What's happened
California Governor Gavin Newsom's new podcast, featuring right-wing guests like Steve Bannon, has drawn criticism from fellow Democrats. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear and others argue that giving a platform to figures like Bannon, who promote divisive rhetoric, is harmful to political discourse. Newsom defends his approach as necessary for understanding Trumpism.
What's behind the headline?
Key Points of Contention
- Platforming Controversial Figures: Newsom's decision to host Bannon, a figure associated with far-right extremism, has been criticized for legitimizing harmful views. Critics argue that this could embolden similar rhetoric in political discourse.
- Strategic Ambition: Newsom's podcast appears to be a strategic move to broaden his appeal ahead of a potential presidential run in 2028. However, this strategy raises questions about the ethical implications of engaging with divisive figures.
- Democratic Unity: The backlash from within the Democratic Party, particularly from figures like Beshear, highlights a rift regarding how to engage with opposing viewpoints. This could impact party unity as they prepare for future elections.
- Understanding Trumpism: Newsom defends his approach by stating the importance of understanding the motivations behind Trumpism. This perspective suggests a willingness to engage with difficult conversations, but it risks alienating core Democratic supporters who oppose Bannon's views.
What the papers say
According to Martin Pengelly in The Guardian, Andy Beshear criticized Newsom's choice to feature Bannon, stating, "I don’t think we should give him oxygen on any platform, ever, anywhere." This sentiment reflects a broader concern among Democrats about legitimizing extremist views. In contrast, Newsom argues that understanding figures like Bannon is crucial for Democrats moving forward, as he explained in an email to supporters, emphasizing the need to grasp how the MAGA-right organized itself during the last election. Adam Kinzinger, a former Republican congressman, also expressed dismay, calling it "stupid" to engage with Bannon, highlighting the potential risks of normalizing such figures in political discourse. This tension illustrates the challenges facing Democrats as they navigate their strategies in a polarized political landscape.
How we got here
Newsom launched his podcast, 'This Is Gavin Newsom,' to connect directly with voters, bypassing traditional media. His choice of controversial guests, including Bannon and Charlie Kirk, has raised eyebrows among Democrats, especially as both Newsom and Beshear are seen as potential presidential candidates for 2028.
Go deeper
- What are the implications for the Democratic Party?
- How are other Democrats reacting to Newsom's choices?
- What does this mean for Newsom's presidential ambitions?
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Andrew Graham Beshear is an American attorney and politician. Since December 2019, he has served as the 63rd Governor of Kentucky. A member of the Democratic Party, he is the son of Steve Beshear, the 61st Governor of Kentucky.
Beshear was elected attorne
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