Israel deciding to go full genocide in Gaza has made them unpopular. Not protests. The protests are simply a symptom of unpopular/horrific actions. They aren't fighting against it.
Biden and Kamala aren't allies of Palestinians. No American president would ever be a Palestinian ally as long as Israel is the lone American ally in the Middle East. That's where nuance comes in and Muslims had to realize Trump would be both an outright enemy of Palestine and an enemy of their own interests living in the USA. They wanted to punish Biden and Harris by choosing someone who will not only fuck Gaza just as badly, but fuck them here in the US too. Just sheer stupidity.
Protesting has to have a unified objective, organization, and leadership to be effective in thwarting authoritarianism. And even then it has to lead to outright resistance and rebellion against the dictator and his people.
If Newsome is capable and willing he could be that guy. Americans who aren't brainwashed maga morons are wanting to fight back. We just need the leadership to lead the fight. Millions are begging for Democrats to get angry, get ruthless, and lead a resistance force against this authoritarian garbage. Now is the time.