Gavin Newsom’s Unexpected Take on the MAGA Movement and Steve Bannon

Understanding the MAGA Movement Beyond Racism and Misogyny

In a recent episode of his podcast, California Governor Gavin Newsom sparked intrigue when he offered a nuanced perspective on the MAGA movement, challenging the notion that its motivations are solely rooted in racism and misogyny. During a conversation with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, a former Democratic vice presidential candidate, Newsom suggested that the movement is driven by a broader set of concerns, particularly those affecting working-class Americans. This stancenot only highlights Newsom’s effort to understand conservative viewpoints but also reflects his desire to bridge the political divide in an increasingly polarized nation.

When Walz questioned whether MAGA figures are motivated by racism and sexism, Newsom responded thoughtfully, acknowledging that while these elements may play a role, they do not exclusively define the movement. He emphasized the importance of understanding the underlying issues that resonate with MAGA supporters. Referring to Steve Bannon, a prominent MAGA figure and former advisor to Donald Trump, Newsom noted that Bannon often speaks about the decline of the industrial core in the U.S. and the struggles of working-class Americans—a narrative that echoes some of the economic critiques historically associated with Democrats like Bernie Sanders.

The Influence of Steve Bannon and Economic Populism

Steve Bannon, who recently appeared on Newsom’s podcast, has been a controversial figure due to his association with Trump and his role in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. However, Newsom chose not to dwell on these aspects during their conversation, instead focusing on Bannon’s economic arguments. Bannon has long advocating for "dramatic action" to address the perceived failures of the political system, particularly its impact on the working and middle class. While Newsom dismissed Bannon’s election denialism and his involvement in the Capitol riot, he argued that dismissing Bannon’s economic critiques outright would be shortsighted. He compared Bannon’s rhetoric to that of progressive figures like Bernie Sanders, suggesting that there is common ground in their concerns about economic inequality and the decline of American industry.

This perspective is notable, as it reflects Newsom’s broader strategy to engage with conservative voices on his podcast, which has already hosted Bannon, Charlie Kirk, and Michael Savage. By inviting MAGA-aligned figures to share their views, Newsom aims to create a platform for dialogue, even as some progressives criticism his approach as overly conciliatory.

The Backlash and the Broader Implications

Newsom’s decision to host Bannon on his podcast drew significant criticism, particularly from progressive circles. For instance, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, a Democrat, expressed disappointment, highlighting the risks of legitimizing figures associated with divisive rhetoric and actions. Similarly, Walz pushed back against Newsom’s defense of Bannon, emphasizing his denial of the 2020 election results. Despite this backlash, Newsom remains committed to his approach, framing his podcast as a space for exploration and understanding rather than confrontation.

The debate over how to engage with MAGA supporters is not limited to Newsom’s podcast. It reflects a larger challenge for Democrats: how to address the movement’s influence without alienating its voters or legitimizing its most extremist elements. Newsom’s strategy of acknowledging the economic grievances that drive some MAGA supporters may resonate with working-class voters who feel overlooked by the Democratic Party. However, it also risks alienating progressives who view the movement as fundamentally opposed to Democratic values.

The Democratic Dilemma: Balancing Criticism and Engagement

Newsom’s conversation with Walz also touched on the tension between criticizing MAGA extremism and understanding its appeal. Walz, who has historically been critical of MAGA figures, acknowledged that his confrontational tone might alienate potential voters. During the podcast, he boasted about being able to "kick most of their ass," a statement that Newsom gently suggested might be off-putting to men who have drifted toward conservatism—a demographic Democrats have struggled to retain.

This exchange highlights a broader challenge for Democrats: how to criticize the harmful aspects of the MAGA movement without dismissing its supporters outright. Newsom’s approach emphasizes the need to engage with conservative viewpoints, even if it means facing criticism from within his own party. This strategy could help Democrats reconnect with voters who feel disillusioned with the political system, but it also carries risks, particularly if it is perceived as downplaying the movement’s more extremist elements.

Kamala Harris and the Art of Political Messaging

The conversation also touched on the importance of political messaging and the need for Democrats to avoid alienating potential supporters. Newsom and Walz referenced former Vice President Kamala Harris, who has been careful to avoid insulting conservatives in her public statements. During an interview with Fox News’ Bret Baier, Harris explicitly rejected the idea of labeling Trump supporters as "stupid," a stance that reflects her awareness of the risks of political overreach.

Harris’s cautious approach is reminiscent of the lessons learned from Hillary Clinton’s infamous "basket of deplorables" moment in 2016, which many Democrats believe hurt her campaign by alienating swing voters. By avoiding overtly dismissive language, Harris and other Democrats hope to create space for dialogue and persuasion, even as they confront the challenges posed by the MAGA movement.

Gavin Newsom’s Vision for the Future

As Newsom navigates the complexities of engaging with MAGA supporters, his actions are increasingly seen through the lens of his potential presidential ambitions. Term-limited as governor of California, Newsom is widely speculated to be eyeing a 2028 presidential run. His podcast, with its mix of progressive and conservative voices, serves as a platform to showcase his ability to bridge divides and engage with a broad range of perspectives.

By inviting figures like Steve Bannon to share their views, Newsom is positioning himself as a Democrat willing to challenge his own party’s assumptions and reach out to disaffected voters. While this strategy carries risks, particularly in alienating progressive supporters, it also reflects Newsom’s belief that understanding and engaging with conservative viewpoints is essential to building a more inclusive political coalition. Whether this approach will resonate with voters on a national stage remains to be seen, but it underscores Newsom’s ambition to lead a more nuanced and inclusive Democratic Party.