Ana Kasparian, a prominent voice from The Young Turks, has publicly stated her refusal to consider California Governor Gavin Newsom as a serious contender for the Democratic presidential nomination until he acknowledges and takes responsibility for what she perceives as the state’s decline under his leadership. This declaration was made during an episode of "Her Take," a new podcast produced by Valuetainment Studios, where the co-hosts discussed potential Democratic leaders for the 2028 election cycle.
The conversation arose in the context of the Democratic Party’s internal struggles following a hypothetical victory by Donald Trump in 2024. The party, according to the podcast hosts, would be grappling with fundamental questions about its leadership and policy direction. Jillian Michaels, a former California resident and co-host of "Her Take," suggested Newsom as a possible frontrunner, a notion that was met with immediate disapproval from Kasparian and other co-hosts.
Michaels attempted to defend Newsom, arguing that he has been actively trying to adapt and improve his approach. She highlighted his efforts to engage with opposing viewpoints and move beyond partisan silos, suggesting he has been attempting to present himself as a more moderate and pragmatic leader. "This guy has tried," Michaels stated, "He’s taken notes, he’s tried to be somewhat critical of his own party, he’s tried to reach out to the other side. He’s tried to be antithetical to, you know, ‘everything exists in our silo, and we don’t reach across the aisle.’ He’s tried to show himself."
However, Kasparian remained unconvinced and vehemently critical of Newsom’s tenure as governor. Describing Newsom as a "piece of crap," Kasparian asserted that she would not take him seriously as a potential presidential candidate until he accepts accountability for the perceived damage he has inflicted on California. "I will never take that piece of crap seriously, and yes, I’m calling Gavin Newsom, my governor unfortunately, a piece of crap until he does some accountability for how he destroyed the state of California," she declared.
Kasparian’s critique went beyond general dissatisfaction, delving into specific policy areas where she believes Newsom has failed. Instead of deflecting blame onto external factors like Donald Trump, she urged Newsom to introspectively examine the policies he has championed in California, arguing that these policies have directly contributed to the state’s problems. She specifically cited the loss of jobs in California, asserting that it began well before Trump’s presidency and was a direct consequence of Newsom’s "cumbersome regulations." These regulations, according to Kasparian, have driven businesses, including oil companies, to relocate to other states with more favorable business environments.
Furthermore, Kasparian pointed to the rise in crime as another significant failure under Newsom’s leadership. She criticized what she sees as a denial of the problem by some Democrats, arguing that the reality of rampant crime is undeniable, evidenced by businesses closing down and moving to states with lower costs of doing business. She attributed the high cost of insuring businesses in California to the escalating crime rates. "You have rampant crime that Democrats want to deny exists, but it obviously does when businesses close up shop and move to other states because the cost of doing business is so expensive," Kasparian stated, adding, "Insuring businesses in California is astronomical because of the issues with crime."
Kasparian also highlighted Newsom’s decision to preemptively shut down four state prisons in an effort to save the state money. She argued that this decision has exacerbated the problem of overcrowding in county jails, leading to the premature release of inmates, even those sentenced to lengthy prison terms. "In an effort to save California money, he preemptively shut down four state prisons," Kasparian explained. "There is no room to put any of these inmates in. This has caused an issue for the state," she continued, stating that county jails, already facing overcrowding, are now forced to release inmates "regardless of how much time they’ve served," sometimes after only serving two or three years of decades-long sentences.
Michaels echoed Kasparian’s concerns about the consequences of early release, sharing a personal anecdote about a man who was released from jail early after breaking into her house with a video camera and duct tape. This personal story underscored the potential dangers of policies that prioritize cost-cutting over public safety.
The podcast segment concluded with Michaels expressing her overall assessment of Newsom’s performance as governor, echoing a sentiment shared by comedian Adam Carolla: "Gavin Newsom is a wrecking ball to California. He is, as [Adam] Corolla says, a ‘policy disaster.’"
Kasparian’s strong criticism of Newsom and her refusal to consider him a serious presidential contender until he acknowledges his role in California’s perceived decline reflect a broader dissatisfaction among some voters with the direction of the state and the policies enacted under his leadership. Her comments highlight the challenges Newsom may face in gaining broader support if he seeks higher office, particularly if he fails to address the concerns raised about the state’s economy, crime rates, and overall quality of life. The "Her Take" discussion underscores the deep divisions within the Democratic Party and the ongoing debate over the party’s future direction.
