Gavin Newsom Criticized for 'Benevolent Bigotry' Toward Black Voters

Columnist argues governor's comments reflect a pattern of Democrats 'dumbing down' language when addressing Black audiences

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In a recent op-ed, conservative commentator Larry Elder criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom for comments he made while addressing a Black audience in Georgia. Newsom claimed he was a '960 SAT guy' who couldn't read speeches, which Elder said exemplified a broader pattern of Democrats 'relating' to Black voters by lowering expectations and promoting policies that keep the Black community 'trapped' in failing schools and the welfare state.

Why it matters

Elder's op-ed taps into longstanding tensions around how Democratic politicians, including President Biden and former President Clinton, have been accused of patronizing Black voters by assuming they lack education and intelligence. The piece also highlights the ongoing debate over school choice and the role of teachers' unions in perpetuating educational inequities that disproportionately impact Black and minority students.

The details

In the op-ed, Elder cites several examples of Democrats making what he calls 'benevolently bigoted' comments when addressing Black audiences, including Biden telling a radio host 'you ain't Black' if you don't support him, and Clinton saying African Americans watch the 'same news at night that ordinary Americans do.' Elder argues these types of remarks reflect a pattern of Democrats 'dumbing down' their language and promoting policies, like opposing school vouchers, that keep Black communities trapped in failing schools and the welfare state.

  • Newsom made the comments while addressing a Black audience in Georgia in 2026.

The players

Gavin Newsom

The Democratic governor of California and a likely 2028 presidential candidate.

Larry Elder

A conservative commentator and author who wrote the op-ed criticizing Newsom's remarks.

Joe Biden

The current President of the United States, who has also been accused of making patronizing comments toward Black voters.

Bill Clinton

The former President of the United States, who was dubbed the 'first Black president' but has also faced criticism for comments perceived as condescending toward African Americans.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Nothing says 'I get you' like assuming your audience bombed the SATs and cannot read particularly well.”

— Larry Elder, Columnist (nypost.com)

“If you have a problem figuring out whether you're for me or Trump, then you ain't black.”

— Joe Biden, President of the United States (nypost.com)

“African-Americans watch the same news at night that ordinary Americans do.”

— Bill Clinton, Former President of the United States (nypost.com)

The takeaway

This op-ed highlights the ongoing debate over how Democratic politicians engage with and appeal to Black voters, with critics arguing that some have relied on patronizing stereotypes and 'benevolent bigotry' rather than substantive policies to address systemic inequities.