He's a democrat. But he's had to work with the Trump administration because CA had historically devastating fires that cost billions right when Trump started his presidency.
The problem wasn't only what he said, it was that he had white nationalists on his podcast and came across as pandering to them. I think it backfired and that's the price he paid, is continuing to pay and the price he is making all of us pay. I am a die hard Democrat but even I find myself tuning him out. That is not to say, I won't vote for Democrats. So, instead of belittling those that are angry with Newsom, why not instead acknowledge he messed up "bigly" and then, maybe, we can move on? But to defend him without acknowledging what he did was offensive, is not helpful.
No. But he sure had them on his podcast. THAT is what is offensive along with his comments. Please stop making it as if Newsom was somehow justified in having Charlie Kirk and Bannon on his podcast. It's not as if those racists don't have a platform of their own to spread their racist and right wing ideology. They loved that Newson had them on. Did Newsom score any points with them? No and more importantly, WHY would he want to?
He was trying to impress his teen-aged son, who idolizes Charlie Kirk.
He also vetoed regulating AGI in SB1046 and appears to be all in with promoting crypto. The Dems can do so much better in choosing a presidential nominee.
I did not know about Newsom appearing to promote crypto. I really do not think Newsom wins the presidential nomination. Long time in political years until then, but I really do doubt it.
I just wrote to him and asked how much money he's taken from crypto lobbyists, but I doubt he'll answer me. I've asked Padilla and Schiff the same question: crickets.
I do know when Katie Porter ran against Schiff she refused to take money from them and advocated to regulate crypto, so they spent MILLIONS on relentless campaign ads against her.
You might get a response from Newsom's office. Thanking you for your email. Then, 20 minutes later, you will get an email asking for a donation. To be fair Newson is not alone in this. I wish they would stop with all the relentless donation requests.
Yes, I've had the experience, so now I preface all my letters with this: First, you do not have my permission to send me emails soliciting donations, only to reply to my specific questions. We'll see what happens, but I'm not hopeful.
What about the millions trumpf has grifted off of not only crypto but the stock market by insider trading? Newsom isn’t perfect, but he’s a hell of a lot better than the orange cult leader in the WH!
Of course he's better than Cheeto!! I was talking about his fitness to be my choice of a Dem candidate to run in 2028. I think there are more promising contenders than Newsom, but if it came down to Newsom or the MAGA party I would mos def vote blue.
Update: Surprise, surprise! I've not received a response to my questions from him.
Ok so what about the legions of white supremests that have met, ate with, devised and carried out a coup, all for trumpf and continue to work behind the scenes for him? Having a conversation with someone is far different than being in bed with them!
We can agree to disagree about Newsom. Everyone is entitled to their opinion and feelings about Newsom. I don't think anyone has said he was in bed with white supremacists - he just gave them yet another platform. I, for one, don't want to speak to any white nationalists or MAGAs. It's hard enough to have them in my family, friends and community. Believe me, they have no problem expressing their feelings and "cultural grievances". I was a Newsom supporter but having them on his show was just too much for me. I respect those that can look the other way, I cannot and frankly don't want to look the other way.
Utter nonsense. Our governor here in NC, Josh Stein, is a Democrat who has worked with the administration to secure funding for damage from Hurricane Helene without starting a podcast boosting white nationalists. And FTR, even red states are having the fight the administration for FEMA funding, which has been cut off since Trump took office. You're making excuses for Newsom's inexcusable behavior.
The reason we have so much division is because everyone is told we have to pick a side. The next step is to demonize the other side. It’s a slippery slope. I personally appreciate those who can see some value in acknowledging that no side has all the answers. Our problems are complex and require thoughtful solutions. Do I necessarily agree with Newsom on his positions? No.
Governing doesn't work that way, Cathy. In -the -gutter republicans seem to think it does and look at how crooked and inept and cruel their "side" has become!
Jewish people were less than one percent of the German population before Hitler was made führer, and he made them almost nonexistant. Does that not matter because they were a small minority? Please explain your logic.
Also I say this as. Jewish person who had lots of family members die in WW2. There are way worse issues going on right now, more similar to what happened in Nazi Germany, than Trans in sports for a few years. Sorry.
We all must take a deep look into the “Grander Scheme of Things.” Share the love around the World, think Higher Intelligence rather than only one’s own way of thinking for the future of mankind…
Yeah if they were being sent to El Salvador like those innocent men or put in concentration camps, that would be one thing. But playing sports for a few years? It's just not the hill Im willing to die on. It's almost like bait for the republican party so they can laugh at the left 's outrage and division.
I think there are more important issues than some people not playing sports for a few years. Like all the LEGAL immigrants being dissappeared by ICE and tarrifs decimating our economy. Pick your battles.
Beware trolls on the trans issue. This is the only issue that the so-called "Republicans" used in many MAGA red districts in 2024 because it tested so well. It affects almost no one in IRL, but is incredibly polarizing. Like so many MAGA issues, it is a dog whistle for their agenda to impose apartheid and second class citizenship on women, which is threatened by any blurring of gender roles. Same reason they hate drag. Best to not give it oxygen and be prepared to see endless ads about trans kids in sports and bathrooms again in the midterms. As difficult as it is, Democrats and Independents have to stop shooting at each other, and focus on winning elections, or trans people could all end up in private concentration camps in Texas, where, incidentally, prisoners are dehydrated, underfed, and at constant risk of heat stroke. Who knows how many prisoners are being trafficked with no accountability. One thing we do know is that MAGA is filled with sexual predators.
Also Gavin Newsom has done more for minorities than most states. Under Newsom, CA has free Healthcare for undocumented immigrants last year (budget can't support it now so it may cost $100/month now), laws that don't allow state/local law enforcement to cooperate with ICE, and also they can access state financial aid for school. CA tax payers are paying 50M to protect the undocumented against Trump this year, he wrote in the budget.
He also made it much for affordable for parents to take parental leave, in CA we get 70-90% of our salary during leave.
He is also not a complete chicken shit and speaks up against Trump. These tarrifs are really hurting CA (my state by the way)
I lived in the San Francisco Bay Area for nearly 15-years. While I applauded much of what Newsom did, he never came off as authentic. My take on him was that he is a political chameleon.
If Newsom is so good why does he need to throw Transgender people under the bus? If he’s so good, why isn’t he running on that rather than consorting with the likes of Bannon and Kirk? If his message is that good he ought not need to stoop to culture war negativity to win.
You are falling for right wing manipulation. They loved that three or four words and spread it all over social media. In context he said he felt it was unfair for men to compete against women, as it is. That does not mean that he will support discrimination against trans gender people. Obama did not agree with abortion, nor did President Biden but they supported women to make their own decisions. That is what good (Democratic) leaders do.
No not at all . . . if anyone has fallen for the ploy it is Newsom and his followers. One way you can tell is his shift to the right and appearance on Charlie Kirk's podcast. Newsom is the one who voiced the words and in so doing threw Transgender athletes under the bus. As I mentioned earlier, from my 15-years living in California including when he performed Same Sex Marriages, my take on him is he will do/say whatever he thinks will get him elected. He may be your friend today, but will he be next week, next month, next year? He is a chameleon
I agree with you on everything but one issue: It is NOT fair to women athletes who want to compete in the Olympics or other high level sports competitions to have to compete with transgender women, who have a native biological advantage over cisgender women.
There must be other options for transgender women besides competing with cisgender women, i.e., compete against other transgender women.
Actually it’s the transgender athlete who is disadvantaged in most cases. Plus if it is a transgender athlete who transitioned early (pre puberty), on puberty blockers there is no advantage. I transitioned in my 30s when I my best mile time was 5:00/mi . . . 2-years post transition the best I could manage was 6:30/mi. With the male hormones gone any advantage I might have had was gone . . . plus I was hauling around heavier bone structure that developed because of the male hormones. It is not as simple as you think.
Never said it was simple, but do you see any trans men competing successfully in competitive men's sports? Is it possible those two years alone caused a loss of speed simply because you were older?
All I said is there must be "other options"; I'll leave it to the sports community—with input from cis and trans women alike—to figure out how to make it fair, but in some cases it is clearly NOT fair to cis women.
