THE BUZZ: Nobody was having more fun on the road than Gavin Newsom. Even when it wasn’t entirely clear why he was in the capital of Potato Country, U.S.A. “You’re probably asking yourselves: ‘Why the hell is he here?’” California’s governor said. Spending a chunk of Independence Day weekend shuffling between Boise, Idaho and Bend, Ore., Newsom worked rooms like a Democratic candidate without a national office. He gave full stump speeches, took questions and huddled with Democrats — ostensibly as a super-surrogate for President Joe Biden and their party, but burnishing his own profile in the process. Over the weekend, he swatted at Fox News and its “cynical doom loop”; skewered Donald Trump and suggested the former president would insist on a third term if elected. Newsom lamented recent decisions of the conservative U.S. Supreme Court and challenged fellow college baseball player Ron DeSantis to a home-run hitting contest after DeSantis wouldn’t debate him. In a few days, he’ll head to Utah for more. “I am here in the way more Democrats need to show up here for you and each other,” Newsom eventually explained in Boise. “This ‘rights regression’ is real. This great divergence, it's happening in real time. And I say this not to be pessimistic, because I'm very optimistic, but they’re winning.” The events, while unorthodox, are likely a win-win for Biden and Newsom. They grew from the governor’s penchant for swinging at Republicans and rallying Democrats behind his own more aggressive brand of politics, but also the reality that the White House could use more and younger voices touting Biden’s record, particularly around the economy. “I know this is hard because there's a gap that we have to close,” Newsom said. “And this is my ask of you — to help us close this gap of perception versus performance.” He slipped in plugs for his gun safety amendment. But at several points, it was Newsom who had to answer directly to voters’ gloomy perceptions. At a small fundraiser for Boise Democrats, one donor told Newsom he wasn’t sure if Biden would survive the campaign. What was the party’s backup plan? Newsom said he didn’t think that was needed. He called Biden’s record historic and pronounced himself in awe of the 80-year-old’s skills. Pressed repeatedly, Newsom offered that Kamala Harris was in the “poll position” if Biden couldn’t run. At another point in the day, when Harris’ name came up again amid concerns, Newsom suggested she was finding her stride on abortion issues. And when another man from Boise, wearing a wooden necktie, urged Newsom to help push out Sen. Dianne Feinstein before her planned retirement, Newsom raised his voice. “You think Mitch McConnell is going to seat another federal judge? Not a chance in hell. You better wish, you better pray, for her health,” he said. The man said he hadn’t considered that and backed away. Newsom didn’t seem to mind the attention, let alone the fawning from red-staters eager for some love. It’s a welcome new phase for a politician who ran three elections in four years, including a recall, and faces major challenges at home in his final term. As he prepared to leave, a woman praised Newsom’s recent performance opposite Fox News’ Sean Hannity, questioning how many other Democrats would have been able to pull that off. “Eighty-eight minutes!” Newsom said. “I could have kept on going.” “You’re a scrapper,” the woman replied. “You give it as good as you get.” But Newsom again redirected the conversation back to Biden, comparing himself to another backup player unafraid to throw haymakers — for his team, but also himself. “The Danny Ainge of politics,” Newsom said, chuckling, a reference to the Oregon native and NBA all-star who had his share of epic skirmishes before becoming a team executive fond of bold front office moves. “Scrapper,” he said, trailing off. “That’s a good one.” BUENOS DÍAS, good Wednesday morning. We hope you had a relaxing Fourth of July, however you chose to celebrate America. Sacramentans marked their independence on Monday from the Capitol Annex as wrecking balls brought down the oft-maligned, architecturally curious, fiercely defended office space that hosted generations of staffers, lawmakers and lobbyists. Got a tip or story idea for California Playbook? Hit us up: jwhite@politico.com and lkorte@politico.com or follow us on Twitter @JeremyBWhite and @Lara_Korte. WHERE’S GAVIN? In Montana for a family vacation. QUOTE OF THE DAY: “In the unlikely event I'm not the party nominee, and if Trump or DeSantis or one of the other persons call and ask me to be vice president, I will take the call. I won't let it go to voicemail.” Larry Elder keeps his options open, via Newsweek. | 
