Newsom Adopts Right-Leaning Views Before Possible 2028 Presidential Run

Man speaking at a podium with American flags.

California Governor Gavin Newsom launches a podcast featuring conservative figures like Charlie Kirk and Steve Bannon, raising eyebrows about his potential 2028 presidential ambitions as his views appear to shift toward the center.

Quick Takes

Conservative commentator Charlie Kirk warns Republicans not to underestimate Newsom, describing him as having “a shark’s instincts” with clear presidential ambitions
Newsom’s new podcast features conversations with MAGA figures, drawing criticism from both the left and right as a transparent political strategy
Liberal commentator Sunny Hostin expressed disappointment in Newsom’s podcast strategy, calling it a “poor” approach
Newsom’s comments on transgender issues during his podcast have sparked controversy and may indicate a strategic pivot to more centrist positions
Critics suggest Newsom is trying to rebrand himself nationally while distancing from his progressive California record

Strategic Pivot or Genuine Outreach?

Governor Gavin Newsom’s recent launch of a podcast featuring conversations with prominent conservative figures has political analysts speculating about his national ambitions. The California governor, who has frequently positioned himself as a progressive counter to Republican policies, is now engaging in cordial discussions with figures like Charlie Kirk and Steve Bannon – notable voices from President Trump’s MAGA movement. The podcast, which aims to make public the private conversations Newsom has with political figures across the spectrum, comes as speculation grows about his potential candidacy in the 2028 presidential election following President Trump’s return to office in 2024.

Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA and the first guest on Newsom’s podcast, later wrote an op-ed warning fellow conservatives not to dismiss Newsom as a serious contender. The conversation between the two was notably cordial despite their significant political differences, with some observers suggesting this represents a calculated effort by Newsom to present himself as more moderate and able to engage constructively with political opponents. This apparent shift comes as Democrats nationwide assess their messaging strategy after electoral defeats and look toward rebuilding for future election cycles.

Conservative Warnings About Newsom’s Ambitions

Charlie Kirk has emerged as one of the most vocal analysts of Newsom’s strategy, suggesting the governor’s podcast and apparent moderation of views are part of a deliberate plan to position himself for a presidential run. Kirk has urged conservatives to maintain focus on Newsom’s actual record in California rather than his current presentation. In particular, Kirk highlighted issues facing California under Newsom’s leadership, including retail theft problems, high rates of outmigration, and controversial social policies that have divided voters even in the traditionally liberal state.

“One thing I learned in my podcast experience: The governor isn’t a joke. He has a shark’s instincts and is hoping that voters will have a goldfish’s memory. He knows his current record can’t win him the White House, and so he’s trying to rewrite what that record is. The conservatives he speaks with in the weeks to come shouldn’t let him,” said Charlie Kirk.

Kirk pointed to specific moments during their podcast conversation when Newsom appeared to stall or evade definitive stances on controversial issues. For instance, when discussing Proposition 16, which would have reinstated affirmative action in California, Kirk observed that Newsom seemed hesitant to stake out a clear position. According to Kirk, this hesitation wasn’t due to lack of preparation but rather a strategic decision to avoid commitments that might later prove politically problematic in a national campaign.

What Newsom is oblivious to (or, isn't, and doesn't care) is that people such and Kirk, Bannon, etc., want publicity; I doubt they believe much of what they say about liberals, liberal media, etc. They want eyeballs on them, more than anything else. There was a recent lengthy NY… https://t.co/NSO5rvxy4w

— Leaving MAGA/Rich Logis 🇺🇸 (@PerfectOurUnion) March 13, 2025

Criticism From Both Sides

While conservatives warn about Newsom’s potential threat to Republican prospects in 2028, the governor is also facing significant pushback from his left flank. Sunny Hostin of “The View” criticized Newsom’s podcast strategy, expressing disappointment in his willingness to engage with controversial conservative figures without more forcefully challenging their views. Hostin, who had previously viewed Newsom as a potential presidential contender, questioned whether this approach would help or harm his standing among Democratic primary voters who expect their candidates to vigorously defend progressive values.

“I just think this is a poor strategy for Gavin Newsom,” Sunny Hostin said.

The podcast has been characterized by some liberal commentators as awkward and unlikely to boost Newsom’s presidential prospects. Critics point to his fawning tone toward guests whose political views run counter to positions he has forcefully advocated in his role as California governor. Particular attention has focused on Newsom’s comments regarding transgender participation in sports during his conversation with Kirk, which some viewed as a significant departure from his previous public stances on LGBTQ+ issues. This perceived inconsistency has raised questions about the authenticity of his current positions.

The Road to 2028

As the 2028 presidential election remains years away, Newsom’s current strategy appears focused on broadening his appeal beyond California’s borders and presenting himself as capable of dialogue across partisan divides. While his podcast has drawn criticism for its execution, the underlying goal of repositioning himself on the national stage is evident. Political observers note that successful presidential candidates often begin their positioning years in advance, and Newsom’s current activities suggest he is actively laying groundwork for a potential run.

“Newsom wants to be president more than any living person. … He is an ambitious man, and his new podcast is clearly a product of that ambition,” said Charlie Kirk.

Whether Newsom’s podcast and apparent shift toward more moderate positions will ultimately help or hinder his ambitions remains to be seen. What seems increasingly clear is that the governor is actively making calculations with an eye toward national politics rather than simply focusing on his current role in California. As his podcast continues to feature conservative voices, both supporters and critics will be watching closely for further indications of his evolving political identity and strategic positioning for the post-Trump political landscape.