I also have concerns about transitioning pre puberty; that's a huge decision for a young and inexperienced person to make and I know two people who did it and later regretted the decision. In the end, it's a very nuanced, personal and complicated issue, but this is much is not: every law abiding person deserves respect and equal civil rights.
wry smile . . . that doesn’t invalidate the concerns or what qualities we ought to be looking at.
If we continuously pander to the least controversial position in order to get elected . . . with the oft forgotten promise to fix it all once elected we will never move forward.
Not saying that but I will take him any day over a Republican. That's the problem with the left, we're so divided within our own party. Everyone needs to be perfect. Meanwhile the GOP worships Trump like a god and he can say whatever he wants. No wonder he keeps winning....
taco trump n his collection of treasonous, grifting, greedy, corrupt cabinet, advisors, administration are the real culprits. Why those that don’t agree with him are so afraid to speak up! WTH!
202 225 3121 will get any member of congress. The senate needs to completely redo n overhaul that Big bad bill! Unbelievable that Joni Ernst said “every body has to die sometime”. WTH !
Such a small percentage! When there are grifters, greedy, corrupt, people I. Congress, cabinet, administration, advisors! And biggest of all is trump the taco person!
202 225 3121. Call any member of congress! They need to hear from us!
I’m a minority and my son is gay… so no, absolutely not! Every person deserves to be protected. However, even as a black woman, I realize that sometimes my battle is not the entire war. And sometimes, we have to deal with the smaller battles later. The bigger picture has to be considered and taken into account. Now the Republican leadership is smarter than we’re giving them credit for… they’re distracting the Democrats with the smaller battles as they whoop our asses on the bigger issues. Trans people will not become extinct… they’ve always existed through history and yes they deserve all of their rights… but honestly, I’m less concerned about their rights to “play sports” when the government is literally voting to take food out of the mouths of children. So yes, I’ll support Newsom because he’s at least trying to do the right thing in this issue! No politician will ever be perfect… but can still be effective. Cali is in a much better place than most states.
That’s just it . . . It is the war . . . It is the piece the G.O.P. extremists have decided to attack because we (trans folk) are the vulnerable minority . . . the part they (rightly) figure will get thrown under the bus. We have to remember the union cry . . . An Injury to One is an injury to All
I’m sorry. That sucks that you’ve experienced that. I, too, feel under valued as a woman who is Black. But we don’t get ahead as a group by disparaging those who are supposed to be our allies… and as Democrats, we should be each other’s allies. So did you start this exchange to hone our message or just to express your disappointment with Newsom… because we elected him (as a state) and that’s valid. But we, the Democratic Party, need to hone the message that ALL people should have their rights. MAGA made up the statistics of Trans athletes to enrage bigots and it worked. And Democrats jumped on the bandwagon leaving much bigger issues that affect more of our country and population unaddressed. That’s what I mean by sleight of hand and a distraction. But you are absolutely valid in your feelings because it’s your experience. I pray that as times change, people will be less bigoted.
No, that’s not the war… it’s the distraction! While we’re arguing that point, the relationships like what someone just posted about Newsom’s antics don’t come to light because we’re focus on the trans rights over here and our children and elderly are being left out in the cold over there. It’s sleight of hand and we’re falling for it hook line and sinker. Do I hate what our trans community experiences? Absolutely! But we all collectively need to focus on the issues that affect us all… and I would say that our children and our elders are the most vulnerable… would you not agree?
Hey . . . consider who you’re talking to . . . I’m a transgender woman 34-years post GCS/SRS and am in my 70th year on this planet. I know who is attacking me and why. It is because our Seniors, our members of the LGBTQ community, our people of color are all vulnerable. The G.O.P. strategy is to split off groups. It isn’t a distraction if we stand up and fight for our ideals and fight for the WHOLE group of us. The minute we let them shave bits of us off we’re on the slippery slope to losing.
You’re correct… we all need to stand together and fight! I never said don’t fight… but we have to stay focused on the entire situation because it’s critical. But you’re correct… even now, here in this space, we’re spending a lot of time disagreeing… that’s the distraction… the divide… and in that case, you’re right… they are winning!
It isn’t a distraction if it helps us hone a message or strategy. If it helps us to avoid the trap of throwing the vulnerable under the bus.
We’re arguing here because some, consciously or not, do not ascribe the same value to Transgender people as they do to Cis folk. We’re arguing because I’m apparently of lesser value than a non trans person . . . that my existence as a trans person somehow threatens Yours? I’ve been active fighting for all kinds of rights that do not directly affect me, but I fought for them. I didn’t toss them under the bus, just because.
I’m sorry. That sucks that you’ve experienced that. I, too, feel under valued as a woman who is Black. But we don’t get ahead as a group by disparaging those who are supposed to be our allies… and as Democrats, we should be each other’s allies. So did you start this exchange to hone our message or just to express your disappointment with Newsom… because we elected him (as a state) and that’s valid. But we, the Democratic Party, need to hone the message that ALL people should have their rights. MAGA made up the statistics of Trans athletes to enrage bigots and it worked. And Democrats jumped on the bandwagon leaving much bigger issues that affect more of our country and population unaddressed. That’s what I mean by sleight of hand and a distraction. But you are absolutely valid in your feelings because it’s your experience. I pray that as times change, people will be less bigoted.
Since Newsom is term limited in California, his aspirations are now National. It would seem to me that he needs to reach out to and represent the greatest number of people without cutting anyone out, or disparaging them as he did Transgender athletes. By doing what he did on Charlie Kirk’s podcast is attempt to attract the kind of voters Kirk’s podcast appeals to by putting down transgender athletes. I submit he felt he could gain more voters whilst losing some in the LGBTQ community. We need candidates who like Jasmine Crockett and Maxwell Frost stand up for all their constituents.
Girl, Newsom is being a politician! Did you expect different? I’m not at all surprised. And I’d never vote for him on a National level. But I hear you.
No of course not . . . but if we don’t talk about what makes him a bad candidate (for us) and share that, we are just one voice crying into the wind. But when we share and discuss our concerns, others can take our information and use that when deciding which candidate(s) they’re going to vote for. What we’re doing here is akin to the old door-to-door, talk to your neighbor, kind of consciousness raising.
If we don’t talk about it with one another and others then it will be very hard to build a groundswell behind any candidate. Obama’s first campaign for President was successful because of the grassroots approach.
I absolutely would defend the civil rights of every person regardless of trans, cis, or other. But I do not think it's fair for trans women to compete with cis women in competitive sports.
It’s not about being divided. It is about being unwilling to stand up for the less visible and less popular for the sake of winning. The political left hasn’t a clue about fighting for all its members.
As unfortunate as Newsom statement regarding the VERY FEW trans athletes....is it wise, politically to die on that hill? The outrage that has been the MO of the GOP, regarding issues that have perceived substance, directly affecting the public dialogue that consequential to less than a microscopic rounding error. Not that the need of these athletes are not temporarily important to them and the other athletes that use this issue as a wedge issue. The issue lacks the gravitas when compared to the larger issues that can/do/will affect not only these trans athletes, but an overwhelming number of US citizens. If Newsom, or any other candidate/s are to take back this country, nay the world, back from the forced that have and will put these same trans athletes in much greater danger, but the world as a peaceful entity.
Every politician on the left needs to be perfect and inclusive of everyone (except conservatives of course, or anyone the left doesn't like) and say the right thing all the time and not offend anyone, ever, otherwise people don't vote out of protest and the GOP wins (again). This is exactly how Trump has been president, twice.
Gavin Newsom has been adjusting his message from the beginning of his career. He goes with whatever is expedient rather than what is the right thing to do. He is the political equivalent of “obeying in advance.” If we continually give ground we soon won’t have any ground to give or exist upon.
Do you know how much CA paid in lawsuits against Trump in his first term? $41 Million. Do you know how much CA taxpayers are paying in 2025 to protect our state against the clown in the white house? $50M. No other state has spent more money in legal action against Trump, it benefits the entire country.
How is that relevant to throwing Transgender athletes under the bus?? Yes all that happened, but that is not a logical of sufficient reason to abandon a minority group. What it says to me is that his accomplishments are sooo weak that he needs to throw vulnerable people on the trash heap. That he needs to resort to the G.O.P. culture war and abandon people. Where is the Gavin Newsom who went ahead and married gays and lesbians even when it wasn’t legal?
