The uncertainty that engulfed the Democratic Party after CNN’s presidential debate is the type of chaos that Las Vegas’ bookmakers thrive on.

Shortly after President Biden’s disappointing-to-party-elders performance, the odds against his November re-election soared. Should Biden withdraw or the party mount a successful effort to take him off the ballot, moving up the charts as possible replacements are, in the order that Las Vegas oddsmakers list them, California Governor Gavin Newsom, Vice President Kamala Harris, former first lady Michelle Obama, and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer.

Las Vegas insiders are rarely wrong, but their odds on Newsom should be much higher. During his time on the campaign trail, which would only last a few months until the November election, Newsom would have no accomplishments to point to as inducements to gain national voter support.

Democratic power brokers who might support Newsom would have to consider California’s huge budget problem. Newsom recently announced a $26.7 billion deficit. Two years ago, California had a $97.5 billion surplus, meaning that over a two-year period, the state had a minus $124.2 billion swing into red ink.

Newsom raised the minimum wage for fast-food workers to $20 an hour. Wage........

© Yuma Sun