UPDATE: New reports reveal that former President George W. Bush outperformed California Governor Gavin Newsom on the SAT by a staggering 25 percent. This revelation comes amid ongoing debates about educational qualifications among political leaders, highlighting a significant disparity in their academic achievements.
The SAT scores have reignited discussions about the intelligence and qualifications of political figures, particularly after Newsom hinted at a potential presidential run in 2028. During an interview with CBS News, he admitted, “I’d be lying otherwise” about not considering a presidential bid. This admission has raised eyebrows, especially given his reported SAT score of 960, which falls below the national average.
In stark contrast, Bush’s SAT scores were consistently above average, particularly for elite institutions like Yale. Critics have often labeled Bush as the “dumbest president in history,” but this new data challenges that narrative, suggesting a reevaluation of his academic credentials.
Governor Newsom’s claims of a challenging upbringing have also come under scrutiny. Critics have pointed out that Newsom’s background, rooted in a wealthy family, contradicts his narrative of hustling through adversity. A resurfaced photo from a 1991 San Francisco Chronicle feature titled “Children of the Rich” paints a different picture of his youth, raising questions about the authenticity of his story.
Analysts emphasize that standardized test scores, while not definitive indicators of future success, shed light on the educational paths of political leaders. According to recent statistics, the average SAT score has hovered around 1000 from 1972 to 2024, making Newsom’s score particularly noteworthy, especially since he gained admission to Santa Clara University, where accepted students typically score between 1360 and 1480.
As the political landscape heats up with potential candidates emerging for the upcoming presidential election, the implications of these academic comparisons could influence voter perceptions. The stark contrast in SAT scores between Bush and Newsom raises critical questions about the qualifications and narratives presented by political figures.
With Newsom’s soft launch of his presidential campaign, observers are keenly watching how these revelations will affect his public image and electoral prospects. The next steps for both candidates will be pivotal as they navigate this evolving political landscape.
This story continues to develop, and the implications of these findings could resonate through the upcoming election cycle. Stay tuned for further updates as the narrative unfolds.
