John,
California Governor Gavin Newsom has earned a reputation as one of the Democratic Party’s boldest fighters. He’s stood toe-to-toe with Trump’s cronies, called out MAGA lies on Fox News, and pushed progressive policy through America’s biggest and bluest state.
That’s exactly why this moment matters so much. Because now, Gavin Newsom is using his new podcast, not to dismantle the lies of the far right, but to platform their most toxic figures. He recently hosted Steve Bannon -- yes, that Steve Bannon -- on his show and shockingly compared his economic messaging to that of Bernie Sanders.
Bannon isn’t just another guest. He’s a convicted criminal, election denier, and insurrection cheerleader. Instead of challenging Bannon’s dangerous lies, Newsom downplayed them, claiming there’s overlap between Bannon and Bernie, as if economic populism and violent authoritarianism are the same thing.
And it’s not just Bannon. He recently hosted Charlie Kirk, and now Republicans are literally citing Gavin Newsom to push anti-trans legislation. That’s not bridge-building. That’s providing cover for hate.
We can show that Democrats win not by echoing the right, but by confronting it head-on. Tell Gavin Newsom: Democrats must confront extremism, not elevate it.
In a moment where democracy is under siege and MAGA rhetoric is fueling real-world violence, platforming extremists like Bannon and Kirk is a betrayal of the movement Newsom claims to champion.
There’s a difference between reaching across the aisle and surrendering the microphone. Democrats need leaders who will expose the lies of the right, not sit in conversation with them without forcefully challenging their narratives.
If Gavin Newsom wants to run for president in 2028, he must demonstrate that he understands this is not politics as usual. This is a fight for the soul of the country.
The podcast can be a powerful tool. But only if it’s used to challenge extremism, not to normalize it.
Help send a message loud and clear that Democrats deserve leaders who lead, not ones who lend credibility to lies. Tell Gavin Newsom: Stop Platforming Right-Wing Extremists.
Let’s make it clear to Gavin Newsom and every Democrat with presidential ambitions: This is not the time for false equivalencies or friendly chats with fascists. It’s the time to lead.
- DFA AF Team
