California Governor Gavin Newsom’s recent trip to China took an unexpected turn when he had a stumbling basketball mishap during a visit to a school in Beijing. As Newsom attempted to shoot hoops, he stumbled and accidentally knocked down a child. Both quickly got up, and Newsom checked if the child was okay, patting him on the back and giving him a hug.
Although it was an awkward moment for the Democratic governor, fortunately, no injuries were sustained. Newsom proceeded to engage with the children, showcasing his basketball skills by spinning the ball on his fingertip and making a few shots. His wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, joined in and took a few shots herself. The couple also handed out California-themed pins to the children and continued their visit to a painting class and a school garden.
The purpose of the school visit was to highlight Siebel Newsom’s interest in farm-to-school programs. In California, she actively works to incorporate fresh food from local farms into school meals. The Beijing school visit was one of many stops on Newsom’s busy agenda, which included meetings with President Xi Jinping and visits to five cities in seven days.
While some of Newsom’s activities were focused on economic development and clean energy discussions with government officials, others were clearly designed for visual impact, aimed at enhancing his leadership image. One such event involved Newsom standing on the Great Wall of China, wearing aviator-style sunglasses and displaying a thoughtful expression as he gazed toward the sun. This glamour shot quickly sparked internet memes, with Newsom placed in various settings such as the Oval Office and a homeless encampment.
Newsom’s affinity for eye-catching photos dates back to his early political career. As the mayor of San Francisco in 2004, he and his then-wife Kimberly Guilfoyle posed for Harper’s Bazaar magazine, lying on an opulent rug in the home of the Getty family with Newsom’s arms wrapped around Guilfoyle. This image has endured as a visual punchline for Newsom’s critics.
During his visit to China, a different photo from Newsom’s mayoral days resurfaced. The mayor of Shanghai presented him with a framed photo of his visit to Shanghai in the early 2000s, capturing Newsom shooting hoops with local students in a schoolyard.
Governor Newsom’s trip to China served multiple purposes, allowing him to engage in climate diplomacy, bolster his political image, and demonstrate the risks associated with indulgent photo opportunities. While stumbling during a basketball game may have been a cringeworthy moment for Newsom, his genuine concern for the child’s well-being and his subsequent interaction with the students showcased his personable nature. Ultimately, the trip highlighted California’s commitment to farm-to-school programs and its dedication to combating climate change through international partnerships.
Although some events during the trip were meant for visual spectacle, it is important to recognize the underlying work Newsom conducted during his visit, including discussions on economic development and clean energy. As governor, he continues to strive towards his goal of advancing partnerships to combat climate change.