I see the same Newsom you see. People here are mentioning only Newsom turning on transgender people. He also launched his podcast to court and befriend the likes of Steve Bannon and Charlie Kirk. Charlie Kirk is a proud racist and homophobe, and Bannon was imprisoned in contempt of Congress for refusing to testify about the January 6 coup attempt. Trump gets elected and Newsom decides it would be politically expedient to befriend Trump's friends and to change his tune, then, about transgender people's rights, and now he is on a crusade to make it an arrestable crime in California to be homeless. This is crazy to me. And the Democratic party just keeps pushing, pushing, pushing him on us, even as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Pete Buttigieg and others are legitimately popular among progressive people. It's very disappointing. The man is not suited to be president just because he looks like a game show host and has no obvious moral convictions.
And it was overly emotional "progressives" creating their own fictional scenarios and personal grudges based on their emotion and not facts are the reason we lost our last election. Thanks.
Allison/Karen, I am gay. Being gay and seeing LGBT people purged from government documents, and then from medical research and clinical practice guidelines, because of a fascist executive order is an emotional experience. You are fortunate that you get to sway between conservatism and liberalism without any emotional engagement. Many of us are under attack by our own government. That's pretty terrifying. If you can't relate and would like to, then I suggest reading about 1930s Germany.
You don't know me. You don't know my family. You don't know how much I know about the Third Reich. We are all entitled to our emotions but when we vote we need to do so with logic and knowledge. We have a fascist government now due to too many on the left not voting because of their conscience or their personal emotions.
Though it's true some voters focus only on one issue rather than choosing the lesser of evils, I think you're oversimplifying this. Remember the influence of Musk camping out in swing states and pouring his unlimited funds into buying votes and spreading lies on X, Facebook's promotion of lies and propaganda after meeting with the Orange menace, Russia's contributions to social media conspiracy theories and lies, micro targeted propaganda spread on these platforms and aimed directly at young men and other "unlikely voters" who idolized Musk, and rampant voter suppression.
The Dems also made a huge mistake in not reaching out to the millions of poor voters who don't vote because candidates never bother to talk with them. Ask Rev. William Barber about that if you don't believe me.
The sooner we acknowledge that MOST voters do not vote based on logic and knowledge the better we can plan more effective campaign strategies. Watch interviews of Cheeto voters to see how their choices are devoid of logic or knowledge; it's the sad truth, but it can't be ignored.
I am over simplifying but only to focus on one point in a complex subject. Everything you say is also true. I will reserve opinion on Rev. Barber because I know little about him. However, don't people like Barber have a platform to spread knowledge to poor people? I'm a little uncomfortable when you refer to campaign strategies that ignore logic and knowledge. How else to get through to a populace immersed in biased news and nothing else 24/7? A candidate cannot speak to every person or solve every problem in our country.
I agree with your "one point," but think it's important to consider all factors that contributed to losing the election.
Rev. William Barber has been resurrecting MLK, Jr.'s Poor People's Campaign for years. Yes, he has a platform, but gets very little media coverage. Example: on June 30, 2024 "thousands of poor and low-wage workers and their supporters from religious, labor, and social justice organizations rallied in Washington, D.C. on Saturday and pledged to 'break the silence about poverty' and mobilize 15 million poor and low-income voters ahead of the November 2024 election," yet there was zero news coverage of this well attended event; the poor involved in Barber's campaign have told him they don't vote because no candidate ever talks to them or campaigns in their neighborhoods. (https://www.commondreams.org/news/poor-peoples-campaign-voters).
I also agree we shouldn't completely ignore logic and knowledge, but there are many studies showing those two things do little to change most people's minds compared with emotions. That's the disturbing reality we are facing. Absolutely true that no one candidate can speak to every problem or satisfy a voter's every wish; unfortunately, many voters ignore that hard truth and end up stubbornly refusing to vote for the best choice available, (i.e., the MI voters who didn't like Biden's policy on Gaza, bought Cheeto's micro-targeted lies, and voted for the Orange menace, the worst possible candidate for their concerns). For such people, appealing directly to their emotions is more effective.
Sadly, the appeal to emotions was effective. Harris reached out to that population but their community leaders played the emotion card. They were hoodwinked. They f'ed around and found out.
Agree! Reminds me of what the DNC did when Hillary was chosen as the next nominee after she lost to Obama but before the primary voters even weighed in. The DNC undermined Bernie's small donor campaign in spite of the fact he was drawing huge crowds over Hillary.
How about a governor like Wes Moore or others who have a proven track record of getting practical things done for their state that the majority of people want and need?
There will be primaries and we can all vote. No one can push anyone after the voters take part in the primaries. Trans kids not being able to play for a couple of years do not mean they are being thrown under the bus.
YOU'RE NOT GETTING IT! The sports issue with Trans people is the foot in the door that bigots use to push their agenda of erasing Trans people from existence! Look at ANY state that has adopted a Trans sports ban. Do they stop there? No! They do not. They're using it as a way in so they can implement further hateful policies with the eventual eradication of Trans people. Next up, the rest of the LGBT+ spectrum.
If you give an inch to a fascist, they won't just take that inch. They'll take everything! You're not looking at the big picture. If this issue doesn't affect you, well that's awesome for you, but eventually, they'll come after something you do care about!
They already are which is why I’m saying we need anyone who will speak up… even the flawed politicians like Newsom! That was my point from the beginning and I don’t see how anyone can disagree that a flawed person speaking up is worth more to us than no one at all!! There are lots of politicians that I don’t completely agree with, but they are elected to do a job… with many more pieces to the puzzle than we can see… but what we can see is that sometimes they have to prioritize the issues and the message.
Perhaps I don't 'get it' all....what I and perhaps you, will get is...that unless the GOP is soundly defeated in every possible election, every person will be at the mercy of MAGA. And that's in short supply. Giving the GOP another wedge issue for single issue voters, to be exploited by the puppet masters of GOP campaigns, will again assure that there will NOT be a Dem majority in Congress or a Dem POTUS. I've been told, by elected politicians that their first job as elected members of Congress was to be elected, job #2 is to be reelected. As unfortunate as that might seem to you and others, until the seniority system in Congress is eliminated, that's how politics is conducted. Perfection is in the minds of dreamers. Continue to dream and work towards perfection, but be a bit pragmatic and elect someone who has the best overall platform, agenda and chance to WIN! There are NO pyrric victories in politics! Not in this country with the public and media demanding 'races/battlegrounds/landslides etc. for the entertainment of the audiences. Yes, it's silly, inane, confusing and subject to ad campaigns with psyche majors and wordsmiths as important as the $$$$$$$ from the likes of Musk and Koch bros
The hill we will surely all die upon is the one where we keep shaving off tiny bits to appeal to a larger group. Perhaps we could just peel off the indigenous in the USA or any of the minority ethnic groups? Perhaps we could peel off the rest of the LGBTQ community whilst we’re abandoning the inconvenient folks. That’s a recipe for losing
As a native Californian I am writing to ask that you stop giving Gavin Newsom a public forum because he is NOT the governor you think he is. Yes, he talks about "turmpproofing" CA but then uses trumpian tactics/measures to take actions like curtailing access to Medi-Cal for undocumented immigrants. Who does he thinks works in our fields, washes dishes in restaurants or cleans our hotel rooms? When these people don't have access to doctors or health care because of Gov Newsom they usually go to work because they cannot afford to lose a day's pay.
Governor Newsom works for PG&E and the utilities and the oil/gas industry more than he does protecting our climate. He is an oligarch in his own right who, with the help of his corrupted CPUC, has done all he can to destroy rooftop solar and renewables in CA. Not to mention the horrors he has perpetrated on our Trans community.
People who don't live in CA see him as a straightforward, speaking truth to power. We, in CA, see him for who he really is. And, right now, he is using your podcasts as a platform for his 2028 run for President.
Native Californian, lifetime Democrat, San Francisco resident and small business owner here. Your comment is exactly spot on. Newsom has been dying to be president since the beginning of his “career”. Everything he does is to get himself publicity. He’s a shameless self promoter. He sold our city out to tech and venture capitalists and we have nothing to show for it. His policies and decisions are based on how far he thinks he’s going to get. He doesn’t actually care about any of the issues, it’s all about him. In my business, I hear nothing all day but people complaining about how high prices are, how PG&E is ripping everyone off, how the homeless situation is out of control, and he’s busy podcasting with Charlie Kirk and Steve Bannon. All to promote himself. And I also have to say I agree with you… He is definitely using Midas touch as self promotion. Let’s be clear, he has too much baggage, too many past dramas, is too busy lining his own pocket, and he actually has no idea what he’s doing. Jerry Brown was a far more effective governor. Please guys, the public is tired of these career do nothing politicians. Let’s hear some new voices.
