During a recent interview on Fox News, California Gov. Gavin Newsom refused to pledge against challenging President Joe Biden for the 2024 Democratic presidential nomination.
Newsom's conversation with host Fox host Sean Hannity reportedly will air on the network Monday night and includes a brief discussion about a potential presidential bid.
"I can see where you are going with that and, no, I'm not answering," Newsom said to Hannity in a combative exchange, according to the Daily Mail.
Newsom was also hesitant to answer questions about Biden's physical and cognitive condition, which has resurfaced after the 80-year-old commander in chief fell at a military ceremony this month.
Newsom was not reluctant to criticize Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and other red-state governors' relocating of illegal immigrants to blue states, calling the practice an embarrassing and pathetic stunt.
But Newsom praised former President Donald Trump's behavior and policy decisions after the COVID-19 pandemic.
"It was incredible. He [Trump] would play no politics during COVID with California. He played none whatsoever. It's a fact," Newsom said. "And by the way, I've got a lot of critique from the left by saying that."
Biden's top opponents in the 2024 primary thus far are anti-vaccine activist and attorney Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the son of former United States Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy; and author Marianne Williamson.
A recent poll from Suffolk University and USA Today showed Biden with a 43-point lead over Kennedy (58% to 15%), with Williamson coming in a distant third at 6%.