Advisors to U.S. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have voiced their displeasure over the proposed debate between California's Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom and Florida's Republican Governor Ron DeSantis, a potential 2024 Republican presidential candidate, calling it a sign of disrespect.
What Happened: A number of political advisors close to Biden and Harris have taken issue with Newsom's debate plans with DeSantis, NBC News reported.
"It's disrespectful," remarked an external advisor to Harris, highlighting that Biden and Harris are the Democratic frontrunners. "Joe Biden is running with Kamala Harris. That's the Democratic ticket."
These advisors reportedly view Newsom's actions as problematic, mainly due to his readiness to engage DeSantis in a debate. While they no longer see Newsom as a potential primary rival to Biden, they fear this proposed debate may bring more harm than good. "What he's doing here is appropriate for a surrogate. It would not be appropriate for the president or the vice president," said one Biden adviser.
Why It Matters: The debate is intended to be broadcast on Fox News. The news of Newsom's intention to debate DeSantis has been particularly ill-received by those in Harris's inner circle. Some see it as Newsom's attempt to position himself as a potential contender for the 2028 Democratic presidential primary.
The proposed debate has been a topic of discussion since June 2023, when Newsom first expressed his willingness to debate DeSantis. The Florida governor, in August, agreed to participate in a debate moderated by Fox News. This planned debate is the latest development in the ongoing political rivalry between the two governors, which has included public criticism from Newsom over DeSantis's policies.