Gavin Newsom says Kamala Harris is ‘naturally the one lined up’ to succeed Joe Biden

Appearing to dismiss the possibility of throwing his own hat into the ring, Newsom said he fully supported a Biden/Harris ticket going into 2024, adding that he was confident the current leadership team would defeat their Republican counterparts and win reelection.

"Filing deadlines haven't passed; if President Biden doesn't run, why shouldn't we consider you a likely candidate?" Chuck Todd asked.

"I think the vice president is naturally the one lined up," Newsom replied, pointing out that filing deadlines were quickly approaching.

"We need to move past this notion that he's not going to run, President Biden is going to run and looking forward to getting reelected," he added.

Newsom slammed Democrats and their supporters for "wallowing" at the thought of Biden seeking a second term, claiming he firmly believed the current commander-in-chief has what it takes to come out on top.

"Am I supposed to interpret that comment about the vice president that if, for some reason, the president chose not to run at this point, everyone rallies around her?"

"It's the 'Biden/Harris administration'," Newsom replied, adding, "maybe I'm a little old fashioned about presidents and vice presidents."

During a recent interview with the Associated Press, Harris was asked if she felt prepared to "step into the role" of president if necessary, with the reporter citing Biden's age.

"Every vice president ... understands that when they take the oath, that they must be very clear about the responsibility they may have to take over the job of being president," Harris replied. "I am no different."

Harris has faced growing disapproval during her time as vice president, however, Democratic strategists and allies have repeatedly shut down any suggestion that she is not fit for the job by chalking up criticism to "racism" alongside a slew of other conversation-ending terms.