Gavin Newsom Publishes Memoir About Difficult Path and Confrontation with Trump

California Governor Gavin Newsom has published his political memoir in Germany. The book is titled "A Young Man in a Hurry," and on the German market it was published as "Mein Leben für die Demokratie" by S. Fischer Verlag. In the publication, Newsom, considered one of the leading Democrats and a potential candidate for higher office, openly writes about obstacles in his career. The father of four describes his battle with dyslexia, a reading disorder, and problems with alcohol. He recalls the difficult and challenging path to becoming governor of the most populous U.S. state. Gavin Newsom began his political career in San Francisco, where in 2004, at age 36, he became the city's youngest mayor in over a century. In 2011, he assumed the role of Lieutenant Governor of California, and in 2019 became governor, succeeding Jerry Brown. From the start of his term, he has pursued policies sharply at odds with the Trump administration, particularly on climate and immigration issues. A significant portion of the book is devoted to relations with Donald Trump. Newsom details their first personal meeting, which took place in November 2018. The meeting occurred shortly after Newsom's election as governor, during Trump's visit to Northern California. The president had come to see the aftermath of devastating wildfires that had claimed dozens of lives. During a joint flight, Newsom admits he was in a way fascinated by his political opponent. „My worst nightmare has come true. The expression on Trump's face was that of a man who cannot believe that the fraud he has perpetrated on the American people has actually been successful.” — Gavin Newsom This statement forms the core of the criticism Newsom directs at the former president. However, the book is not solely an attack. It also contains reflections on his own mistakes and weaknesses, aiming to portray the politician as a flesh-and-blood human being. Publishing the memoir in Germany may be part of a broader strategy to build Newsom's international image.