Editing Gray Davis (section)

==Public image and political views==
Davis's moderate record made it difficult for him to appeal to the core constituency of the Democratic Party. During the recall, Davis failed to gain the full support he needed from his more liberal Democratic base.<ref name="Style"/> He had a reputation of being beholden to supporters yet unable to satisfy them.<ref name="Child"/> Davis's leadership and compromise-building skills have also been questioned.<ref name="Child"/> He was also hurt by redistricting in 2000 that made most districts safe for the incumbent party, limiting some legislators' need and willingness to compromise.<ref name="Child"/>

When Davis was inaugurated as governor of California, he said, "I'm a governor, not a judge". Davis vowed to uphold all of the laws of the state, even the ones with which he personally disagreed. Davis defended [[California Proposition 187 (1994)|Proposition 187]] initially,<ref>{{cite news |title=Davis Tries to Play Both Sides|work=San Francisco Chronicle|date=April 16, 1999|page=A.26}}</ref> but when it was declared unconstitutional by the [[Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals]], he did not appeal the decision.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1999-jul-29-mn-60700-story.html|title=Davis Won't Appeal Prop. 187 Ruling, Ending Court Battles|access-date=2009-04-09|first=Patrick J.|last=Mcdonnell|date=1999-07-29|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090417204442/http://articles.latimes.com/1999/jul/29/news/mn-60700|archive-date=2009-04-17|url-status=live}}</ref>

Davis's personality was often described as aloof and his political style cautious and calculated instead of charismatic.<ref name="Style"/> His personality forced him to depend more on political skills, such as fundraising, to win elections.<ref name="Style"/> Davis's tendency to micromanage his administration made it difficult for people to present opposing views and even drove some out of service.<ref name="Chain"/>

As Davis left office in 2003, the ''San Francisco Chronicle'' published an editorial discussing his legacy. The newspaper claimed that he lacked vision, allowed the legislature and its policies to define his tenure and had a "robotic governing style" that focused on fundraising instead of personal relationships. The ''Chronicle'' commented that Davis was often on the right side of the issues but that being on the right side of the issues alienated the electorate. Davis lacked charisma and seemed to be more passionate about winning campaigns than governing.<ref name="Style"/> Davis never showed emotion to the voters.<ref>San Francisco Chronicle Editorial Board. "Gray Davis' Legacy." [[San Francisco Chronicle]]. November 17, 2003. Pg. A20. Accessed on Lexis Nexis August 10, 2007.</ref> He spent much of his campaign time talking about his accomplishments instead of providing voters with a vision.<ref name="End"/>