On his podcast, California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) compared conservative media figure Steve Bannon to Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and stated that Bannon’s rhetoric “reminds me a lot of what Democrats were saying 20 years ago.”
He made these comments during an episode featuring Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz.
Walz attempted to point out that President Biden’s 2020 election victory was rejected by Bannon, but Newsom refused to dismiss instances where Bannon’s rhetoric reminded him of Sanders’ statements.
Newsom also expressed his dislike for billionaire Elon Musk, stating that he “hates” him and agrees with guest Tim Walz’s views on the concentration of power.
Bannon has previously made controversial comments about high-tech billionaires who were part of President Trump’s administration, calling them “parasitized illegal immigrants” and “really evil men, very bad guys.”
The podcast has led to speculation about a potential White House bid for Newsom, who has faced criticism from Democrats for hosting guests who make controversial comments on issues like trans rights.
Former Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-Ill.) has also criticized Newsom for hosting Bannon on his podcast, stating that “many of us who are appropriate have sacrificed their careers to fight Bannon, and Newsom is trying to run a career and president by building him.”
The Hill reached out to the White House and Bannon’s “Warroom” show for comment.
