Gavin Newsom labels Democratic brand 'toxic'

There is no honour in kicking a man when he’s down, even in a political party, for that matter.

- Stephanie Finucane

There is no honour in kicking a man when he's down - or a political party, for that matter.

Yet that's exactly what Gov. Gavin Newsom did on Friday when he appeared as a guest on Bill Maher's "Real Time" talkshow. Newsombranded the Democratic Party "toxic," which seems like a weird way to go after the Democratic presidential nomination, if that's what he's after. (Maher tried to pin him down on his presidential aspirations, but Newsom would not take the bait.)

Remember, it was only six or so months ago that Newsom-then the leading political surrogate for former President Joe Biden - was enthusiastically drawing a stark contrast between the two parties. If the Democratic brand became toxic within that short time, sounds like he's part of the problem. Still, Friday's discussion might have been valuable if Newsom had shared some worthwhile tips on how to politically detox. He did not. He told Dems to, in effect, stop being uppity and grow up.