As conservatives accuse Newsom of bigotry, California governor's office slams "MAGA-manufactured outrage"
CBS News • • general
Key Points:
- California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens defended Newsom against conservative accusations of racism following comments about his SAT scores during a book promotion event.
- Newsom described himself as a "960 SAT guy" struggling with dyslexia, aiming to connect personally rather than patronize, but conservatives, including Fox News host Sean Hannity and Sen. Tim Scott, interpreted the remarks as racially insensitive.
- Newsom responded by highlighting past racist actions by former President Trump and criticized the conservative backlash as "fake outrage," while his communications director called the accusations manufactured by MAGA supporters.
- Mayor Dickens emphasized the importance of context, stating Newsom's comments were a vulnerable reflection on his academic challenges, not an attack, and underscored Atlanta
