California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) said he has seen the memes calling him a “zaddy” and comparing him to Patrick Bateman in “American Psycho.”
“What does Zaddy mean?” Newsom asked his fellow “Politickin’” podcast co-hosts Marshawn Lynch and Doug Hendrickson on Tuesday’s episode.
The governor said he found out he’s famous on TikTok after some teenagers approached him at a Gap clothing store.
“But I don’t know how it’s a compliment that I’m so vampire or some ‘American Psycho,’” Newsom said. “That doesn’t work for me.”
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Lynch responded, telling Newsom he wasn’t sure about the vampire or “American Psycho” comparisons.
“But zaddy,” Lynch said. “Ha.”
Newsom went viral on social media earlier this month after Vice President Kamala Harris lost the presidential election and some Democrats were already planning who might run in 2028. One social media user pointed out that Newsom has been “telegraphing a run for president for like 20 years.” Other users pointed out that Newsom is attractive, calling him “zaddy” and “daddy,” while also potentially a “sociopath.” One user said, “the only thing he hates more than homeless people are Republicans,” a reputation he seemingly earned after he cleared homeless encampments in California. Another user pointed out Newsom’s similarity to Patrick Bateman in “American Psycho.”
On TikTok, users edited videos of Newsom to show off his toned arms and hairstyle. One social media user told HuffPost: “He literally has slicked-back hair. It’s very stereotypical. Just the way he looks at people, it’s really funny. He has glaring eyes.”