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Gavin Newsom outlines his philosophy for supporting entrepreneurs if he were president, emphasizing celebration and reverence for their contributions. He believes his role would be to create conditions where people feel included and seen, making success 'inevitable or irresistible' through 'climate control,' not 'command and control.'
Gavin Newsom reacts to being named by bookmakers as a potential 2028 presidential candidate, describing the idea as 'surreal' and expressing humility at even being in the conversation for such a significant role.
In a hypothetical scenario of redefining the Democratic Party with a clean slate, Gavin Newsom articulates a vision rooted in entrepreneurialism, aspiration, inspiration, growth, opportunity, and inclusion. He emphasizes the importance of contribution, service, and communitarianism as core tenets for a party focused on collective betterment and national service.
Gavin Newsom and the interviewer discuss the stark contrast between the two-dimensional public image of prominent figures and the 'imperfect messy home life' that exists behind the scenes. It's a relatable moment that highlights the universal struggles of balancing personal and professional demands.
Gavin Newsom recalls a pivotal moment of advice from his friend Mimi Silver, who confronted his lack of emotional maturity and situational awareness as a young mayor. She told him he needed to 'start acting like it' and understand that, in public office, it's 'not about you' but about fulfilling the role people expect.
Gavin Newsom shares how facing multiple recall attempts and national opposition has deepened his resolve and led to significant self-discovery, making him feel more capable of delivering on high expectations.
Gavin Newsom humorously recounts how San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown, after reading Newsom's complaints about permits, unexpectedly appointed him as the chair of the Parking and Traffic Commission instead of the film commission he expected, marking his accidental start in politics.
Gavin Newsom questions why the Democratic party's brand has become 'toxic,' leading to poll numbers as low as 27%. He criticizes the immediate, definitive pronouncements from political pundits after elections and advocates for humility, grace, and a genuine effort to 'seek first to understand' the underlying reasons for voter dissatisfaction.
Gavin Newsom alleges that Elon Musk's decision to move Tesla's headquarters to Texas was primarily motivated by a desire to avoid capital gains and income taxes. He highlights how California taxpayers subsidized the industry with billions, enabling Musk's wealth before he allegedly 'turned his back' on the state for tax benefits.
Gavin Newsom shares the emotional story of his mother's strong opposition to his political career, viewing it as a dangerous path similar to his father's failed ventures. He recounts her pleas, even from her deathbed, to avoid politics and how her words echoed during a challenging recall election.
Gavin Newsom candidly critiques the Democratic Party's perceived anti-entrepreneur stance, acknowledging that many entrepreneurs lean Republican. He then contrasts this perception with surprising statistics, revealing that Democratic administrations have overseen significantly more job creation since 1989, despite the prevailing narrative.
Gavin Newsom recounts the surprising way he discovered his dyslexia, finding a file in his mother's room, and reflects on his mother's decision to keep it from him, believing it was to prevent him from using it as a crutch or feeling stigmatized.
Gavin Newsom explains how his childhood experience with money – witnessing both extreme wealth through his father's connections and his mother's financial struggles – shaped his entrepreneurial drive to focus on making a difference and building value, rather than just chasing profit.
Gavin Newsom critiques the Democratic Party's focus on individual identity politics, arguing it makes them appear weak. He contrasts this with Donald Trump's perceived strength, even if 'masquerading,' and quotes Bill Clinton: 'The American people always support strong and wrong versus weak and right.' This offers a critical insight into political messaging and voter perception.
Gavin Newsom shares a deeply personal and uncanny story about his father's passing. Right after his father died, a peregrine falcon, which his father was passionate about, appeared on the balcony outside the window. Newsom and his sister immediately interpreted it as a sign from beyond, offering a touching moment of spiritual connection.
Gavin Newsom shares a deeply personal and indelible moment from his childhood when his struggling mother told him 'it's okay to be average,' and how that statement, though well-intentioned, shaped his lifelong drive to overcompensate.
Gavin Newsom reveals his unconventional 'failure award' system, where employees received a bonus for their biggest 'screw-up,' illustrating how this empowered staff to take initiative, learn from mistakes, and foster an entrepreneurial, non-linear mindset that drove business growth.
Gavin Newsom shares a pivotal, emotional story about a customer returning to his wine store with his new fiancée, revealing how a simple transaction became a meaningful moment that profoundly changed Newsom's perception of business from mere transactions to relationship-building.
Gavin Newsom recounts the pivotal moment he decided to allow same-sex marriage licenses in San Francisco in 2004, a controversial move that put him at odds with his own Democratic party. He shares the inspiration behind his decision, the 'Winter of Love' that followed, and the political backlash that shaped his career.
Gavin Newsom recounts the raw and emotional experience of his mother's assisted suicide. He describes receiving an unforgettable voicemail detailing her decision, being present in her final moments, and the profound regret and pain associated with that day, while also expressing pride in California's later legalization of assisted dying.
Gavin Newsom shares the incredibly poignant last words his mother spoke: 'Don't forget me.' He reflects on her immense sacrifices, leaving behind no material wealth but an invaluable legacy of character and experience for her children, and how he and his sister honor her memory through a cancer research foundation.
Gavin Newsom shares a heartwarming anecdote from his swearing-in as Governor of California, where his young son ran up to him during his speech and fell asleep in his arms. He reflects on how this moment, which no one remembers for his words, made him wish his mother could have seen 'the parent,' not just the governor.
Gavin Newsom candidly discusses the period of intense personal challenges he faced as a young mayor, including divorce, his mother's death, and making 'stupid mistakes' like an extramarital affair. He reflects on the humiliation, his father's disappointment, and the journey of taking responsibility to 'get his act together.'
Gavin Newsom discusses the 'code red' crisis facing young men globally, citing his wife's documentary 'The Mask You Live In' which highlighted rising suicide rates, deaths of despair, and educational attainment issues a decade ago. He criticizes the Democratic party for being 'timid' and failing to address these issues, allowing the Republican party to 'weaponize' the search for 'meaning, purpose, and mission' among young men.
Gavin Newsom criticizes the Democratic party for its 'deep lack of empathy' and understanding regarding the struggles of men and boys. He highlights how women in leadership positions within the party often dismiss men's issues in light of ongoing gender inequality, leading to a political blind spot despite alarming statistics on male educational attainment, suicide, and loneliness.
Gavin Newsom and the host discuss the shift from 'blackbox' PR strategies to a 'glassbox' approach in politics, where transparency and authenticity are key. Newsom is praised for inviting opposing viewpoints onto his podcast, embodying this new era of political engagement.
Gavin Newsom offers a stark assessment of Donald Trump's core motivations, stating that Trump only cares about himself and whether he is the 'star,' regardless of being a 'heel or hero.' He observes a shift in Trump's behavior towards megalomania, feeling 'no limits.'
Gavin Newsom delivers a strong opening statement, linking Trump to Epstein and questioning the 'dangled list' as a political tactic for votes, expressing concern for democracy.
Gavin Newsom directly addresses the unreleased Epstein files, accusing politicians of lying and using the promise of their release to garner votes. He states that Pam Bondi, then Attorney General, would not have acted without Trump's direction, implying Trump was behind the decision not to release the files. Newsom speculates on possible reasons, including that the 'files' were fabricated or that it was a cover-up, and asserts that Epstein and Trump were close.
Governor Gavin Newsom, an insider, confirms widespread speculation that the Democratic Party, including Nancy Pelosi, had private conversations and pressure campaigns to make President Biden step down due to his struggles and declining poll numbers. He describes the panic within the party and meetings with governors to address the situation.