California Governor Gavin Newsom is raising eyebrows with his controversial new podcast featuring conservative figures like Steve Bannon and Charlie Kirk. The unexpected move appears to be positioning Newsom for a potential 2028 presidential run, but has left many Democrats fuming over his apparent betrayal of party values.
At a glance:
- Gavin Newsom launched a podcast featuring right-wing figures like Steve Bannon and Charlie Kirk
- During his podcast with Kirk, Newsom admitted transgender athletes in women’s sports is “deeply unfair”
- The move is widely seen as positioning for a 2028 presidential run
- Fellow Democrats and LGBTQ groups have criticized Newsom’s comments and strategy
- Newsom has a history of supporting LGBTQ rights, including allowing same-sex marriages in San Francisco in 2004
Newsom Breaks With Democrats On Transgender Athletes
California Governor Gavin Newsom stunned fellow Democrats by agreeing with conservative pundit Charlie Kirk that transgender athletes competing in women’s sports is “deeply unfair.” The surprising statement came during an episode of Newsom’s new podcast, which features conversations with prominent conservative figures.
“I think it’s an issue of fairness. I completely agree with you on that. It is an issue of fairness. It’s deeply unfair,” Newsom told Kirk during their recorded conversation.
The California Governor, widely considered a potential Democratic presidential candidate for 2028, launched his podcast as a seemingly strategic attempt to reach across the political aisle. His willingness to engage with conservative voices marks a stark departure from typical Democratic messaging and has not been well received by liberal activists and commentators.
Democrats And LGBTQ Groups Fire Back
The Human Rights Campaign accused the Governor of trying to “score political points” amid growing national concerns about transgender rights.
Two California state legislators were outraged over Newsom’s position on transgender athletes, and say it directly contradicts the state’s own laws that allow transgender students to participate in the sporting events of their choice. The lawmakers argued that all students deserve equal access to the benefits of sports participation.
Sunny Hostin, Co-Host of “The View,” publicly lambasted Newsom’s podcast approach during a recent broadcast. She criticized the Governor for failing to challenge conservative guests like Steve Bannon and Charlie Kirk on their controversial positions.
“I thought it was a poor strategy because I’ve seen Gavin Newsom as one of the leaders of the Democratic Party in 2028,” Hostin stated.
Presidential Ambitions Behind The Podcast?
Political analysts widely view Newsom’s podcast as a calculated move to position himself for a 2028 presidential run. By engaging with figures from across the political spectrum, Newsom appears to want to broaden his appeal beyond deep-blue California.
The timing of Newsom’s outreach to conservatives comes as Democrats face growing divisions within their own party. His willingness to make controversial statements on hot-button issues like transgender athletes could be a test of messaging that might appeal to centrist or independent voters in a future national campaign.
Ironically, Newsom has built his political career on progressive credentials, including pioneering same-sex marriage in San Francisco back in 2004. His apparent shift on transgender issues is a significant departure from his previous strong support for LGBTQ rights across the board.
