In a recent appearance on the MeidasTouch Network, California Congressman Robert Garcia joined host Ben Meiselas to discuss Donald Trump’s recent attacks on California Governor Gavin Newsom and the future of the Democratic Party in the wake of a challenging election loss. Trump, now the president-elect, made inflammatory statements about Newsom, labeling him “Gavin Newscum” and belitting the state of California. Meiselas highlighted the absurdity of such comments from a national leader, calling Trump’s behavior “humiliating” for the country.
Garcia commended Newsom’s proactive approach, noting the Governor’s call for an emergency legislative session to protect Californians' rights and freedoms. He emphasized that California would stand firm against Trump’s encroachments. Reflecting on the recent election results, Garcia acknowledged the need for Democrats to regroup, recognizing both their victories in critical Senate races and the persistence of deep divisions within the country. He highlighted that despite the presidential loss, Democrats held ground in many areas, underscoring the country’s polarized landscape.
The conversation shifted to the critical issue of disinformation, which Garcia identified as a substantial obstacle for Democrats. He stressed the importance of combating misinformation that influences voters, especially in communities that rely heavily on government support yet vote against their own interests due to misleading narratives. Drawing from his decade of experience teaching communications and mass media, Garcia pointed out the erosion of trust in traditional media and the exploitation of online platforms by foreign actors spreading misinformation. For Democrats to succeed, he asserted, they must meet people where they are—on social media, podcasts, and alternative media platforms.
Meiselas and Garcia also discussed the impact of COVID-19 on Americans’ media consumption habits, with Garcia noting that the pandemic fundamentally changed how people interact with information, politics, and each other. While right-wing influencers embedded themselves in people’s lives during lockdowns, many Democrats only ramped up outreach efforts in the final months before elections, creating a perception of elitism and detachment. Garcia agreed that building consistent communication networks is essential, arguing that Democrats need to be constantly visible on every platform to maintain credibility and trust.
As the interview closed, Garcia reiterated the importance of not only resisting Trump’s agenda but actively fighting back by going on the offensive. He expressed optimism that the new generation of Democratic leaders, including himself and his freshman class, understand the importance of a continuous presence across media landscapes. Meiselas closed the conversation with an open invitation to Garcia, vowing to keep bringing the Democratic message directly to the people and learning from the past.
The interview serves as a rallying call for Democrats to adapt to the evolving media landscape and to build a stronger, more consistent connection with voters across all demographics.
Watch the full interview ad-free above, exclusively here on Meidas+. Thank you for your continued support of the MeidasTouch Network. If you appreciate our reporting and are ready to continue in this fight, please consider becoming a paid subscriber today to keep us going.
Share this post