I live in CA. Lifelong resident. I was able to afford to take awesome state paid parental leave for 17 weeks because of Newsom. That wasn't there before. I also appreciate what he does for undocumented people in CA (Healthcare, eligible for state education loans)
I am a lifetime Democrat too, 5th Generation Californian. Here’s my opinion. Gavin is cutting aid to undocumented immigrants because our Medicaid budget is going to get cut big time by DC. Ya know, those guys that supply the money. He is having to make tough choices. Give health care to Americans or undocumented immigrants. We dawn OUR oxygen masks first.
Rebel … drop the WE IN CA. You presume to speak for ALL of us. You can use the words “many” or “some” in your generalizations, but YOU DO NOT SPEAK FOR ME. I completely disagree with your opinion about Gavin, which is my right.
As a Native Californian and State of California employee I am very disappointed in my Governor. I won't be voting for him for President IF he wins the nomination. He's trying to play both sides and it's not working for most of us.
So you will seriously vote for another Republican? Don Jr.? Are you kidding me? This is like people who voted for Trump because they were mad at Biden about Palestine. You don't like a candidate on every issue so you will vote for someone worse? Unfortunately we don't get multiple choices. You have to vote for the least awful.
Did you learn nothing from the last election? We choose, between two candidates, which one is most likely to support policies we support, not which one is most perfect in every respect. We are voting for a President of the United States, not the president of some us (which is what trump is.) Personally, I think Newsom has been a very good Governor and would be a good President if he chooses to run. We'll see who else throws their hat in the ring. Would I choose him over Pete Buttegeig (who, by the way, is also hammered by "progressives" for not being progressive enough)? Too soon to tell.
I've always taken your approach. After 2024 the idea of tacking further to the center makes me want to puke. I'm truly starting to believe part of why we're here is because we accepted "not republican" as the sole qualification for too many politicians who are not devoted exclusively to clinging to power.
we need this party to change radically, and Newsom is the exact wrong direction
I'm sorry you want to puke but you are completely closing your eyes to reality. We are here because 49% of the voters disagree with you and because perfectionist democrats didn't vote or voted third party and couldn't make a majority. I am not against progressive policies, as some have imagined. Far from it! But I am a realist and saw clearly how the numbers of votes landed. Bernie, for all his popularity could win only one state primary ( or two?). Biden won specifically because he could skate the middle. Harris made a good run - only a few percentage points from winning, and she lost because of the left wing maga not voting or voting for a third party ( and racism).
I personally believe our definitions of "far left" are broken. Universal healthcare and parental leave, for example, are extremely moderate positions globally.
they poll incredibly well in the US. The Newsom/Slotkin types are being told by their corporate owners that that's "radical."
Agree with @cynthiakrugerhi and that's why I'm responding to this post! Why are you giving this guy facetime when he's been more than willing to throw Trans people under the bus and align with people like Charlie Kirk. I'm disappointed in Meidas that they're giving this guy press opportunities!
Stop using knee-jerk phrases like "throwing trans people under the bus". He hasn't and he won't. You are being manipulated by republicans who are very afraid of Newsom.
Newsom agreed with Charlie Kirk on his OWN podcast saying he "completely aligned" with Kirk on some of his gender policies AND he announced on Tuesday thru a spokesperson that the new policy from the CIF about Trans athletes was "reasonable" and "respectful". Once you open that door, it's really hard to close because they ALWAYS go after Gender affirming care next. So, unless you're telling me that my own eyes and ears are incorrect about these items, I'm not being manipulated by Republicans and he IS throwing Trans people under the bus
Exactly, all the states offering deals is not going to bring us back when we are afraid to cross the borders because we don’t want to end up in a hole in a Louisiana or Texas prison.
Exactly, all the states offering deals is not going to bring us back when we are afraid to cross the borders because we don’t want to end up in a hole in a Louisiana or Texas prison.
Heh . . . try living out in Hawai'i (where I live now) . . . I worry that because Trump has invalidated my gender marker on my documents TSA or even CBP (they can operate anywhere within 100 miles of the border (which is all of Hawai'i) that I might be stopped, my documents confiscated, and even imprisoned. They've done it to unlucky travelers for less (thinking of the Canadian woman who was imprisoned)
Newsom feigning angst over a mother who could possibly loose her business and her home as a result of Trump tariffs, frankly sickens me. There are 400,000 homeless individuals in California. The biggest economy in the states. He has vowed to bulldoze what shelter and few belongings these people possess. He talks out of both sides of his mouth, and is just another Hollywood actor.
So run for office. Many Californians are sick of homeless encampments everywhere you look. You say Newsom has vowed to "bulldoze" shelters but in real life it is the US Supreme Court that has allowed cities to close homeless camps, giving people 48 hours, storing belongings for at least 60 days. It is a terrible problem, but you are criticizing those trying to deal with it and thereby allowing oligarchs who are creating the problem to run our government.
removing homeless encampments is not dealing with the problem. it's reactionary and conservative because it's only dealing with the symptom. guaranteed housing and healthcare not tied to employment are the cause.
CA taxpayers are paying more than any other state to file lawsuits against Trump. In Trump's 1st term and now his 2nd. Newsom has taken more legal action against Trump than any other governor in the country to protect CA residents
He speaks the truth. This entire administration & the results of their selfish decisions is depraved behavior. I left out human before behavior for a reason.
Too bad our formerly beloved Governor has caved to the haters, bro-ing with despicables and signalling our state's stance on trans people will change. We're so disappointed in him.
Grow up. Politicians need to communicate to those on the other side of the aisle. No one mentions that by chatting with Charlie Kirk Newsom is introducing himself to people who are steeped in right wing media. At this time there are more republicans than democrats. He needs that exposure.
The issue isn't the exposure - I'm all for politicians going on all sorts of platforms - the issue is what he SAYS when he goes on these shows, the issue is his suddenly-complying decisions.
Newsom needs to pick a side and stay there.
He's a democrat. But he's had to work with the Trump administration because CA had historically devastating fires that cost billions right when Trump started his presidency.
I don’t anticipate orange thug helping CA w/o court order. He’s such a petty, vindictive creep.
He did. Newsom was able to get FEMA funding for displaced residents
𝗜 𝘂𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻'𝘁 𝗽𝗼𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗳𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝘂𝘀 𝘀𝗶𝗰𝗸..."𝐛𝐮𝐭" 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗱 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴....
https://t.co/oONg9ULTY4
Actually a bully and a coward crowded in that same disgusting smelly body of his.
The problem wasn't only what he said, it was that he had white nationalists on his podcast and came across as pandering to them. I think it backfired and that's the price he paid, is continuing to pay and the price he is making all of us pay. I am a die hard Democrat but even I find myself tuning him out. That is not to say, I won't vote for Democrats. So, instead of belittling those that are angry with Newsom, why not instead acknowledge he messed up "bigly" and then, maybe, we can move on? But to defend him without acknowledging what he did was offensive, is not helpful.
I will NEVER vote for a criminal violent insurrection leader - rich radical Republicans corruption is reaching epic level!🏴☠️
So he had Nazis on his podcast to help fight fires? He endorsed Trump's "movie tariffs" to fight fires?
Newsome is not the white supremest Nazi, all of magats are and they’re killing our country at an unprecedented rate!
No. But he sure had them on his podcast. THAT is what is offensive along with his comments. Please stop making it as if Newsom was somehow justified in having Charlie Kirk and Bannon on his podcast. It's not as if those racists don't have a platform of their own to spread their racist and right wing ideology. They loved that Newson had them on. Did Newsom score any points with them? No and more importantly, WHY would he want to?
He was trying to impress his teen-aged son, who idolizes Charlie Kirk.
He also vetoed regulating AGI in SB1046 and appears to be all in with promoting crypto. The Dems can do so much better in choosing a presidential nominee.
I did not know about Newsom appearing to promote crypto. I really do not think Newsom wins the presidential nomination. Long time in political years until then, but I really do doubt it.
