California Governor Newsom hires Bill Clinton’s spin doctor as pressure mounts for his recall

The former acting Director of National Intelligence Richard Grenell claimed that Newsom is now "panicking" amid ousting calls from his outraged constituents. His appointment of the decorated career Democrat attempts to revive his dismal reputation, Grenell argued.

Newsom is facing overwhelming resentment from small business owners who he forced to close down their mom-and-pop shops due to his stay-at-home orders while big box retailers were permitted to remain open.

The anti-Newsom grassroots organization—that's "not conservative or liberal," but a "mass uprising"—accuses the governor of continuing to "destroy the lives and businesses of hardworking Californians. Help stop this tyrant before it's too late."

"Are you tired of being locked up, unable to make a living, at the same time as California’s prisons are being emptied?" the group questions, lambasting the state's COVID-19 lockdown. "Do you wonder why Gavin Newsom’s cronies are building 'supportive housing' for the homeless at a cost of over a half-million dollars per unit, instead of just getting them help in less expensive facilities?"

The site itself points to the statewide failures such as unaffordable housing, record homelessness, rising crime failing schools, independent contractors thrown out of work, and exploding pension debt—all under Newsom.

"Hold Gavin Newsom accountable. Gavin Newsom must go," critics fired at the state leader. To date, the petition to recall Newsom has reached over 900,000 signatories, which is 60 percent of the targeted goal. A total of 1,495,709 valid signatures are needed to force a special election under California election code. The deadline to reach this milestone is extended now until March 10, 2021.

Myers was picked to become Newsom's chief economic and business adviser earlier this month, Times of San Diego reported. The Los Angeles native rose to prominence when she served as the first female White House press secretary in history during the first two years of Clinton's tenure. Her $200,000 per year cabinet-level position with Newsom does not require Senate confirmation.

She joined Newsom's team in May, volunteering at the peak of the COVID-19 public health crisis as the administration grappled with the state's pandemic-stricken economy. Myers specifically aided the Task Force on Business and Jobs Recovery.

"With more than three decades of experience in both the public and private sectors—in California and nationally—Dee Dee brings an ability to work across sectors, ensuring that our recovery is built upon common ground and common solutions," Newsom announced mid-December via press release.

"There are challenges—but a lot of opportunities here," Myers told Politico, adding that she's eager "to get these businesses, and small businesses, back on their feet and provide resources and capital" alongside her fellow Santa Clara University graduate.

Her move to Newsom's inner circle marked an imperative seasoned addition, given her national profile on networks and cable television. The communications veteran's background could rebound Newsom after multiple political gaffes.

Before joining the Clinton presidential bid in 1991, Myers worked on numerous local, state and national campaigns. She was Sen. Dianne Feinstein's press secretary during her failed 1990 gubernatorial run in California. Myers cut her teeth working on the staffs of Los Angeles Mayor Tom Bradley and California State Sen. Art Torres.

After her White House departure, Myers worked as a political analyst, commentator, and writer. She also contributed to Vanity Fair. She is author of the New York Times best-selling book "Why Women Should Rule the World." Among her stints, she co-hosted the CNBC political talk show "Equal Time" and acted as a consultant on the Emmy Award-winning drama series "The West Wing."

She heads Wynn Resorts, the Nevada-based conglomerate of restaurants, hotel, hospitality, and gambling interests. She received $408,156 in compensation last year for her board member role. Myers will retain her Wynn position, she noted.

Previously, she was the executive vice president of Worldwide Corporate Communications and Public Affairs for Warner Bros. Prior to that, she was the managing director of the Glover Park Group, counseling corporate and nonprofit clients on strategic and crisis communications, reputation management, and strategic positioning.