Newsom’s Campaign Website Reveals Narrow Political Base

On March 15, Gavin Newsom formally launched his re-election campaign website with a mass e-mail, inviting San Franciscans to “be a part of this great conversation.” But with all the talk that the Mayor is unbeatable because he is so popular and has “expanded” his political base, Newsom’s campaign website does not reflect the diversity of support that one would expect him to have. While a popular incumbent with no declared challenger could afford to run a positive campaign message of unity, Newsom’s website is replete with divisive attacks on the Board of Supervisors – with a strange focus on Municipal Wi-Fi. Meanwhile, the website links to alternative media sources like Beyond Chron with a derisive but back-handed compliment – “mean but interesting” – showing once again that the Mayor is deeply sensitive to any criticism.