In his recently published memoir, Gov. Gavin Newsom takes readers along on his hurried journey of self-discovery. 

What, exactly, does Gavin Newsom believe? 

It’s hard enough for us Californians to answer that question. It’s probably even more difficult for the typical American voter in other states, who will determine whether he has a shot at the presidency in 2028.

There are, after all, a lot of contradictions. 

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Newsom first made international headlines with his trailblazing decision as mayor of San Francisco to allow same-sex couples to marry, despite prohibitions in federal and state law and the disapproval of many mainstream Democrats. Contrast that with his recent comments that it’s “deeply unfair” for transgender athletes to compete in girls’ and women’s sports and his argument that Democrats need to be more “culturally normal.”

This week, Newsom provoked an international uproar when he said that some commentators are “appropriately” describing Israel “as sort of an apartheid state.” This is the same Newsom who flew to Israel weeks after the horrific Oct. 7, 2023, attack by Hamas and asserted Israel’s right to defend itself, saying, “We stand by you.”

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Is Newsom a man of nuance or a political opportunist?

With his gelled hair, designer suits, taste for expensive wine and deep family connections to San Francisco’s elite, he exudes — more than any other sensibility — privilege. He often acts like a caricature — as when he was caught dining at the Michelin-starred French Laundry restaurant with a group of lobbyists amid pandemic lockdowns. 

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The title of Newsom’s new book, “Young Man in a Hurry: A Memoir of Discovery” — with its somewhat........

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