(Image Credit: IMAGN) STILL FROM VIDEO: Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear gave remarks as state leaders and LGBTQ advocates gathered at the Kentucky state capitol for the annual Fairness Rally.
Virginia – Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear took aim at fellow Democrat California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Thursday, criticizing his decision to host prominent MAGA figure Steve Bannon on his new podcast. Beshear, a rising star in the Democratic Party, argued that Bannon’s rhetoric is too dangerous to be given a platform.
Speaking at a Democratic policy retreat in Virginia, Beshear acknowledged the value of open discussions but condemned Newsom’s choice of guest. “I think that Governor Newsom bringing on different voices is great, we shouldn’t be afraid to talk and to debate just about anyone,” Beshear said. “But Steve Bannon espouses hatred and anger, and even at some points violence, and I don’t think we should give him oxygen on any platform, ever, anywhere.”
Newsom, who is widely viewed as a potential future presidential candidate, recently launched a podcast aimed at engaging with conservative voices. His decision to feature Bannon, a key architect of former President Donald Trump’s nationalist agenda, has sparked controversy within the Democratic Party. The episode covered topics ranging from tariffs to taxes but also included Bannon’s repetition of false claims about the 2020 election being stolen.
Newsom defended the interview, saying in an email statement Wednesday that understanding the forces behind Trump’s success is “critically important.” He added that Democrats should explore new ways to communicate with voters.
The move appears to be part of Newsom’s broader strategy of reaching across ideological divides. In his debut episode, he spoke with Charlie Kirk of Turning Point USA, where he distanced himself from progressive stances on issues such as defunding the police and the use of the term “Latinx.” He also criticized Democrats for allowing transgender athletes to compete in female youth sports.
Beshear’s remarks suggest early fractures within the party as it looks ahead to the next presidential race. While both governors have been floated as possible future contenders, their approaches to engaging with Trump’s movement reveal key differences. Beshear, who has maintained strong approval ratings in deep-red Kentucky, has built his political brand on moderation and unity but drew a hard line against amplifying figures like Bannon.
Newsom’s team has not responded directly to Beshear’s criticism, but his podcast is set to continue featuring a range of guests, with Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz lined up for the next episode.
The backlash to Newsom’s Bannon interview is not limited to Democrats. Former Republican Rep. Adam Kinzinger, a vocal Trump critic, also slammed the decision, calling it “insane.” Kinzinger, who served on the House Jan. 6 Committee, expressed outrage that Newsom would provide a platform for Bannon, whom he views as a leading figure in spreading dangerous conspiracies.
“I am in shock at the stupidity of [Newsom] inviting Steve Bannon on his podcast,” Kinzinger said Wednesday. “Many of us on the right sacrificed careers to fight Bannon, and Newsom is trying to make a career and a presidential run by building him up.”
The controversy highlights ongoing divisions within the Democratic Party over how to engage with the growing influence of Trump-aligned conservatives. While some argue that dialogue is necessary, others see it as legitimizing dangerous rhetoric. As the 2024 political landscape takes shape, the debate over how to confront Trumpism is only intensifying.
