Gavin Newsom Sparks Dem Criticism for Hosting Steve Bannon on Podcast/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ California Governor Gavin Newsom is under fire from fellow Democrats, including Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, for hosting Steve Bannon on his podcast. Beshear argued that Bannon, a far-right figure linked to extremism, should not be given a platform. Newsom defended his decision, citing the need to understand Trumpism, but critics, including former GOP Rep. Adam Kinzinger, called the move politically reckless.
Newsom and Bannon: Quick Looks
- Democratic Rift: Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear criticized Newsom for featuring Bannon, arguing he promotes hate and violence.
- Bannon’s Background: Trump’s former strategist was convicted of contempt of Congress and fraud-related charges.
- Newsom’s Defense: He claims engaging with different voices is crucial to understanding political movements.
- Political Ambitions: Both Newsom and Beshear are seen as potential 2028 Democratic presidential candidates.
- GOP Criticism: Ex-Republican Congressman Adam Kinzinger called Newsom’s decision “stupid,” citing Bannon’s extremist influence.
Gavin Newsom Sparks Dem Criticism for Hosting Steve Bannon on Podcast
Newsom’s Podcast Sparks Democratic Tensions: Deep Look
California Governor Gavin Newsom is facing strong pushback from within his own party for inviting far-right strategist Steve Bannon onto his podcast, This Is Gavin Newsom. Among his critics is Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, who publicly condemned the decision, calling it dangerous to give Bannon a platform.
At a Democratic retreat in Virginia, Beshear acknowledged the value of engaging with diverse perspectives but insisted that figures like Bannon should not be given attention.
“Steve Bannon espouses hatred and anger, and even at some points violence,” Beshear stated. “I don’t think we should give him oxygen on any platform, ever, anywhere.”
Who Is Steve Bannon?
Bannon, once a key player in Donald Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign, served as White House chief strategist in 2017 before being ousted over his extremist views. He has remained a powerful voice in right-wing populism, despite legal troubles.
In 2022, Bannon was convicted of contempt of Congress for refusing to comply with the House committee investigating the January 6 Capitol riot, leading to a four-month prison sentence. Additionally, he recently avoided further jail time by pleading guilty to fraud charges related to the “We Build the Wall” campaign, a private effort to construct a barrier along the US-Mexico border.
Bannon on Newsom’s Podcast
During his conversation with Newsom, Bannon repeated Trump’s false claim that the 2020 election was stolen—an assertion that fueled the January 6 insurrection. Despite Bannon’s history, Newsom defended the decision to host him, arguing that understanding Trumpism is critical for Democrats moving forward.
“I think we all agreed after the last election that it’s important for Democrats to explore new and unique ways of talking to people,” Newsom said.
Newsom’s Political Strategy?
Newsom’s podcast is seen as an effort to bypass traditional media and communicate directly with voters. He has invited other conservative figures, including pro-Trump organizer and podcaster Charlie Kirk. The move, however, appears to be dividing Democrats, especially given Newsom’s potential presidential aspirations.
Both Newsom and Beshear are viewed as likely contenders for the 2028 Democratic nomination. Newsom is serving his second term as California governor, leading a deeply Democratic state. Beshear, meanwhile, is a rare Democratic governor in Republican-leaning Kentucky and was even considered for Kamala Harris’s vice-presidential ticket in 2024.
Backlash from the Right and Left
“Bannon is the author of this chaos we’re seeing right now,” Kinzinger said, referring to Trump’s political influence and the increasing instability in U.S. governance. He also accused Newsom of playing into Bannon’s hands.
Kinzinger continued: “Bannon is the one that says you need to flood the zone with shit … and because Gavin Newsom wants to run for president and thinks he’s gonna be this healer, he brings on this nationalist?”
Later, he added, “Many of us on the right sacrificed careers to fight Bannon, and Newsom is trying to make a career and a presidential run by building him up.”
A Calculated Risk or a Political Misstep?
Newsom’s move could be part of a broader strategy to reach undecided voters or demonstrate an ability to engage with opposing viewpoints. However, the backlash suggests he may have miscalculated the political risks, especially among Democrats who see Bannon as a symbol of extremism.
As the 2028 race looms, Newsom’s approach will be closely watched—especially as figures like Beshear, Whitmer, and Shapiro position themselves as potential challengers. Whether Newsom’s outreach to controversial figures will help or hurt his chances remains to be seen.
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