California Governor Gavin Newsom is facing a massive backlash after a viral clip showed him discussing his poor academic performance while addressing a Black audience in Atlanta. During a book tour stop for his memoir "Young Man in a Hurry," Newsom attempted to bond with the crowd by revealing his 960 SAT score and his inability to read speeches. "I'm not, you know, I'm not trying to impress you, I'm just trying to impress upon you, I'm like you. I'm no better than you," Newsom told Mayor Andre Dickens and the gathered attendees.
The clip, which has surpassed 20 million views, has been condemned by conservatives as a display of "soft bigotry" and condescension. Critics argued that Newsom was intentionally slowing his speech and altering his cadence to sound "down" with the Black community. Rapper Nicki Minaj blasted the governor on X, stating, "His way of bonding with black ppl is to tell them how stupid he is & that he can’t read."
GOP Senator Ted Cruz and other prominent conservatives labeled the performance "disqualifying" for a potential 2028 presidential run. Jennifer Sey, CEO of XX-XY Athletics, questioned how the governor could be "more racist" by suggesting a low SAT score makes him "just like" a Black audience. Statistics show that the average SAT score for white students is approximately 1082, while the average for Black students is around 908, a gap often cited in debates over the "soft bigotry of low expectations."
Newsom’s office quickly pivoted to damage control, blaming "MAGA-manufactured outrage" for the negative reception of the video. Spokesperson Izzy Gardon claimed the governor was simply being open about his lifelong struggle with dyslexia. "The same people who excused or ignored Trump’s racist ape video can go f--- themselves," Gardon said in a blunt statement to the press.
The governor’s "dyslexia" defense has done little to quiet the "clown show" of criticism on social media. Outkick founder Clay Travis noted that if a Republican had made similar comments, their political career would be over instantly. Mark Levin and Carol Swain also slammed the "liberal racism" on display, arguing that Newsom’s remarks were a "moronic" attempt at identity politics.
As Newsom continues his national tour, the "960 SAT guy" comment is being viewed as a significant hurdle for his 2028 ambitions. While he seeks to position himself as a relatable alternative to the coastal elite, critics say he only succeeded in exposing a "disgraceful" lack of respect for minority voters. For now, the governor remains a "young man in a hurry" to outrun a gaffe that many believe will haunt his political future.