I just wrote to him and asked how much money he's taken from crypto lobbyists, but I doubt he'll answer me. I've asked Padilla and Schiff the same question: crickets.
I do know when Katie Porter ran against Schiff she refused to take money from them and advocated to regulate crypto, so they spent MILLIONS on relentless campaign ads against her.
You might get a response from Newsom's office. Thanking you for your email. Then, 20 minutes later, you will get an email asking for a donation. To be fair Newson is not alone in this. I wish they would stop with all the relentless donation requests.
Yes, I've had the experience, so now I preface all my letters with this: First, you do not have my permission to send me emails soliciting donations, only to reply to my specific questions. We'll see what happens, but I'm not hopeful.
Excellent. Good luck.
What about the millions trumpf has grifted off of not only crypto but the stock market by insider trading? Newsom isn’t perfect, but he’s a hell of a lot better than the orange cult leader in the WH!
Of course he's better than Cheeto!! I was talking about his fitness to be my choice of a Dem candidate to run in 2028. I think there are more promising contenders than Newsom, but if it came down to Newsom or the MAGA party I would mos def vote blue.
Update: Surprise, surprise! I've not received a response to my questions from him.
Ok so what about the legions of white supremests that have met, ate with, devised and carried out a coup, all for trumpf and continue to work behind the scenes for him? Having a conversation with someone is far different than being in bed with them!
We can agree to disagree about Newsom. Everyone is entitled to their opinion and feelings about Newsom. I don't think anyone has said he was in bed with white supremacists - he just gave them yet another platform. I, for one, don't want to speak to any white nationalists or MAGAs. It's hard enough to have them in my family, friends and community. Believe me, they have no problem expressing their feelings and "cultural grievances". I was a Newsom supporter but having them on his show was just too much for me. I respect those that can look the other way, I cannot and frankly don't want to look the other way.
Love Newsom! I always voted for him when I lived in CA and will definitely vote for him for president if he decides to run !!!!!
Utter nonsense. Our governor here in NC, Josh Stein, is a Democrat who has worked with the administration to secure funding for damage from Hurricane Helene without starting a podcast boosting white nationalists. And FTR, even red states are having the fight the administration for FEMA funding, which has been cut off since Trump took office. You're making excuses for Newsom's inexcusable behavior.
The reason we have so much division is because everyone is told we have to pick a side. The next step is to demonize the other side. It’s a slippery slope. I personally appreciate those who can see some value in acknowledging that no side has all the answers. Our problems are complex and require thoughtful solutions. Do I necessarily agree with Newsom on his positions? No.
Governing doesn't work that way, Cathy. In -the -gutter republicans seem to think it does and look at how crooked and inept and cruel their "side" has become!
then he'd be a thoughtless trumper
Man, you can day that again!
Gavin Newsom can suck eggs for all I care . . . he threw Trans athletes under the bus!
I’m sorry he disappointed you but he speaks the truth and we need more to speak truth to Trump and the Republicans
Exactly. Trans people are the hill people on the left will die on but they are less than 1% of the population....
Jewish people were less than one percent of the German population before Hitler was made führer, and he made them almost nonexistant. Does that not matter because they were a small minority? Please explain your logic.
Also I say this as. Jewish person who had lots of family members die in WW2. There are way worse issues going on right now, more similar to what happened in Nazi Germany, than Trans in sports for a few years. Sorry.
We all must take a deep look into the “Grander Scheme of Things.” Share the love around the World, think Higher Intelligence rather than only one’s own way of thinking for the future of mankind…
Yeah if they were being sent to El Salvador like those innocent men or put in concentration camps, that would be one thing. But playing sports for a few years? It's just not the hill Im willing to die on. It's almost like bait for the republican party so they can laugh at the left 's outrage and division.
It’s obvious that “sticking it to the libs” and laughing at their" pearl clutching" is the point.
Abandon your allies and soon you won’t have any left.
I think there are more important issues than some people not playing sports for a few years. Like all the LEGAL immigrants being dissappeared by ICE and tarrifs decimating our economy. Pick your battles.
“I think there’s more important battles than someone using a different water fountain for a few years.” - you
Ah yes, here comes the judgemental far left that spits hate as much as the right. This is why Trump is in office, people can't stand this.
Beware trolls on the trans issue. This is the only issue that the so-called "Republicans" used in many MAGA red districts in 2024 because it tested so well. It affects almost no one in IRL, but is incredibly polarizing. Like so many MAGA issues, it is a dog whistle for their agenda to impose apartheid and second class citizenship on women, which is threatened by any blurring of gender roles. Same reason they hate drag. Best to not give it oxygen and be prepared to see endless ads about trans kids in sports and bathrooms again in the midterms. As difficult as it is, Democrats and Independents have to stop shooting at each other, and focus on winning elections, or trans people could all end up in private concentration camps in Texas, where, incidentally, prisoners are dehydrated, underfed, and at constant risk of heat stroke. Who knows how many prisoners are being trafficked with no accountability. One thing we do know is that MAGA is filled with sexual predators.
So minorities are expendable??
Also Gavin Newsom has done more for minorities than most states. Under Newsom, CA has free Healthcare for undocumented immigrants last year (budget can't support it now so it may cost $100/month now), laws that don't allow state/local law enforcement to cooperate with ICE, and also they can access state financial aid for school. CA tax payers are paying 50M to protect the undocumented against Trump this year, he wrote in the budget.
He also made it much for affordable for parents to take parental leave, in CA we get 70-90% of our salary during leave.
He is also not a complete chicken shit and speaks up against Trump. These tarrifs are really hurting CA (my state by the way)
I lived in the San Francisco Bay Area for nearly 15-years. While I applauded much of what Newsom did, he never came off as authentic. My take on him was that he is a political chameleon.
If Newsom is so good why does he need to throw Transgender people under the bus? If he’s so good, why isn’t he running on that rather than consorting with the likes of Bannon and Kirk? If his message is that good he ought not need to stoop to culture war negativity to win.
You are falling for right wing manipulation. They loved that three or four words and spread it all over social media. In context he said he felt it was unfair for men to compete against women, as it is. That does not mean that he will support discrimination against trans gender people. Obama did not agree with abortion, nor did President Biden but they supported women to make their own decisions. That is what good (Democratic) leaders do.
No not at all . . . if anyone has fallen for the ploy it is Newsom and his followers. One way you can tell is his shift to the right and appearance on Charlie Kirk's podcast. Newsom is the one who voiced the words and in so doing threw Transgender athletes under the bus. As I mentioned earlier, from my 15-years living in California including when he performed Same Sex Marriages, my take on him is he will do/say whatever he thinks will get him elected. He may be your friend today, but will he be next week, next month, next year? He is a chameleon
I agree with you on everything but one issue: It is NOT fair to women athletes who want to compete in the Olympics or other high level sports competitions to have to compete with transgender women, who have a native biological advantage over cisgender women.
There must be other options for transgender women besides competing with cisgender women, i.e., compete against other transgender women.
Actually it’s the transgender athlete who is disadvantaged in most cases. Plus if it is a transgender athlete who transitioned early (pre puberty), on puberty blockers there is no advantage. I transitioned in my 30s when I my best mile time was 5:00/mi . . . 2-years post transition the best I could manage was 6:30/mi. With the male hormones gone any advantage I might have had was gone . . . plus I was hauling around heavier bone structure that developed because of the male hormones. It is not as simple as you think.
Never said it was simple, but do you see any trans men competing successfully in competitive men's sports? Is it possible those two years alone caused a loss of speed simply because you were older?
All I said is there must be "other options"; I'll leave it to the sports community—with input from cis and trans women alike—to figure out how to make it fair, but in some cases it is clearly NOT fair to cis women.
I also have concerns about transitioning pre puberty; that's a huge decision for a young and inexperienced person to make and I know two people who did it and later regretted the decision. In the end, it's a very nuanced, personal and complicated issue, but this is much is not: every law abiding person deserves respect and equal civil rights.
wry smile . . . that doesn’t invalidate the concerns or what qualities we ought to be looking at.
If we continuously pander to the least controversial position in order to get elected . . . with the oft forgotten promise to fix it all once elected we will never move forward.
Not Katie Porter!!!
Wow! This point sure did play itself out in Cali this past week, huh?? Very well said!
Mine too, here in NorCal.
