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California Governor Gavin Newsom drew reactions after saying “I’m a 960 SAT guy” while discussing his dyslexia at a book event, prompting debate over intent and interpretation.
California Governor Gavin Newsom became the center of controversy after comments he made during a book tour event in Atlanta, where he described himself as “a 960 SAT guy” while talking about his struggles with dyslexia. The remark, intended to illustrate personal challenges, has been widely shared and criticized on social media, with some calling it insensitive or misinterpreted depending on context.
Key Facts
- Gavin Newsom is the Democratic governor of California and a national political figure with speculation about a future presidential run.
- At a book event promoting his memoir, Newsom referenced his academic background, saying he scored “960” on the SAT and that he “cannot read a speech.”
- The SAT is a standardized college admissions test in the United States with scores typically ranging from 400 to 1600.
- Newsom’s comments were made while discussing his life with dyslexia and his effort to connect personally with the audience.
Main Development
During a stop on his memoir book tour, Newsom — who has publicly spoken about dyslexia and personal challenges — said he identified with people through sharing that he once scored “960” on the SAT, a test used in U.S. college admissions. He followed that by saying he “cannot read a speech,” referring to his discomfort with prepared remarks. The comment quickly spread in a short clip shared widely online, with some interpreting it as self-deprecating humor while others saw it as inappropriate or insensitive when discussing relatability in front of a politically diverse audience.
Context of the SAT Comment
The SAT score reference was part of a broader anecdote Newsom offered about his background, including living with dyslexia. By describing his academic record and admission struggles, he aimed to humanize himself and share a narrative of overcoming challenges — a common rhetorical device used by public figures when engaging audiences about their life journeys and perceived imperfections.
Public and Political Reaction
Responses to the “960 SAT” remark have varied, with some public figures and commentators criticizing Newsom’s choice of words and others noting that the comment was self-reflective. The exchange comes amid broader interest in Newsom’s national profile and potential future political ambitions, as he has previously indicated interest in broader leadership roles while balancing his duties as governor.
