California Governor Gavin Newsom ventures into unfamiliar territory with his new podcast featuring contentious right-wing personalities.
According to Breitbart News, the Democratic governor's podcast "This is Gavin Newsom" has caused significant friction within his party as he engages in friendly conversations with controversial Republican figures like Charlie Kirk and Steve Bannon.
The podcast's approach marks a departure from traditional Democratic messaging, with Newsom openly discussing and sometimes agreeing with conservative viewpoints on sensitive issues such as transgender athletes in women's sports. This strategic move appears designed to appeal to centrist voters while distancing himself from what some consider extreme positions within his own party.
Republican fundraiser Anne Dunsmore, who previously led efforts to recall Newsom in California, views his podcast strategy as politically astute. She suggests that by engaging with opposing viewpoints, Newsom effectively distances himself from controversial Democratic Party positions while simultaneously broadening his appeal.
Conservative media personality Megyn Kelly has cautioned fellow Republicans against appearing on the podcast. She expressed concern that participating might inadvertently help build Newsom's potential presidential campaign for 2028.
The podcast's format represents a significant departure from typical right-wing podcasts, which rarely feature Democratic guests and often cater exclusively to conservative audiences.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, who is also considered a potential Democratic presidential candidate, criticized Newsom's approach. Beshear expressed particular concern about providing a platform to Steve Bannon, saying:
Steve Bannon espouses hatred and anger, and even at some points violence, and I don't think we should give him oxygen on any platform, ever, anywhere.
Sacramento strategist Steven Maviglio questions whether the podcast benefits Newsom's political future, particularly concerning his need to first secure the Democratic nomination before any potential presidential run.
The governor's decisions during podcast interviews have drawn criticism, especially his failure to challenge Bannon's false claims about the 2020 election results.
Newsom's podcast is part of a broader pattern of reaching beyond California's borders. His previous initiatives included running pro-choice advertisements in Alabama and engaging in debates with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis on Fox News.
Communications expert Steve Caplan from the University of Southern California suggests that capturing national media attention might be Newsom's primary objective with this unconventional approach.
Even Newsom's conservative guests appear surprised by his accommodating demeanor during interviews. Charlie Kirk later reflected on his experience:
It was like almost nauseatingly positive, right? In that way it was very difficult to navigate.
Gavin Newsom launched "This is Gavin Newsom" in March 2025, positioning himself as a Democratic leader willing to engage with opposing viewpoints. The podcast features conversations with prominent right-wing figures and has generated significant attention from both Democratic and Republican circles. As speculation grows about his potential presidential aspirations for 2028, the governor continues to navigate the delicate balance between maintaining his Democratic base and expanding his appeal to centrist voters through this controversial platform.