Not saying that but I will take him any day over a Republican. That's the problem with the left, we're so divided within our own party. Everyone needs to be perfect. Meanwhile the GOP worships Trump like a god and he can say whatever he wants. No wonder he keeps winning....
taco trump n his collection of treasonous, grifting, greedy, corrupt cabinet, advisors, administration are the real culprits. Why those that don’t agree with him are so afraid to speak up! WTH!
202 225 3121 will get any member of congress. The senate needs to completely redo n overhaul that Big bad bill! Unbelievable that Joni Ernst said “every body has to die sometime”. WTH !
Yes you literally are.
Such a small percentage! When there are grifters, greedy, corrupt, people I. Congress, cabinet, administration, advisors! And biggest of all is trump the taco person!
202 225 3121. Call any member of congress! They need to hear from us!
It's about human rights everyone's human rights in this country. Not just the people that voted for trump.
First they come for womens' reproductive rights then trans people, then immigrants, who is next??
A democratic society protects ALL vulnerable people disregarding their percentage in society. They come for one of us, they come for all of us.
But that needs to be the message… ALL!! Divided, we’ll never win.
I’m a minority and my son is gay… so no, absolutely not! Every person deserves to be protected. However, even as a black woman, I realize that sometimes my battle is not the entire war. And sometimes, we have to deal with the smaller battles later. The bigger picture has to be considered and taken into account. Now the Republican leadership is smarter than we’re giving them credit for… they’re distracting the Democrats with the smaller battles as they whoop our asses on the bigger issues. Trans people will not become extinct… they’ve always existed through history and yes they deserve all of their rights… but honestly, I’m less concerned about their rights to “play sports” when the government is literally voting to take food out of the mouths of children. So yes, I’ll support Newsom because he’s at least trying to do the right thing in this issue! No politician will ever be perfect… but can still be effective. Cali is in a much better place than most states.
That’s just it . . . It is the war . . . It is the piece the G.O.P. extremists have decided to attack because we (trans folk) are the vulnerable minority . . . the part they (rightly) figure will get thrown under the bus. We have to remember the union cry . . . An Injury to One is an injury to All
I’m sorry. That sucks that you’ve experienced that. I, too, feel under valued as a woman who is Black. But we don’t get ahead as a group by disparaging those who are supposed to be our allies… and as Democrats, we should be each other’s allies. So did you start this exchange to hone our message or just to express your disappointment with Newsom… because we elected him (as a state) and that’s valid. But we, the Democratic Party, need to hone the message that ALL people should have their rights. MAGA made up the statistics of Trans athletes to enrage bigots and it worked. And Democrats jumped on the bandwagon leaving much bigger issues that affect more of our country and population unaddressed. That’s what I mean by sleight of hand and a distraction. But you are absolutely valid in your feelings because it’s your experience. I pray that as times change, people will be less bigoted.
No, that’s not the war… it’s the distraction! While we’re arguing that point, the relationships like what someone just posted about Newsom’s antics don’t come to light because we’re focus on the trans rights over here and our children and elderly are being left out in the cold over there. It’s sleight of hand and we’re falling for it hook line and sinker. Do I hate what our trans community experiences? Absolutely! But we all collectively need to focus on the issues that affect us all… and I would say that our children and our elders are the most vulnerable… would you not agree?
Hey . . . consider who you’re talking to . . . I’m a transgender woman 34-years post GCS/SRS and am in my 70th year on this planet. I know who is attacking me and why. It is because our Seniors, our members of the LGBTQ community, our people of color are all vulnerable. The G.O.P. strategy is to split off groups. It isn’t a distraction if we stand up and fight for our ideals and fight for the WHOLE group of us. The minute we let them shave bits of us off we’re on the slippery slope to losing.
You’re correct… we all need to stand together and fight! I never said don’t fight… but we have to stay focused on the entire situation because it’s critical. But you’re correct… even now, here in this space, we’re spending a lot of time disagreeing… that’s the distraction… the divide… and in that case, you’re right… they are winning!
It isn’t a distraction if it helps us hone a message or strategy. If it helps us to avoid the trap of throwing the vulnerable under the bus.
We’re arguing here because some, consciously or not, do not ascribe the same value to Transgender people as they do to Cis folk. We’re arguing because I’m apparently of lesser value than a non trans person . . . that my existence as a trans person somehow threatens Yours? I’ve been active fighting for all kinds of rights that do not directly affect me, but I fought for them. I didn’t toss them under the bus, just because.
I’m sorry. That sucks that you’ve experienced that. I, too, feel under valued as a woman who is Black. But we don’t get ahead as a group by disparaging those who are supposed to be our allies… and as Democrats, we should be each other’s allies. So did you start this exchange to hone our message or just to express your disappointment with Newsom… because we elected him (as a state) and that’s valid. But we, the Democratic Party, need to hone the message that ALL people should have their rights. MAGA made up the statistics of Trans athletes to enrage bigots and it worked. And Democrats jumped on the bandwagon leaving much bigger issues that affect more of our country and population unaddressed. That’s what I mean by sleight of hand and a distraction. But you are absolutely valid in your feelings because it’s your experience. I pray that as times change, people will be less bigoted.
Since Newsom is term limited in California, his aspirations are now National. It would seem to me that he needs to reach out to and represent the greatest number of people without cutting anyone out, or disparaging them as he did Transgender athletes. By doing what he did on Charlie Kirk’s podcast is attempt to attract the kind of voters Kirk’s podcast appeals to by putting down transgender athletes. I submit he felt he could gain more voters whilst losing some in the LGBTQ community. We need candidates who like Jasmine Crockett and Maxwell Frost stand up for all their constituents.
Girl, Newsom is being a politician! Did you expect different? I’m not at all surprised. And I’d never vote for him on a National level. But I hear you.
No of course not . . . but if we don’t talk about what makes him a bad candidate (for us) and share that, we are just one voice crying into the wind. But when we share and discuss our concerns, others can take our information and use that when deciding which candidate(s) they’re going to vote for. What we’re doing here is akin to the old door-to-door, talk to your neighbor, kind of consciousness raising.
If we don’t talk about it with one another and others then it will be very hard to build a groundswell behind any candidate. Obama’s first campaign for President was successful because of the grassroots approach.
I absolutely would defend the civil rights of every person regardless of trans, cis, or other. But I do not think it's fair for trans women to compete with cis women in competitive sports.
You call it a distraction, I call it "divide and conquer" Together we're stronger.
So well stated!
So is my state. Great governor!
It’s not about being divided. It is about being unwilling to stand up for the less visible and less popular for the sake of winning. The political left hasn’t a clue about fighting for all its members.
As unfortunate as Newsom statement regarding the VERY FEW trans athletes....is it wise, politically to die on that hill? The outrage that has been the MO of the GOP, regarding issues that have perceived substance, directly affecting the public dialogue that consequential to less than a microscopic rounding error. Not that the need of these athletes are not temporarily important to them and the other athletes that use this issue as a wedge issue. The issue lacks the gravitas when compared to the larger issues that can/do/will affect not only these trans athletes, but an overwhelming number of US citizens. If Newsom, or any other candidate/s are to take back this country, nay the world, back from the forced that have and will put these same trans athletes in much greater danger, but the world as a peaceful entity.
Every politician on the left needs to be perfect and inclusive of everyone (except conservatives of course, or anyone the left doesn't like) and say the right thing all the time and not offend anyone, ever, otherwise people don't vote out of protest and the GOP wins (again). This is exactly how Trump has been president, twice.
Gavin Newsom has been adjusting his message from the beginning of his career. He goes with whatever is expedient rather than what is the right thing to do. He is the political equivalent of “obeying in advance.” If we continually give ground we soon won’t have any ground to give or exist upon.
Do you know how much CA paid in lawsuits against Trump in his first term? $41 Million. Do you know how much CA taxpayers are paying in 2025 to protect our state against the clown in the white house? $50M. No other state has spent more money in legal action against Trump, it benefits the entire country.
But yeah, trans athletes.
Leave them alone! They are human, eat, sleep, breathe! Go after the lieing , cheating, corrupt politicians in congress!
Look at where the money goes and that will tell you where people's interests lie.
How is that relevant to throwing Transgender athletes under the bus?? Yes all that happened, but that is not a logical of sufficient reason to abandon a minority group. What it says to me is that his accomplishments are sooo weak that he needs to throw vulnerable people on the trash heap. That he needs to resort to the G.O.P. culture war and abandon people. Where is the Gavin Newsom who went ahead and married gays and lesbians even when it wasn’t legal?
