Why is Gavin Newsom handing Steve Bannon a megaphone? It’s becoming clear | Margaret Sullivan

The California governor is seeking to reposition himself for a possible 2028 presidential run. This isn't the way to do it

Gavin Newsom's choice of guests - a parade of rightwingers - on his new podcast might seem baffling.

After all, the California governor is seen as a mostly progressive Democrat from a very blue state whose reputation is that of a coastal elite. That's the kind of person the American right, and plenty of centrists, love to hate, as we learned once again when Kamala Harris lost the presidential race to Donald Trump. His image is that of a rich, pretty boy who probably thinks jumper cables are just oversized iPhone chargers.