Gavin Newsom’s Candid Admission on the Democratic Brand
On Friday, California Governor Gavin Newsom delivered a striking assessment of the current state of the Democratic Party, declaring it to be “toxic.” His remarks came during an appearance on Real Time With Bill Maher, where he emphasized the need for his party to confront its own missteps in the midst of a challenging political landscape shaped by the Trump administration.
Once regarded as a prominent figure in the liberal movement, Newsom has engaged in a period of deep political reflection following the 2016 election, which saw President Trump ascend to the White House and Republicans secure both chambers of Congress. During his candid conversation, he shared his most forceful critique yet regarding the Democratic Party’s image, referencing a recent NBC News poll that indicated a disheartening 27 percent favorability rating for Democrats—the lowest in at least a generation.
As a potential candidate for the 2028 presidential election, Newsom pointed fingers at his fellow Democrats, attributing the party’s struggles to a culture of judgment and exclusion. He argued that Democrats often inhabit an echo chamber, resorting to what he termed “cancel culture” to alienate those with differing viewpoints, which he believes hampers constructive dialogue.
- “We talk down to people,” he said, reflecting on the party’s communication issues.
- “We talk past people,” he added, highlighting the disconnect between Democrats and the electorate.
Throughout the discussion, Newsom found common ground with Bill Maher, a host known for his willingness to challenge Democratic orthodoxy, despite his liberal inclinations. This month, Newsom also launched a new podcast titled This Is Gavin Newsom, where he aims to explore various perspectives on the political landscape. Early episodes feature interviews with diverse figures, including Charlie Kirk, a leader of the youth organization Turning Point USA, and Steve Bannon, a key architect behind Trump’s “Make America Great Again” movement.
