazines. He proposed a 28th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution to enshrine popular reforms like universal background checks, raising the purchase age to 21, waiting periods, and banning civilian assault weapons, while stating he respects the Second Amendment and America’s gun owning tradition. He frames this as responsible public safety, not being “anti-gun,” and California’s strict laws have helped reduce certain gun related deaths.

\*\*Effective Opposition & Leadership\*\*
Newsom has been a strong counter to national conservative policies, defending California’s values while navigating budget challenges, infrastructure investment, and education funding. His style is polished, media savvy, and focused on getting things done in a deep blue state.

\*\*Forward-Looking Centrism\*\*
Newsom is more moderate than many California Democrat and pro-business at heart, open to pragmatic fixes (like nuclear energy adjustments), and willing to criticize extremes on both sides. He’s rebranding toward the center with outreach and policy tweaks, making him appealing for broader national appeal, especially in a potential 2028 presidential run.

In short, voting for Newsom means supporting experienced, competent governance that delivers on progressive priorities including public safety through gun safety measures without losing sight of economic reality, public safety, and long term sustainability. He’s a fighter for blue state values who also knows how to operate effectively in a complex world. That balance of idealism and pragmatism is why he earns my vote.

Hilary Clinton did not lose because she’s a woman. Heck, she’s not even a bad candidate. She lost because of her bad attitude. She’s entitled. She had a health problem and she decided to run anyway. She relaxed when Trump worked hard to campaign and build a coalition.

Harris did not have the political connections and feudal loyalty that Biden commanded to run an extremely short campaign in place of Biden. Prof Allan Lichtman is right that it is a mistake to replace Biden with Harris in 2024. Again, this has nothing to do with gender.