I see the same Newsom you see. People here are mentioning only Newsom turning on transgender people. He also launched his podcast to court and befriend the likes of Steve Bannon and Charlie Kirk. Charlie Kirk is a proud racist and homophobe, and Bannon was imprisoned in contempt of Congress for refusing to testify about the January 6 coup attempt. Trump gets elected and Newsom decides it would be politically expedient to befriend Trump's friends and to change his tune, then, about transgender people's rights, and now he is on a crusade to make it an arrestable crime in California to be homeless. This is crazy to me. And the Democratic party just keeps pushing, pushing, pushing him on us, even as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Pete Buttigieg and others are legitimately popular among progressive people. It's very disappointing. The man is not suited to be president just because he looks like a game show host and has no obvious moral convictions.
And it was overly emotional "progressives" creating their own fictional scenarios and personal grudges based on their emotion and not facts are the reason we lost our last election. Thanks.
Allison/Karen, I am gay. Being gay and seeing LGBT people purged from government documents, and then from medical research and clinical practice guidelines, because of a fascist executive order is an emotional experience. You are fortunate that you get to sway between conservatism and liberalism without any emotional engagement. Many of us are under attack by our own government. That's pretty terrifying. If you can't relate and would like to, then I suggest reading about 1930s Germany.
You don't know me. You don't know my family. You don't know how much I know about the Third Reich. We are all entitled to our emotions but when we vote we need to do so with logic and knowledge. We have a fascist government now due to too many on the left not voting because of their conscience or their personal emotions.
Though it's true some voters focus only on one issue rather than choosing the lesser of evils, I think you're oversimplifying this. Remember the influence of Musk camping out in swing states and pouring his unlimited funds into buying votes and spreading lies on X, Facebook's promotion of lies and propaganda after meeting with the Orange menace, Russia's contributions to social media conspiracy theories and lies, micro targeted propaganda spread on these platforms and aimed directly at young men and other "unlikely voters" who idolized Musk, and rampant voter suppression.
The Dems also made a huge mistake in not reaching out to the millions of poor voters who don't vote because candidates never bother to talk with them. Ask Rev. William Barber about that if you don't believe me.
The sooner we acknowledge that MOST voters do not vote based on logic and knowledge the better we can plan more effective campaign strategies. Watch interviews of Cheeto voters to see how their choices are devoid of logic or knowledge; it's the sad truth, but it can't be ignored.
I am over simplifying but only to focus on one point in a complex subject. Everything you say is also true. I will reserve opinion on Rev. Barber because I know little about him. However, don't people like Barber have a platform to spread knowledge to poor people? I'm a little uncomfortable when you refer to campaign strategies that ignore logic and knowledge. How else to get through to a populace immersed in biased news and nothing else 24/7? A candidate cannot speak to every person or solve every problem in our country.
I agree with your "one point," but think it's important to consider all factors that contributed to losing the election.
Rev. William Barber has been resurrecting MLK, Jr.'s Poor People's Campaign for years. Yes, he has a platform, but gets very little media coverage. Example: on June 30, 2024 "thousands of poor and low-wage workers and their supporters from religious, labor, and social justice organizations rallied in Washington, D.C. on Saturday and pledged to 'break the silence about poverty' and mobilize 15 million poor and low-income voters ahead of the November 2024 election," yet there was zero news coverage of this well attended event; the poor involved in Barber's campaign have told him they don't vote because no candidate ever talks to them or campaigns in their neighborhoods. (https://www.commondreams.org/news/poor-peoples-campaign-voters).
I also agree we shouldn't completely ignore logic and knowledge, but there are many studies showing those two things do little to change most people's minds compared with emotions. That's the disturbing reality we are facing. Absolutely true that no one candidate can speak to every problem or satisfy a voter's every wish; unfortunately, many voters ignore that hard truth and end up stubbornly refusing to vote for the best choice available, (i.e., the MI voters who didn't like Biden's policy on Gaza, bought Cheeto's micro-targeted lies, and voted for the Orange menace, the worst possible candidate for their concerns). For such people, appealing directly to their emotions is more effective.
Sadly, the appeal to emotions was effective. Harris reached out to that population but their community leaders played the emotion card. They were hoodwinked. They f'ed around and found out.
Agree! Reminds me of what the DNC did when Hillary was chosen as the next nominee after she lost to Obama but before the primary voters even weighed in. The DNC undermined Bernie's small donor campaign in spite of the fact he was drawing huge crowds over Hillary.
How about a governor like Wes Moore or others who have a proven track record of getting practical things done for their state that the majority of people want and need?
There will be primaries and we can all vote. No one can push anyone after the voters take part in the primaries. Trans kids not being able to play for a couple of years do not mean they are being thrown under the bus.
YOU'RE NOT GETTING IT! The sports issue with Trans people is the foot in the door that bigots use to push their agenda of erasing Trans people from existence! Look at ANY state that has adopted a Trans sports ban. Do they stop there? No! They do not. They're using it as a way in so they can implement further hateful policies with the eventual eradication of Trans people. Next up, the rest of the LGBT+ spectrum.
If you give an inch to a fascist, they won't just take that inch. They'll take everything! You're not looking at the big picture. If this issue doesn't affect you, well that's awesome for you, but eventually, they'll come after something you do care about!
They already are which is why I’m saying we need anyone who will speak up… even the flawed politicians like Newsom! That was my point from the beginning and I don’t see how anyone can disagree that a flawed person speaking up is worth more to us than no one at all!! There are lots of politicians that I don’t completely agree with, but they are elected to do a job… with many more pieces to the puzzle than we can see… but what we can see is that sometimes they have to prioritize the issues and the message.
They already are! The Constitution! Our rights! Judges, colleges, ! People who are here legally!
Perhaps I don't 'get it' all....what I and perhaps you, will get is...that unless the GOP is soundly defeated in every possible election, every person will be at the mercy of MAGA. And that's in short supply. Giving the GOP another wedge issue for single issue voters, to be exploited by the puppet masters of GOP campaigns, will again assure that there will NOT be a Dem majority in Congress or a Dem POTUS. I've been told, by elected politicians that their first job as elected members of Congress was to be elected, job #2 is to be reelected. As unfortunate as that might seem to you and others, until the seniority system in Congress is eliminated, that's how politics is conducted. Perfection is in the minds of dreamers. Continue to dream and work towards perfection, but be a bit pragmatic and elect someone who has the best overall platform, agenda and chance to WIN! There are NO pyrric victories in politics! Not in this country with the public and media demanding 'races/battlegrounds/landslides etc. for the entertainment of the audiences. Yes, it's silly, inane, confusing and subject to ad campaigns with psyche majors and wordsmiths as important as the $$$$$$$ from the likes of Musk and Koch bros
The hill we will surely all die upon is the one where we keep shaving off tiny bits to appeal to a larger group. Perhaps we could just peel off the indigenous in the USA or any of the minority ethnic groups? Perhaps we could peel off the rest of the LGBTQ community whilst we’re abandoning the inconvenient folks. That’s a recipe for losing
The Dictator Useless Criminal Deranged More On is the one who can/should/needs to do that.
Trump is also a TACO when dealing with Putin. Such an accurate name for him.
As a native Californian I am writing to ask that you stop giving Gavin Newsom a public forum because he is NOT the governor you think he is. Yes, he talks about "turmpproofing" CA but then uses trumpian tactics/measures to take actions like curtailing access to Medi-Cal for undocumented immigrants. Who does he thinks works in our fields, washes dishes in restaurants or cleans our hotel rooms? When these people don't have access to doctors or health care because of Gov Newsom they usually go to work because they cannot afford to lose a day's pay.
Governor Newsom works for PG&E and the utilities and the oil/gas industry more than he does protecting our climate. He is an oligarch in his own right who, with the help of his corrupted CPUC, has done all he can to destroy rooftop solar and renewables in CA. Not to mention the horrors he has perpetrated on our Trans community.
People who don't live in CA see him as a straightforward, speaking truth to power. We, in CA, see him for who he really is. And, right now, he is using your podcasts as a platform for his 2028 run for President.
