Gov. Gavin Newsom’s New Political War: “Fire with Fire” Strategy Against Trump and Republicans
For years, the Democratic Party has been perceived in the United States as a party that prefers moral superiority but is less likely to take a hardline political stance than Republicans. Political Strike Critics say that where Republicans stick to party lines—even if it hurts their own narrative or brand—Democrats are often slow to react and one step behind.
Political “Trolling” Begins in California
California Governor Gavin Newsom has taken a bold step to break this pattern. He has announced that he will respond to Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s alleged “ragged” plan to redraw congressional districts in Texas by redistricting in his own state.
Newsom adopted Trump’s social media style, issuing statements with all caps, sarcastic phrases, and emotional slogans, in an attempt to test Republicans’ methods on them.
Strategy “Fire with fire”
Newsom says that if Texas creates more seats for Republicans, California will redistrict in a way that will add seats for Democrats. His message is also to other Democratic-majority states such as New Jersey, Illinois, and Maryland: Don’t wait for Texas to do it, but go ahead yourself.
Republican backlash and political war
Governor Greg Abbott warned that if California creates five more Democratic seats, Texas could lose ten Democratic districts. The conflict is being called the “redistricting war” in the US media, where both parties seem ready to use any tactic to win.
Democrats debate strategy
Democratic leaders are divided over whether it is better to troll Trump in his own style or focus on real issues like the economy and inflation.
Representative Richie Torres says Trump’s biggest weakness is inflation, where he is at minus 25 points in public opinion polls.
On the other hand, leaders like Beto O’Rourke are openly saying: “It’s part of the game, there’s no referee here—you have to break the rules and do whatever it takes to win.”
The secret to the message’s success: personality compatibility
Political observers say this strategy can only succeed if the personality of the message-sender is compatible with the style. Leaders like Newsom and J.B. Pritzker are natural at trolling, while some others feel unnatural and weak in this style.
New Media and the Future of Politics
According to experts, politics is now moving away from traditional media and toward social media, vertical videos, and direct digital engagement. Newsom’s strategy recognizes the fact that adapting to new media is essential—or surviving in politics will be difficult.
