Colleagues say Newsom could use a wake-up call

San Francisco Chronicle ^ | 11/3/9 | C.W. Nevius

[SmithL]

Last week, San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom, the boy-wonder politician sought out by network cameras at the Democratic National Convention, profiled in Newsweek and the New York Times, was forced to pull out of the race for California governor before opponent Jerry Brown even officially declared his candidacy.

Newsom's campaign wasn't sputtering. It never got off the ground. A candidate who raised nearly $6 million for his 2003 bid for mayor (with maximum contributions limited to $500) only raised a little over $3 million this time, according to the California secretary of state's office.

It was a harsh political lesson. But former supporters and staffers, speaking anonymously, are hoping it will force Newsom to take a hard look at himself, both as a candidate and as a person. They ask why Newsom, who looks like the ideal telegenic candidate, inspires such little personal loyalty and connection.

As one former insider said, in a group of 30 to 3,000 people, Newsom is one of the best politicians he's ever seen. But one on one, he's one of the worst.

There is an element of pettiness to this. Some of those who are speaking up have axes to grind. But even valued, trusted members of Newsom's staff have begun to back away from him in the past 12 months. It is a distressing trend for any politician to find that the closer people get, the less they seem to like you.

Newsom's personal style can be off-putting. He occasionally flashes a self-deprecating sense of humor, but people often mention his self-absorption and lack of interest in others.

And sure, a healthy ego is almost a prerequisite for a politician with national aspirations.

But in Newsom's case it ties into other issues. He isn't eager to schmooze other politicians.

[SmithL]

Send in the wife of another aide. He'll perk right up.

[edcoil]

He didn’t get it - weather he liked it or not.

[theDentist]

Does California law require he return that $3 million to his supporters?

[SoldierDad]

A co-worker told me two weeks ago she was voting for Newsom because her gay brother told her he was going to vote for Newsom - apparently the gay brother thinks Newsom is gay also. I told her that was a pathetic reason for voting for a candidate for Governor.

[Malone LaVeigh]

It is a distressing trend for any politician to find that the closer people get, the less they seem to like you.

I'm about as far away as I can get and I've never liked anything about him.

[AuH2ORepublican]

I think that you should encourage her to write-in Newson for Governor. : )

[SoldierDad]

I quite agree - that’ll mean one less vote for the libtard candidate. ;)

[attiladhun2]

Pathetic? Yes, but voting for Zero because he is black or cool is equally pathetic.