Gov. Gavin Newsom grinned like Cheshire at civil rights icon Jesse Jackson’s public memorial service Friday – treating it as a campaign event as the rumored 2028 presidential hopeful schmoozed with Democratic heavyweights including Presidents Obama and Clinton.
The California governor was pictured working the room and snapping selfies with Democratic party elites, as thousands of people gathered at a church on Chicago’s South Side to pay a final public tribute to Jackson.
In one telling moment, Obama, who was front row at the event, turned around and pointed directly at Newsom, who’s also been on the publicity trail for his book “Young Man in a Hurry.”
Gov. Gavin Newsom was one of many Democratic stars at Jesse Jackson’s Chicago memorial service. AFP via Getty Images
Barack Obama pointed at Newsom, an expected 2028 presidential contender. APSocial media was buzzing Friday analyzing the meaning of the gesture.
“Wow.. Newsom was just annointed by Obama,” wrote one X user.
“As good as an endorsement. This is Obama crowning Gavin,” another chimed in.
Others were more skeptical, pointing out that it’s normal to greet people at events.
Former vice president Kamala Harris, Rev. Al Sharpton, and former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, also attended the Friday event at the House of Hope.
The event was celebratory and upbeat, with performances by a gospel choir and Jennifer Hudson, BeBe Winans and Pastor Marvin Winans.
Attendees chanted, “I am somebody!” and “Keep hope alive!” — two of Jackson’s best-known catchphrases.
Newsom glad-handed guests including political and civil rights leaders. AFP via Getty Images
The governor hugged and took selfies at the packed service at House of Hope. AFP via Getty ImagesPresident Trump did not attend due to his schedule and ongoing events, a White House official told Reuters.
In his speech to the service, Obama decried the state of America under the Trump administration, without explicitly naming the commander in chief.
“Each day we wake up to some new assault on our Democratic institutions, another setback to the idea of the rule of law, an offense to common decency. Every day you wake up to, to things you just didn’t think were possible,” Obama said.
Obama credited Jackson with inspiring him to run for president, having watched Jackson’s own White House bid in 1984.
Newsom was pictured hamming it up with guests at the service. AFP via Getty Images
Newsom has batted away questions about his rumored 2028 presidential bid. Getty Images“He paved the road for so many others to follow,” Obama said at the service.
Newsom, meanwhile, has dodged questions about his widely expected 2028 White House bid, telling The Post last month that it was “wildly premature” to speculate.
