Democrat governor says Newsom shouldn’t have invited Bannon on podcast

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear expressed his disapproval of California Governor Gavin Newsom’s decision to feature Steve Bannon on his new podcast. Beshear, a fellow Democrat, criticized Newsom for giving Bannon a platform, stating, “I don’t think we should give him oxygen on any platform, ever, anywhere.” The remarks were made during a Democratic policy retreat in Virginia, as reported by Politico. The episode featuring Bannon was released the day before, with the show notes describing him as a “former Trump White House chief strategist and MAGA architect.”

Beshear acknowledged the importance of engaging with different voices but emphasized that Bannon promotes hatred, anger, and even violence, making it unacceptable to provide him with a platform. Newsom’s office did not respond immediately to requests for comment from Fox News Digital.

Former Republican Rep. Adam Kinzinger also criticized Newsom for featuring Bannon on his show, calling the decision “unforgivable and insane.” Kinzinger expressed shock at Newsom’s choice, noting that many on the right had sacrificed their careers to oppose Bannon, and Newsom’s actions were counterproductive.

In a separate incident, Newsom had a one-on-one conversation with conservative figure Charlie Kirk about the shortcomings of the Democratic Party in the 2024 presidential election. The discussion aimed to explore new ways of engaging with voters and understanding different perspectives.

The controversy surrounding Newsom’s podcast reflects the ongoing debate within the political landscape about the boundaries of free speech and platforming divisive figures. Critics argue that giving a platform to individuals like Bannon undermines efforts to promote unity and civil discourse.

As Newsom navigates his political career and potential presidential aspirations, his choice of guests on his podcast continues to generate scrutiny and debate. The episode featuring Bannon has sparked a backlash from both sides of the political spectrum, highlighting the challenges of engaging with controversial figures while maintaining credibility and integrity.

Overall, the episode featuring Bannon on Newsom’s podcast has ignited a broader conversation about the role of media platforms in shaping political discourse and the responsibilities that come with providing a platform for diverse voices. Newsom’s decision to feature Bannon has drawn criticism from political figures across the spectrum, underscoring the complexities of navigating political dialogue in an increasingly polarized landscape.