Politicians sure love the spotlight. They crave attention like a toddler at a birthday party. It’s their oxygen.

Meanwhile, everyday Americans struggle with real problems. Skyrocketing crime rates. Unaffordable housing. Rampant homelessness. These issues don’t take a break for photo ops or media tours.

California Governor Gavin Newsom has apparently found the perfect solution to his state’s mounting crises. Is it a comprehensive crime reduction plan? A strategy to combat the homelessness epidemic? A wildfire prevention initiative? Nope. It’s a podcast.

From ‘The Daily Wire’:

“I’m launching a NEW PODCAST. We need to change the conversation. I’m talking directly with people I disagree with, people I look up to, and you — the listeners,” Newsom captioned a video posted on X.”

That’s right. As California literally burns, businesses flee, and streets overflow with homeless encampments, Governor Hair Gel thinks what citizens really need is to hear his voice in their earbuds. The announcement was met with exactly the kind of reaction you’d expect.

Governor or Podcaster?

Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy didn’t mince words in his response to Newsom’s announcement: “Let’s start with why did you throw a party for yourself at the French Laundry with no masks on in the middle of COVID, when California had just about the strictest COVID regs in the country and thousands of small businesses were going outta business because of said policies?”

Good question, Dave. But don’t hold your breath for that episode.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Newsom is partnering with iHeartMedia to launch “This is Gavin Newsom,” where he plans to interview people he “deeply disagrees with” about “the most pressing issues of the day.” The podcast is expected to roll out in the next few weeks.

One conservative host summed it up perfectly: “The more I think about this the angrier I get. A governor shouldn’t need a podcast to communicate with his constituents. This is LITERALLY YOUR JOB EVERY DAY. If you need a podcast, you’re failing. SPOILER ALERT: you’re failing.”

A State in Crisis

While Newsom preps his microphone and headphones, what’s happening in the Golden State?

Crime continues to spiral out of control in major cities. Homeless encampments line the streets of San Francisco and Los Angeles. Communities devastated by wildfires still struggle to rebuild. And the exodus of residents and businesses to states like Texas and Florida continues unabated.

“Your state is literally in shambles, homelessness is a massive problem, communities are still just ash and you think now is the good time to launch a … podcast?” one social media user pointed out.

Another citizen put it more bluntly: “I’ve said this before and I’ll say this again…not everyone needs a podcast. Please focus on fixing your liberal hellhole of a state.”

But why solve problems when you can just talk about them?

Talk Instead of Action

Newsom isn’t the first Democrat politician to prioritize media presence over governance. It’s becoming a pattern.

The Hollywood Reporter notes that Texas Senator Ted Cruz also hosts a podcast with iHeartMedia called “Verdict.” The difference? Cruz volunteers his time for the podcast. And Texas isn’t experiencing the mass exodus and public safety crises that California faces.

Newsom claims he’ll discuss topics like “egg prices, tariffs, and DOGE” on his podcast. Riveting content for Californians who can’t afford groceries or feel safe walking down their streets.

Perhaps most telling is Newsom’s stated intention to speak with some of the “biggest leaders and architects in the MAGA movement.”

Is this podcast actually about helping Californians, or is it about positioning himself for future political ambitions?

Several critics suggested Newsom should “try governing California first” before launching a media career. Crazy concept, right?

Key Takeaways:

• California Gov. Governor Newsom launches a podcast instead of solving the state’s problems.
• Newsom’s podcast announcement reveals a pattern of Democrat politicians who prefer media platforms to actual governance.
• The mockery highlights the growing frustration with elected officials who talk more than they act.

Sources: Daily Wire, The Hollywood Reporter