Gavin Newsom Defends Hosting Steve Bannon, Citing Overlap With Bernie Sanders’ Economic Messaging

The California governor's podcast, 'This Is Gavin Newsom,' has drawn criticism for featuring far-right figures, fueling debates about Democratic strategy and his potential 2028 presidential ambitions.

• Gavin Newsom's podcast aims to engage with political figures across the spectrum, including controversial guests like Steve Bannon and Charlie Kirk.
• Newsom compared Bannon's economic rhetoric to Bernie Sanders, highlighting shared concerns about working-class issues and monopolistic power.
• Critics, including Democrats and Republicans, have accused Newsom of legitimizing far-right figures and failing to challenge election denialism during these discussions.
• Newsom defended his approach, arguing that understanding MAGA supporters' motivations is crucial for Democrats to effectively counter their influence.
• The podcast has intensified speculation about Newsom's potential 2028 presidential run, as he seeks to broaden his appeal and redefine Democratic messaging.

3 Articles

The Hill Vanity Fair HuffPost