Newsom’s New Conservative Tone Sparks 2028 Presidential Run Speculation

Governor Gavin Newsom’s new podcast featuring conservative figures like Charlie Kirk and Steve Bannon has ignited speculation about a potential 2028 presidential run, while drawing both criticism from the left and warnings from the right about his strategic positioning.

Key Insights

Conservative commentator Charlie Kirk warns Republicans not to underestimate Newsom, describing him as having “a shark’s instincts” following his appearance on the governor’s new podcast.
Newsom’s podcast features conversations with MAGA figures, suggesting a calculated attempt to rebrand himself as more moderate for national appeal.
Left-wing critics like “The View” co-host Sunny Hostin have criticized Newsom’s approach as a “poor strategy” that fails to challenge conservative guests.
The podcast’s congenial tone toward controversial figures may be alienating Newsom’s Democratic base while attempting to broaden his appeal.
Analysts view the podcast initiative as part of Newsom’s broader positioning for a potential 2028 presidential run.

Kirk’s Warning to Republicans

Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA and the first guest on Governor Gavin Newsom’s new podcast, has issued a stern warning to fellow conservatives about underestimating the California governor. Following their cordial conversation on the podcast, Kirk penned a Fox News op-ed suggesting Newsom’s centrist positioning is a calculated strategy to prepare for a future presidential run. Kirk emphasized that Republicans should look beyond Newsom’s current moderate presentation and examine his actual record in California.

“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,” wrote Charlie Kirk.

As rumors ramp up that California Gov. Gavin Newsom could be positioning himself as a 2028 presidential candidate, he’s now distancing himself from his party in a hot-button issue across the country.https://t.co/xkgfXq4PGi

— FOX40 News (@FOX40) March 6, 2025

Podcast Strategy and Backlash

Newsom’s podcast initiative aims to make public the private conversations he has with political figures across the spectrum. The strategy has drawn significant criticism from both sides of the political aisle. While conservatives like Kirk warn about Newsom’s political calculations, liberals have expressed disappointment in his approach. Sunny Hostin of “The View” publicly criticized Newsom for failing to challenge the controversial views of his conservative guests, suggesting this approach damages his standing with progressives.

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

Hostin referenced Newsom’s State of the State address, where he criticized Republicans and promoted California as a counter to right-wing populism, finding it contradictory that he now engages in friendly conversation with the same figures he previously denounced. This tension highlights the delicate balancing act Newsom faces as he potentially positions himself for national office in a post-Trump political landscape.

Presidential Ambitions Under Scrutiny

Kirk explicitly addressed what many political observers have been speculating – that Newsom’s recent initiatives are directly tied to presidential ambitions. The appearance of reaching across the aisle to engage with conservative voices presents Newsom as a unifying figure capable of transcending partisan divides. However, critics suggest this approach may be too transparent in its political calculation, potentially undermining its effectiveness with voters who might perceive it as inauthentic.

“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,” Kirk said.

Kirk advised voters to scrutinize Newsom’s actual policies on crime, economy, and social issues to understand his true political stance. He highlighted issues in California under Newsom’s leadership, such as significant out-migration and public safety concerns, suggesting these problems contradict the image Newsom is attempting to cultivate. As President Trump begins his new term, Democratic figures like Newsom appear to be already positioning themselves for the next electoral cycle.