In a surprising endorsement of California Governor Gavin Newsom, Megyn Kelly recently declared that Newsom’s decision to feature conservative voices on his new podcast is a “very smart” move. Known for her outspoken conservative views, Kelly shared her thoughts with The New York Times, stating that Newsom’s choice to engage with voices from across the political spectrum shows a level of intelligence and strategic thinking that many of his critics might overlook.
Newsom, a Democrat, has long been a polarising figure, especially among conservatives. His new podcast, however, aims to bridge the divide by bringing in not only liberal voices but also high-profile conservative figures like Steve Bannon and Charlie Kirk. This move has sparked a debate in political circles, with some liberals accusing Newsom of aligning with right-wing ideas. But Kelly, no stranger to controversy, believes that this step could be the key to a more well-rounded and effective political conversation.
In this article, we’ll explore why Megyn Kelly’s praise for Gavin Newsom’s approach makes sense and how it could impact both his career and the broader political landscape.
Why Megyn Kelly Thinks Newsom’s Podcast is a Smart Move
Megyn Kelly, an experienced journalist and former Fox News anchor, is known for her bold opinions and willingness to tackle contentious issues. When it comes to Gavin Newsom’s podcast, Kelly sees the value in having open, candid debates that test ideas from all sides of the political spectrum.
Kelly explained in her interview with The New York Times that Newsom, despite his late entry into the world of public debates, is making the right call by engaging with conservative thinkers. She points out:
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Diverse Conversations: Newsom’s willingness to bring conservative figures onto his platform is crucial for creating a more comprehensive conversation. Engaging with both sides allows for a deeper exploration of ideas, which can be beneficial for any public figure looking to grow.
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A Valuable Learning Opportunity: Kelly also noted that the Democratic Party can benefit from testing their ideas against more challenging perspectives. She emphasized that the right wing is incredibly skilled at debating and testing their policies constantly. By jumping into these debates, Newsom could sharpen his political game.
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Public Speaking Experience: With Newsom’s background as a public speaker, Kelly feels confident that he has the skills to navigate these conversations effectively, potentially using them to boost his national profile.
Newsom’s Political Strategy: Engaging with Conservatives
Gavin Newsom’s podcast, which blends a mix of interviews and debates, has already featured both progressive voices like Tim Walz and more conservative figures like Steve Bannon and Charlie Kirk. This strategic choice has made some people uneasy, with liberals arguing that the Governor may be trying to win favour with right-wing voters.
However, Kelly sees it differently. She believes Newsom is using a strategy that could pay dividends in the long run. For Newsom, this approach has several potential advantages:
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Broader Appeal: By featuring conservative voices on his podcast, Newsom is tapping into a larger audience. His outreach to right-leaning voters could make him a more appealing candidate in future national elections.
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Building Credibility: Engaging with conservative figures who often challenge progressive ideals allows Newsom to present himself as a leader who is open-minded, not afraid to confront difficult issues.
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Tackling Tough Issues Head-On: Newsom’s decision to confront controversial figures like Bannon and Kirk gives him an opportunity to show his strengths in a public setting. It’s one thing to debate on social media, but it’s another to face your political adversaries head-on in a live format.
The Right Wing’s Strength in Debating Ideas
Megyn Kelly also pointed out that the right wing has honed the art of debating and challenging their ideas in public for years. According to Kelly, conservative media and figures have made it their mission to engage in debates at every turn. This constant testing of ideas is one of the factors that makes conservative figures so adept at shaping the public discourse.
Kelly explained that in the conservative arena:
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Debates are constant: Conservatives often engage in debates not just in private meetings but also on public platforms, including podcasts, TV shows, and social media. These debates allow them to constantly refine and improve their arguments.
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Pressure to perform: Conservative media is designed to push figures to confront challenges regularly. This not only strengthens their ideas but also prepares them for public scrutiny.
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Winning hearts and minds: Kelly believes that Newsom can learn a lot from these debates. By testing his own ideas in this way, he can improve his political strategies and connect with more people across the aisle.
How This Could Impact Gavin Newsom’s Political Career
Gavin Newsom’s move to incorporate conservative voices into his podcast could have significant implications for his future. While some may criticise him for making concessions to the right-wing agenda, others may see it as a sign of his willingness to grow and adapt.
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Increased national profile: By opening up discussions with prominent conservatives, Newsom could gain more visibility, particularly among moderate voters who may see his willingness to engage in tough debates as a sign of maturity and leadership.
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Stronger future prospects: This could also set him up as a more appealing presidential candidate should he decide to run in the future. Having a well-rounded understanding of both liberal and conservative viewpoints will make him a more attractive figure on the national stage.
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Expanding his influence: In today’s divided political climate, it’s crucial for leaders to appeal to a broad base. Newsom’s efforts to engage both sides of the aisle could strengthen his position as a unifying figure within the Democratic Party.
Conclusion: Newsom’s Bold Political Play
In the end, Megyn Kelly’s praise of Gavin Newsom for his podcast strategy highlights the importance of being open to ideas from all sides. Newsom’s decision to feature conservative guests may seem like a bold move, but it’s one that could benefit him in the long run.
Whether you agree with Newsom’s politics or not, it’s hard to deny that his willingness to embrace challenging debates shows political savvy. Megyn Kelly sees this as a strategic step in the right direction, and as we’ve seen time and time again, those who are willing to push the envelope and engage with opposing views often come out stronger on the other side.
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Photo credit: The Daily Beast
