It’s why ‘he’s been so successful’

California Gov. Gavin Newsom sought to flip anxiety over President Biden’s age on its head, contending that his octogenarian status is actually a strength.

“I’ve seen him up close, I’ve seen him from afar, but here’s my point: It’s because of his age that he’s been so successful,” Newsom told NBC’s “Meet the Press” in an interview that aired Sunday.

At 81, Biden is the oldest president in US history and would be 86 at the conclusion of a hypothetical second term. A bevy of polls have shown deep voter unease about the president’s age.

If former President Donald Trump, 77, wins in November and serves out a full term, he would surpass Biden as the oldest president in US history by several months.

Newsom, 56, who has stoked presidential speculation in his own right, has emerged as one of Biden’s most forceful surrogates.

The Golden State governor categorically ruled out running for the presidency in 2024, as he has done repeatedly, and underscored his fealty to Biden.

“It’s not even an interesting conversation,” Newsom said, ruling out a run “100%” when asked. “By the way, I think it’s a damning conversation frankly the other side wants us to have.”

He sidestepped questions about whether he’s gotten any calls to run, calling it “idle chatter.”

Newsom further hailed Biden for delivering a “record of accomplishments…the likes of which we couldn’t have dreamt.”

A smattering of Democrats have publicly and quietly expressed misgivings over Biden’s prospects in the expected rematch with Trump.

Newsom was bullish about Biden’s chances and does not believe Democrats are underestimating the GOP frontrunner.

“No. Well, I think [Trump is] weakness masquerading as strength. I think he’s more unhinged,” Newsom said. “He’s less interesting than he was even a few years ago.”

“Democrats are stronger, we’re winning. ’18, ’20, ’22, ’23,” Newsom argued, referring to Democratic victories at the polls in those years. “We continue to outperform and Donald Trump is a big part of that.”

Newsom also contended that Biden should debate Trump ahead of the general election.

“Biden beat Trump in the prior debates. I look forward to [it],” Newsom said, adding that Biden should “100%” square off against his predecessor.

Trump has repeatedly goaded Biden into verbally squaring off with him, telling Fox News in a town hall last week, “I’ll do it right now on your show.”

“That’s just pure projection on a guy who refused to debate in his own primary. Back to my point weakness masquerading as strength,” Newsom said of Trump’s taunts.

The Commission on Presidential Debates has already scheduled three 2024 matchups, but the Republican National Committee has been feuding with the group, raising questions about whether they’ll actually come to fruition.

Newsom carefully navigated questions about Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) who has urged Michigan Democrats to vote uncommitted instead of for Biden during the Feb. 27 primary to protest his handling of the war in Israel.

“I have great respect — people have differences of opinion,” Newsom said. “I deeply am mindful about the humanitarian crisis and that’s what she’s expressing.”

“As it relates to Biden and as it relates to this primary, it’s not even a close bet or call.”

He also said that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is “doubling down on stupid” by “walking away” from a potential two-state solution.

Newsom’s super PAC, Campaign for Democracy, is set to launch a spot in Tennessee to bash Republicans over abortion.

The ad showcases a woman screaming and handcuffed to a hospital bed. A narrator then claims that “Republicans want to criminalize young women who travel to receive the reproductive care they need.”