On Tuesday, California Gov. Gavin Newsom introduced through social media that he’s launching a brand new podcast, which he promised will likely be “anything but the ordinary politician podcast.”
It will likely be produced by iHeartMedia, the identical San Antonio-based company that distributes Texas Sen. Ted Cruz’s thrice-weekly present, “Verdict.” Newsom promised to talk to folks “directly that I disagree with” (i.e., Republicans and “architects in the MAGA movement”) in addition to these he mentioned he seems to be as much as.
“We need to change the conversation and that’s why I’m launching a new podcast,” Newsom mentioned in a clip posted to X. “There’s an onslaught of information we take in, so let’s take it to the sources without the typical political mumbo-jumbo.”
Newsom additionally promised to host “real conversations,” about subjects just like the rising value of eggs and the affect of tariffs on the on a regular basis American. Past that, although, the day’s information occasions will drive what topics the present hits, Anthony York, a spokesperson for Newsom informed Each day Kos.
“While it’s not just gonna be Californians listening to the podcast, a lot of what’s happening here has interest beyond the state’s borders,” York mentioned, citing the wildfires that ravaged the state earlier this yr and California’s efforts to rebuild as examples. Although future tales are in flux, York mentioned that there are particular points Newsom has a “personal interest” in which may make it to the present, such because the burgeoning synthetic intelligence and tech industries.wi
To date, at the least, this newest enterprise by the Democratic governor does sound rather a lot like the common political podcast. However you’ll be able to’t actually blame Newsom for wanting to draw a wider viewers. In any case, a verified voter survey from the Republican polling agency Echelon Insights, launched earlier this month, requested seemingly Democratic voters whom they might vote for if the 2028 presidential major have been held in the present day, discovered Newsom in fourth place. (Solely 6% mentioned they most popular Newsom, in contrast with 36% who wished Vice President Kamala Harris. Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg netted 10% help, whereas 9% of respondents mentioned they backed Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz.)
However it’s notable that, of all mediums, Newsom selected to launch a podcast. His announcement comes as Democrats battle to discover a compelling message whereas President Donald Trump and his allies destroy the federal authorities.
Certainly, a Democrat within the podcasting house may very well be good for the get together, particularly contemplating that right-wing influencers have dominated speak radio for many years.
York mentioned the misinformation Republicans andTrump unfold about Newsom and the wildfires underscored “how woefully behind Democrats are in the [podcasting] space.”
“That kind of weaponized misinformation [by Trump and Musk] isn’t accidental, that’s a tactic and it’s effective,” he mentioned. “It’s increasingly important to have information in place to be able to communicate with people, so this is Newsom feeling his way through and trying to experiment a little and build out a different mode of communicating.”
Whereas Newsom already co-hosts the present “Politickin’,” which can be produced by iHeart, with Tremendous Bowl champion Marshawn Lynch and agent Doug Hendrickson, the governor advised to Politico that his new present will give him the prospect to focus extra extensively on politics.
Talking with Each day Kos, York mentioned Newsom’s present will take inspiration from HBO’s “Real Time with Bill Maher” and defended the governor’s choice to ask Republicans onto it. Although it’s not clear who he’s booked for the present, his social media video saying it featured right-wing influencer Charlie Kirk, DOGE bro Elon Musk, and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. Newsom additionally informed Politico to “look at the lineup of [the Conservative Political Action Conference]” in order for you a touch as to the half-dozen friends who’ve already agreed to look on his present. (York provided no additional hints to Each day Kos.)
“Part of his brand is being willing to go into the lion’s den and have conversations with people he doesn’t always agree with. I think the hope is he can engage with ‘the other side’ a little bit and do it in a combative way when required,” York mentioned. “We also hope he can do this in a more thoughtful and deliberative way when the personalities allow.”
It’s considerably attention-grabbing, although, that Newsom discovered Republicans keen to go on his present contemplating CPAC’s current straw ballot, in response to Politico, recognized him and California Sen. Adam Schiff as two Democrats who pose the best risk to the Republicans and the nation.
Relatedly, Newsom has been a frequent critic of Trump. In a November put up to his social media web site, Fact Social, Trump referred to the California governor as “Gavin Newscum.”
Then once more, Newsom is not any stranger to the right-wing ecosystem, York mentioned. He’s one of some Democrats who has made semi-regular appearances on Newsmax and Fox Information, two shops with extra conservative audiences. And for some purpose, in 2023, he debated DeSantis, one other politician who might simply run for the presidency once more in 2028.
Newsom assured Politico that his podcast received’t be all about elevating GOP voices, although. The truth is, he inspired Democrats to return on his present so he might problem them on the place the get together is on numerous points.
“I’m asking the same questions you’re asking of me: Where the hell is the Democratic Party? What are we doing? Who are we? Where are we going? What’s the path back? I’m having the exact same conversations, and I just thought it’d be a hell of a lot more interesting to do it publicly and to do it as honestly as I can,” he mentioned.
