California Governor Gavin Newsom is under the microscope as he positions himself for a potential presidential run in 2028. Fueled by his desire for visibility, he faces sharp criticism, not just regarding his policies but even his demeanor—specifically, how he sits.

A recent moment on social media highlighted this scrutiny. Jesse Watters, a Fox News host, shared a clip of an interview with Vice President J.D. Vance, a potential rival for the Republican nomination. Watters couldn’t resist poking fun at Newsom’s unique way of crossing his legs. “Have you seen this guy cross his legs?” he asked, prompting a chuckle from Vance, who replied, “My legs don’t cross like that.” Such remarks tap into a larger narrative surrounding Newsom, where even his physical mannerisms become fodder for public discourse.

In an interview with Andrew Sorkin, Newsom’s unusual sitting posture caught attention, leading to mockery on social media. His official account responded with an AI-generated image of himself in an even stranger pose, accompanied by the caption, “Democracy requires flexibility.” This attempt at humor didn’t resonate well, as users took the opportunity to deride him, some making snide comparisons to the fentanyl crisis plaguing California. One comment read, “@GavinNewsom is sending a special message to all the fentanyl users in our California state in a position they understand!”

Beyond the jesting, the stakes are high for Newsom. As he jostles for the Democratic nomination, he must contend with the sharp contrast between himself and Vance. Amid a political landscape fraught with tension, Vance’s down-to-earth demeanor shines in contrast to Newsom’s perceived pomposity. Vance humorously suggested that “the dumbest candidate will probably win,” a remark that, while light, hints at his view of the current political environment.

This interplay of serious aspirations and viral moments shows how social media can amplify any misstep. Newsom may want to emulate Donald Trump’s command over social media, but his efforts seem misguided, ultimately making him appear somewhat ridiculous.

As 2026 unfolds, the battle lines are already drawn. With candidates like Newsom and Vance emerging, the public will be watching closely to see how their personas and politics develop. In a contest where image can be as impactful as policy, Newsom’s peculiarities might prove to be a double-edged sword.