Native Californian, lifetime Democrat, San Francisco resident and small business owner here. Your comment is exactly spot on. Newsom has been dying to be president since the beginning of his “career”. Everything he does is to get himself publicity. He’s a shameless self promoter. He sold our city out to tech and venture capitalists and we have nothing to show for it. His policies and decisions are based on how far he thinks he’s going to get. He doesn’t actually care about any of the issues, it’s all about him. In my business, I hear nothing all day but people complaining about how high prices are, how PG&E is ripping everyone off, how the homeless situation is out of control, and he’s busy podcasting with Charlie Kirk and Steve Bannon. All to promote himself. And I also have to say I agree with you… He is definitely using Midas touch as self promotion. Let’s be clear, he has too much baggage, too many past dramas, is too busy lining his own pocket, and he actually has no idea what he’s doing. Jerry Brown was a far more effective governor. Please guys, the public is tired of these career do nothing politicians. Let’s hear some new voices.
I live in CA. Lifelong resident. I was able to afford to take awesome state paid parental leave for 17 weeks because of Newsom. That wasn't there before. I also appreciate what he does for undocumented people in CA (Healthcare, eligible for state education loans)
I am a lifetime Democrat too, 5th Generation Californian. Here’s my opinion. Gavin is cutting aid to undocumented immigrants because our Medicaid budget is going to get cut big time by DC. Ya know, those guys that supply the money. He is having to make tough choices. Give health care to Americans or undocumented immigrants. We dawn OUR oxygen masks first.
He's not cutting healthcare for undocumented immigrants, it just most likely won't be free anymore, it will just cost $100/month
Rebel … drop the WE IN CA. You presume to speak for ALL of us. You can use the words “many” or “some” in your generalizations, but YOU DO NOT SPEAK FOR ME. I completely disagree with your opinion about Gavin, which is my right.
You are right, Joy Ann. I should have written “Many in CA”. Thanks for reminding me that words matter. 🙂
I completely agree with Rebel408 !!
"He doubled down on stupid." - Gavin Newsom on Trump's continued tariffs war.👌🏻🤦🏻♀️🥹
Newsom is taunting Democrats with his recent MAGA courtship rituals. Not a fan.
As a Native Californian and State of California employee I am very disappointed in my Governor. I won't be voting for him for President IF he wins the nomination. He's trying to play both sides and it's not working for most of us.
So you will seriously vote for another Republican? Don Jr.? Are you kidding me? This is like people who voted for Trump because they were mad at Biden about Palestine. You don't like a candidate on every issue so you will vote for someone worse? Unfortunately we don't get multiple choices. You have to vote for the least awful.
Agree. The left is ridiculous. We can't seem to get our act together. This is exactly why Trump is president.
Did you learn nothing from the last election? We choose, between two candidates, which one is most likely to support policies we support, not which one is most perfect in every respect. We are voting for a President of the United States, not the president of some us (which is what trump is.) Personally, I think Newsom has been a very good Governor and would be a good President if he chooses to run. We'll see who else throws their hat in the ring. Would I choose him over Pete Buttegeig (who, by the way, is also hammered by "progressives" for not being progressive enough)? Too soon to tell.
I've always taken your approach. After 2024 the idea of tacking further to the center makes me want to puke. I'm truly starting to believe part of why we're here is because we accepted "not republican" as the sole qualification for too many politicians who are not devoted exclusively to clinging to power.
we need this party to change radically, and Newsom is the exact wrong direction
I'm sorry you want to puke but you are completely closing your eyes to reality. We are here because 49% of the voters disagree with you and because perfectionist democrats didn't vote or voted third party and couldn't make a majority. I am not against progressive policies, as some have imagined. Far from it! But I am a realist and saw clearly how the numbers of votes landed. Bernie, for all his popularity could win only one state primary ( or two?). Biden won specifically because he could skate the middle. Harris made a good run - only a few percentage points from winning, and she lost because of the left wing maga not voting or voting for a third party ( and racism).
I understand your perspective. I no longer share it after 2024.
I appreciate the good faith discussion, though
Sorry but we live in a very conservative country. The candidate needs to be center enough to not just get far left votes. Otherwise people vote right.
I personally believe our definitions of "far left" are broken. Universal healthcare and parental leave, for example, are extremely moderate positions globally.
they poll incredibly well in the US. The Newsom/Slotkin types are being told by their corporate owners that that's "radical."
Agree with @cynthiakrugerhi and that's why I'm responding to this post! Why are you giving this guy facetime when he's been more than willing to throw Trans people under the bus and align with people like Charlie Kirk. I'm disappointed in Meidas that they're giving this guy press opportunities!
Stop using knee-jerk phrases like "throwing trans people under the bus". He hasn't and he won't. You are being manipulated by republicans who are very afraid of Newsom.
Newsom agreed with Charlie Kirk on his OWN podcast saying he "completely aligned" with Kirk on some of his gender policies AND he announced on Tuesday thru a spokesperson that the new policy from the CIF about Trans athletes was "reasonable" and "respectful". Once you open that door, it's really hard to close because they ALWAYS go after Gender affirming care next. So, unless you're telling me that my own eyes and ears are incorrect about these items, I'm not being manipulated by Republicans and he IS throwing Trans people under the bus
Fuck Newsom and his Nazi pals. He's trying to play both sides you guys should call him on it. Stop trying to be the CNN of social media.
Sorry but I can't stand Newsom. He is a hyprocrite and DINO.
The governors can beg Canadians to return to their states all they want, but we still need to get past the gestapos at border entry.
Exactly, all the states offering deals is not going to bring us back when we are afraid to cross the borders because we don’t want to end up in a hole in a Louisiana or Texas prison.
Exactly, all the states offering deals is not going to bring us back when we are afraid to cross the borders because we don’t want to end up in a hole in a Louisiana or Texas prison.
Heh . . . try living out in Hawai'i (where I live now) . . . I worry that because Trump has invalidated my gender marker on my documents TSA or even CBP (they can operate anywhere within 100 miles of the border (which is all of Hawai'i) that I might be stopped, my documents confiscated, and even imprisoned. They've done it to unlucky travelers for less (thinking of the Canadian woman who was imprisoned)
Sorry you have to deal with this.
Mahalo!
Newsom feigning angst over a mother who could possibly loose her business and her home as a result of Trump tariffs, frankly sickens me. There are 400,000 homeless individuals in California. The biggest economy in the states. He has vowed to bulldoze what shelter and few belongings these people possess. He talks out of both sides of his mouth, and is just another Hollywood actor.
So run for office. Many Californians are sick of homeless encampments everywhere you look. You say Newsom has vowed to "bulldoze" shelters but in real life it is the US Supreme Court that has allowed cities to close homeless camps, giving people 48 hours, storing belongings for at least 60 days. It is a terrible problem, but you are criticizing those trying to deal with it and thereby allowing oligarchs who are creating the problem to run our government.
removing homeless encampments is not dealing with the problem. it's reactionary and conservative because it's only dealing with the symptom. guaranteed housing and healthcare not tied to employment are the cause.
Stop being besties with Gavin. He’s doing his damndest to throw California under the NAZI bus.
Baloney.
CA taxpayers are paying more than any other state to file lawsuits against Trump. In Trump's 1st term and now his 2nd. Newsom has taken more legal action against Trump than any other governor in the country to protect CA residents
And we’ve seen exactly how effective lawsuits are against him.
Better than doing nothing and lying there like a doormat and taking it. Or worse, kissing his ass (looking at you Congress)
He speaks the truth. This entire administration & the results of their selfish decisions is depraved behavior. I left out human before behavior for a reason.
Gavin Newsom.
There's somebody who had a forest of credibility.
And then clear cut-it himself, betraying truth for podcast clicks.
I can't trust him anymore.
I no longer eagerly wish to hear what he has said.
Quite to the contrary, I have a sour feeling whenever there's something he has said available to listen to.
Too bad our formerly beloved Governor has caved to the haters, bro-ing with despicables and signalling our state's stance on trans people will change. We're so disappointed in him.
Grow up. Politicians need to communicate to those on the other side of the aisle. No one mentions that by chatting with Charlie Kirk Newsom is introducing himself to people who are steeped in right wing media. At this time there are more republicans than democrats. He needs that exposure.
The issue isn't the exposure - I'm all for politicians going on all sorts of platforms - the issue is what he SAYS when he goes on these shows, the issue is his suddenly-complying decisions.