Part 9/11:
The conversation also touches on the strategic advantage of opponents and consultants who attempt to influence perceptions through “background” reporting and targeted messaging. These efforts, while common, are now described as increasingly difficult to execute effectively, especially as candidates like Newsom become more sophisticated in managing their public image.
An important takeaway is that effectively slowing Newsom's momentum through internal leaks or negative campaigning may not be as straightforward as it seems. The consensus is that Newsom is likely to be the Democratic nominee, but opponents will need more than just leaks to diminish his prospects.