A recent Capitol Weekly poll reveals that Governor Gavin Newsom’s new podcast, “This is Gavin Newsom,” has negatively impacted his public perception among California voters. The survey, conducted from March 8-11, found that 26% of respondents reported a worsened view of Newsom after hearing clips from his podcast, while only 13% said their perception improved. The poll included 1,000 California voters and has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percentage points.
The podcast, which featured a conversation with conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, aimed to broaden Newsom’s appeal amid speculation of a potential 2028 presidential bid. However, the move may have backfired, with 54% of Californians aware of the podcast, yet only one-half of 1% having actually listened to it.
The Capitol Weekly survey presented respondents with three clips from the podcast. The first clip, featuring a discussion about Newsom’s son and school closures, was viewed negatively by 43% of respondents. The second clip, addressing the use of the term “Latinx” and pronouns, received a 57% negative response. The final clip, discussing trans women in sports, was viewed negatively by 63% of respondents.
Newsom’s favorability rating has also dropped since launching the podcast. A previous poll showed a 52% favorable view, which has now fallen to 47%, resulting in a net favorability score of minus 6 points. Despite the backlash, some strategists believe Newsom’s shift away from left-wing jargon could position him as a viable alternative in future national elections.
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