Why Gavin Newsom refuses to be a “bystander” in this political moment
Gavin Newsom is in his final year as governor of California, but lately, he’s been touring the country to energize voters ahead of the midterm elections.
“I think it’s really important for the Democratic Party not to give up on red states and rural parts of the country,” he told NPR at an event organized by local Democrats in the town of Manning, South Carolina. Newsom is also widely considered a potential presidential candidate for 2028 — a possibility he has not ruled out — and he sees himself as a leader of Democratic opposition to President Donald Trump, often mocking his brash style on social media.
“I’m putting a mirror up to President Trump and I’m fighting fire with fire and I am punching a bully back in the mouth,” he told NPR.
At the same time, Newsom has embraced conversations with major right-wing figures such as Steve Bannon and Ben Shapiro on his podcast, drawing criticism from members of his own party. The governor sat down with All Things Considered for an interview ahead of the release of his memoir, Young Man in a Hurry. He discusses how his struggles with dyslexia shaped his childhood and career, his strategy for dealing with President Trump, and how he thinks the Democratic party should meet this political moment.
Democrats tap Spanberger and Padilla to respond to State of the Union
Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger will deliver Democrats' response on Tuesday following President Trump's State of the Union address.
Is the YIMBY movement doomed?
For decades, rising home prices have been an engine for middle-class wealth. Now a growing movement wants to slow — or even reverse — that trend. Are the politics around new housing development inherently stacked against them?
What you need to know as Russia’s full-scale war on Ukraine enters its 5th year
Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine four years ago, and the fighting continues. Here's a look at where the war stands today.
What you need to know about tonight’s State of the Union address
The prime-time address is a chance for the president to tout his record ahead of this year's midterm elections. But it comes at a moment when Trump has seen his agenda complicated on multiple fronts.
A U.S. veteran adopted an orphan from Iran. Decades later, ICE is trying to deport her
The woman has no criminal record and is unsure what prompted the threat of removal. She fears being deported to Iran given her father's military service and her Christian faith.
‘Fear of Flying Clinic’ helps anxious travelers back into the skies
For 50 years, a San Francisco-based group has created a space where fearful flyers can get supported exposure to air travel.
