Should conservatives trust Gavin Newsom?
California Governor Gavin Newsom, often seen as a liberal hardliner, surprised many this week by acknowledging that the MAGA movement isn’t just about “racism and misogyny.” Instead, he pointed to its strong appeal among working-class Americans—praising Steve Bannon’s economic message in the process.
His remarks came during a conversation with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz on his podcast, This Is Gavin Newsom, where the two debated what drives MAGA voters.
Newsom: MAGA Speaks to the Working Class
During the discussion, Walz questioned whether MAGA supporters were primarily motivated by racial and gender biases.
“How do we put some of those guys back under a rock?” Walz asked, before boasting, “I could kick most of their ass.”
Rather than endorsing this dismissive attitude, Newsom argued that many MAGA supporters are driven by legitimate economic concerns.
Steve Bannon: Sounding Like Old-School Democrats?
When pressed on whether MAGA is just about racism, Newsom responded:
“I think there’s a lot of that, but I don’t think it’s exclusively that.”
He pointed out that Bannon often discusses issues like the decline of manufacturing jobs and the economic struggles of middle-class Americans.
“When you talk to a guy like Steve Bannon, he talks about working folks, and he talks about how we hollowed out the industrial core of this country,” Newsom said.
Bannon, appearing on Newsom’s podcast the previous week, called for “dramatic action” to fix a system that he says no longer works for the middle class.
Ignoring MAGA Concerns? A Mistake, Says Newsom
Walz was quick to attack Bannon, citing his refusal to accept the 2020 election results. But Newsom, while not endorsing election skepticism, suggested that ignoring everything MAGA leaders say is a mistake.
“We can reject the idea of election denial,” Newsom stated. “We can fully disapprove of his actions on January 6. However, that doesn’t mean we should ignore everything he’s saying.”
Newsom went even further, noting that Bannon’s economic rhetoric “reminds me of Bernie Sanders”—and even “what the left was saying 20, 30 years ago.”
A Shift in the Democratic Party?
Newsom’s comments highlight a key shift in American politics: Democrats, once the party of the working class, are losing ground with middle-class and male voters. Meanwhile, MAGA leaders are gaining traction by focusing on economic concerns and government overreach.
Newsom’s Podcast: A Platform for MAGA Figures?
Interestingly, Newsom’s first three major podcast guests were all prominent MAGA voices:
✅ Steve Bannon
✅ Charlie Kirk
✅ Michael Savage
While progressives have criticized him for amplifying conservative voices, Newsom insists that meaningful political discussions require hearing from both sides.
Why Are Men Drifting Away from Democrats?
Another key moment in the discussion came when Newsom pushed back against Walz’s aggressive anti-MAGA rhetoric.
Walz’s boast that he could “kick most of their ass” might appeal to hardcore leftists, but Newsom suggested that this attitude is driving male voters away from the Democratic Party.
“I think it’s one of the reasons we’re losing so many men,” Newsom admitted.
“And again, it’s multi-ethnic. It’s not just white men. We’re losing them. We’re losing them to these guys online.”
His comments reflect a growing Democratic dilemma—the party’s message is failing to resonate with working-class men, many of whom are turning to MAGA figures for leadership.
The “Deplorables” Mistake—Again?
This isn’t the first time dismissing conservatives has backfired.
🔹 In 2016, Hillary Clinton’s infamous “basket of deplorables” remark alienated millions of voters and helped Donald Trump win the presidency.
🔹 More recently, Vice President Kamala Harris avoided making the same mistake when asked on Fox News if Trump supporters were “stupid.”
“Oh, God, I would never say that about the American people,” she carefully responded.
Is Newsom Positioning for 2028?
With Newsom’s term-limited as California governor, speculation is growing that he may be preparing for a 2028 presidential run.
Some believe his podcast strategy—engaging both progressive and conservative figures—is a calculated attempt to broaden his appeal. Others think it’s simply an attempt to counter his reputation as a far-left Democrat.
Meanwhile, rumors continue to swirl that Kamala Harris may challenge him for the Democratic nomination—or even run for his Senate seat in 2026.
Final Thoughts: A Surprising Shift in Tone
Newsom’s willingness to acknowledge MAGA’s economic appeal—and to push back against dismissive Democratic rhetoric—is a shift that many on the left aren’t happy about.
The big question is: Will more Democrats recognize that ignoring middle-class concerns is costing them voters?