In a recent interview with Fox News host Sean Hannity, California Governor Gavin Newsom sparred over a range of issues, including the economy, California’s homeless crisis, immigration reform, and President Joe Biden’s physical fitness to hold office. The interview was divided into two segments to bookend the week, giving Newsom another chance to boost his national reputation as a leader of the Democratic party.[0] Meanwhile, Hannity grilled Newsom on how he would handle certain situations if he sat in the Oval Office, while also questioning Biden’s physical fitness to be president.[1]
The interview was part of Newsom’s ongoing efforts to strengthen his national name recognition and aggressively challenge Republican rhetoric.[0] Over the past two years, Newsom has routinely taken jabs at prominent GOP figures such as Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.[0] Both Newsom and DeSantis have publicly criticized each other, leading to the California governor’s recent statement on Hannity that he would be willing to participate in a debate with his Florida counterpart.[2]
DeSantis, who is also a presidential candidate for the 2024 election, released a new campaign ad targeting Newsom and drawing attention away from Biden’s visit to Northern California on Monday. The ad highlights the differences in governance between California and Florida, with DeSantis claiming that people are leaving California due to poor governance.
Despite rumors of Newsom’s interest in running for president as a Democratic challenger to Biden, the governor has repeatedly denied any such plans. In the interview with Hannity, Newsom expressed support for Biden’s re-election bid and denied any interest in running for president in 2024.
The interview also touched on Newsom’s record on gun control, with the governor expressing a desire to be like Ronald Reagan on gun policy.[3] Throughout his term, Newsom has strongly advocated for implementing additional limitations on the utilization of firearms.[0] Newsom and Democrats in the California legislature are currently working on a second attempt at shoring up California’s concealed carry gun law after a June 2022 U.S. Supreme Court decision struck down key provisions of the state’s regulations.[0]
Another issue discussed in the interview was California’s homelessness crisis, which Newsom acknowledged as a “disgrace.”[4] The governor attributed the problem to high housing costs, problematic regulations, and local opposition to new housing starts and construction.[5] Newsom also took responsibility for the issue, saying that he can’t make up for the fact that in 2005, there was a historic number of homeless people under a Republican administration.[5]
Overall, the interview with Hannity gave Newsom a chance to address some of the criticisms he has faced and defend his record as governor. It also allowed Fox News to draw in a new audience and attack Biden by juxtaposing him with California’s governor, who Hannity described as more capable of having such a debate.[0] However, the ongoing feud between Newsom and DeSantis suggests that the political landscape will remain contentious leading up to the 2024 election.
0. “Gavin Newsom says Fox News, host Sean Hannity are on a ‘doom loop about California’” Sacramento Bee, 19 Jun. 2023, https://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/capitol-alert/article276491206.html
1. “DeSantis vs. Newsom, the GOP and Democratic Party’s rising stars” Business Insider, 16 Jun. 2023, https://www.businessinsider.com/desantis-vs-newsom-gop-democratic-rising-stars-2023-6
2. “DeSantis jabs Newsom over 2024: ‘Are you going to throw your hat in the ring?'” POLITICO, 15 Jun. 2023, https://www.politico.com/news/2023/06/15/desantis-newsom-2024-asylum-seekers-00102174
3. “Gavin Newsom says he ‘aspires’ ‘to be Ronald Reagan’ on this key issue” Fox News, 17 Jun. 2023, https://www.foxnews.com/media/gavin-newsom-says-aspires-ronald-reagan-gun-control
4. “‘You Have to Stigmatize It’: Fox’s Jesse Watters Rips the Homeless as ‘People That’ve Failed in Life’” Mediaite, 13 Jun. 2023, https://www.mediaite.com/tv/you-have-to-stigmatize-it-foxs-jesse-watters-rips-the-homeless-as-people-thatve-failed-in-life/
5. “Amid buzzy moves, Newsom dodges question about mounting 2024 bid” The San Joaquin Valley Sun, 12 Jun. 2023, https://sjvsun.com/california/amid-buzzy-moves-newsom-dodges-question-about-mounting-2024-bid
