Newsom’s Shift Toward Conservatives Raises 2028 Questions

Man speaking in front of California flag backdrop — California Governor Gavin Newsom in Sacramento, California Jan. 19, 2021

California Governor Gavin Newsom launches a podcast featuring conservative guests, raising speculation about his 2028 presidential ambitions while drawing criticism from both sides of the political aisle.

Key Takeaways

Conservative commentator Charlie Kirk warns Republicans not to underestimate Newsom, describing him as having “a shark’s instincts” while appearing as his first podcast guest
Critics like “The View” co-host Sunny Hostin have criticized Newsom’s podcast strategy as “poor” and potentially alienating to his Democratic base
Newsom’s podcast features MAGA figures including Charlie Kirk, Steve Bannon, and Michael Savage in what appears to be a calculated move to broaden his appeal
The California governor’s comments on transgender issues and other policy matters during these interviews have generated significant controversy
Political analysts view the podcast as part of Newsom’s strategy to position himself as a centrist ahead of a potential 2028 presidential run

A Warning From the Right

Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA and the first guest on California Governor Gavin Newsom’s new podcast, has issued a stark warning to his fellow conservatives. In a Fox News op-ed following his appearance, Kirk cautioned Republicans not to dismiss Newsom as a potential threat for the 2028 presidential election. Despite their cordial conversation on the podcast, Kirk characterized Newsom as calculating and ambitious, with a deliberate strategy to reposition himself as more moderate than his record would suggest.

“One thing I learned in my podcast experience: The governor isn’t a joke. He has a shark’s instincts and is hoping that voters will have a goldfish’s memory. He knows his current record can’t win him the White House, and so he’s trying to rewrite what that record is. The conservatives he speaks with in the weeks to come shouldn’t let him,” wrote Charlie Kirk

Kirk advised Republican voters to scrutinize Newsom’s actual policy record on crime, economics, and social issues rather than being swayed by his newfound centrist presentation. He highlighted ongoing issues in California including rampant shoplifting, significant population outflow, and economic challenges that have occurred under Newsom’s leadership. According to Kirk, these problems reflect Newsom’s true governance approach, which contrasts with the image he’s attempting to project nationally.

Criticism From the Left

While conservatives are warning about Newsom’s strategic intentions, the governor is simultaneously facing backlash from progressive quarters. Sunny Hostin, co-host of “The View,” publicly criticized Newsom’s podcast initiative, expressing disappointment in his decision to engage with controversial conservative figures. Hostin referenced Newsom’s previous State of the State address, in which he criticized Republicans and positioned California as a counterweight to right-wing populism, suggesting his current strategy contradicts that stance.

“I just think this is a poor strategy for Gavin Newsom,” said Sunny Hostin.

Hostin specifically questioned Newsom’s decision to host figures like Steve Bannon and Charlie Kirk without sufficiently challenging their views. Her criticism highlights the risk Newsom faces in potentially alienating his Democratic base while attempting to broaden his appeal. This tension underscores the political tightrope Newsom is walking as he positions himself for a potential 2028 presidential run under President Trump’s second administration.

The Podcast Strategy

Newsom’s podcast aims to make public the private conversations he claims to have with political figures across the spectrum. The initiative comes as speculation grows about his presidential ambitions following the conclusion of the 2024 election. By featuring conversations with prominent MAGA figures, Newsom appears to be attempting to demonstrate his ability to engage with ideological opponents and present himself as a unifying figure who can rise above partisan divisions.

“Newsom wants to be president more than any living person. … He is an ambitious man, and his new podcast is clearly a product of that ambition,” said Charlie Kirk.

However, initial reactions suggest the execution may be falling short of its intended purpose. Critics have described the podcast as awkward, cringeworthy, and lacking in substantive content. Newsom’s comments on transgender participation in sports during his conversation with Kirk generated significant controversy, while his overall approach has been characterized as overly congenial toward guests whose views many of his supporters find objectionable.

2028 Implications

Political observers widely interpret Newsom’s podcast initiative as part of a broader strategy to position himself for a 2028 presidential run. By engaging with conservative figures and demonstrating willingness to discuss controversial topics, Newsom may be attempting to preemptively address criticism that he’s too liberal for a national election. However, this approach carries significant risks, potentially alienating progressive Democrats without necessarily winning over conservative voters.

Kirk’s assessment of Newsom’s tactical hesitation on certain issues highlights the delicate political calculations at play. When pressed on topics like Proposition 16, which would have allowed affirmative action in California, Kirk suggested Newsom deliberately avoided committing to a position. This approach allows Newsom maximum flexibility to adjust his messaging as political winds shift in the coming years leading up to 2028.

As the podcast continues with more episodes featuring controversial conservatives, political analysts will be watching closely to see if Newsom can successfully navigate the contradictions inherent in his strategy. The ultimate test will be whether this approach strengthens or weakens his position as a potential Democratic presidential contender in the post-Trump political landscape.