Podcast Review: This is Gavin Newsom
When Governor Gavin Newsom’s podcast, This Is Gavin Newsom, first aired, I think most people were mystified by his choice of interview subjects, including right-wing commentators such as Michael Savage, Steve Bannon, and the late Charlie Kirk. I listened to a few episodes and was initially puzzled too, though I appreciated hearing different points of view in a non-argumentative manner. Newsom himself explained that the podcast’s purpose is “tackling tough questions, engaging with people who don’t always agree with me, debating without demeaning.” Tough to do in this environment.
Lately, the tone has changed. In a recent podcast, “And This is How We Prevent Election Rigging,” Newsom was interviewed by historian and podcaster Heather Cox Richardson. He waged a no-holds-barred attack on Trump and Texas Governor Greg Abbott regarding mid-decade redistricting. (See related article about California Proposition 50, the “Election Rigging Response Act,” in this newsletter.) He commented on the shift toward authoritarianism and the fear inspired by the presence of the National Guard in our cities. He identified the most important office in the U.S. as the “Office of Citizen.” He said, “It’s important not to fall prey to cynicism and fear! Be yourself—say what you think respectfully.” This is a new Gavin Newsom in podcasts! It is worth listening to!
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