Podcast Summary: "LA Riots: Why Gavin Newsom’s Presidential Campaign is Already Doomed"
Podcast Information:
- Title: 10 Minute Drill
- Host: Matt Whitlock
- Episode: LA Riots: Why Gavin Newsom’s Presidential Campaign is Already Doomed
- Release Date: June 12, 2025
Introduction
In this episode of 10 Minute Drill, host Matt Whitlock delves into the escalating riots in California, the political fallout surrounding them, and the broader implications for national politics. Whitlock examines the leadership responses from key Democratic figures, the shifting sentiments of immigrant voters, and the contrasting developments in President Trump's administration. The discussion also touches on the influence of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in U.S. climate policies and ongoing battles over foreign interference in American elections.
LA Riots and Government Response
The episode opens with a grim update on the persistent riots in California, highlighting the continued unrest as of Thursday morning. Whitlock brings attention to the mayoral response, focusing on Karen Bass's declaration of a local emergency and the imposition of a curfew in downtown Los Angeles.
Notable Quote:
- Karen Bass [00:53]: "I wanted to let the city know that I have declared a local emergency and issued a curfew for downtown Los Angeles." [00:53]
Escalation of Violence and ICE Operations
Whitlock discusses the increase in violence associated with the riots, referencing a disturbing video released by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The footage shows an illegal immigrant attempting to throw a Molotov cocktail at federal agents, underscoring the severity of the situation.
He further explores the targets of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations, presenting a critical exchange involving Aaron Reichland Melnick, a leader in pro-illegal immigration groups. The conversation reveals conflicting narratives about the backgrounds of individuals targeted by ICE, highlighting discrepancies in their criminal histories and the broader debate on deportations.
Notable Quotes:
- Aaron Reichland Melnick [02:00]: "ICE's public safety narrative often collapses under scrutiny."
- Bill Malugian [03:00]: "You can't be serious. The guy on the right is a convicted murderer and the guy on the left has convictions for shooting into an occupied house, willful child cruelty, DUI, assault with a firearm, and has had a deportation order since 2020. You're saying ICE should not arrest him?" [03:00]
Public Opinion and Polling Data
Whitlock presents recent polling data illustrating public support for President Trump's handling of the riots and immigration policies. An Insider Advantage Poll indicates that 59% of Americans back deploying the National Guard to restore order, while 58% support Trump's deportation agenda, even amidst ongoing ICE operations.
Notable Quote:
- Host 2 [03:01]: "You go back to 2020, Democrats held a 32-point lead on this issue. Immigrant voters were in the Democratic camp. Jump forward to 2025, and there's a 40-point shift to the right among immigrant voters." [03:01]
Shift in Immigrant Voters' Political Alignment
A significant 40-point swing among immigrant voters is highlighted, demonstrating a dramatic shift from predominantly Democratic support in 2020 to a strong preference for Republican policies by 2025. This change is attributed to frustrations over perceived favoritism towards illegal immigrants, complicating the legal immigration process for those who follow it meticulously.
Critique of Los Angeles Leadership
Karen Bass
Whitlock criticizes Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass for her inconsistent messaging during the riots. Initially opposing ICE raids, Bass's stance shifted as violence escalated, culminating in her acknowledgment of looting and business vandalism.
Notable Quotes:
- Karen Bass [04:18]: "None of this needed to happen. Why did we need to have raids here?" [04:18]
- Karen Bass [04:33]: "I call on all Angelenos to continue expressing your right, your anger, your outrage, but to do it peacefully." [04:33]
- Karen Bass [04:51]: "Many businesses have now been affected by or vandalized. Last night, there were 23 businesses that were looted." [04:51]
Gavin Newsom
Governor Gavin Newsom faces harsher criticism for his leadership during the riots. Whitlock accuses Newsom of prioritizing political battles with President Trump over addressing the immediate concerns of affected Californians. By focusing his messaging on opposing Trump, Newsom is perceived as sidelining the urgent need for local leadership and public safety.
Whitlock draws parallels to Kamala Harris’s 2020 campaign missteps, suggesting that Newsom's strategy may alienate broader voter bases despite energizing the Democratic activist base. This approach is seen as detrimental to his prospects in a general election.
Notable Quotes:
- Host 1 [05:06]: "He was trying to work up those tears. I am a little bit uncomfortable watching it." [05:06]
- Host 1 [05:16]: "Gavin Newsom is siding with rioters. We just talked about the polling that shows the fact that overwhelming majorities oppose these riots, oppose these protests." [05:16]
Positive Developments for President Trump
Contrasting the turmoil in California, Whitlock highlights positive developments for President Trump’s administration. Economic indicators show a continued decrease in inflation, signaling economic strength. Additionally, Morning Consult reports a 4-point rise in Trump's approval ratings since May, marking his highest standing since January.
Notable Quotes:
- Host 1 [08:08]: "We've seen it with the jobs numbers. We're now seeing it with these inflation numbers." [08:08]
- Host 1 [08:11]: "President Trump's approval rating is at its highest point since the end of January, a 4-point rise from May." [08:11]
Trump-China Relations: Trade Deal and CCP Influence
Whitlock reports on President Trump's announcement of a pending trade deal with China, poised to finalize upon mutual agreement with President Xi Jinping. While the specifics of the deal are still unfolding, it aims to address tariff levels and critical issues such as rare earth minerals and export regulations.
Simultaneously, a bombshell report from State Armor exposes the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) infiltration into American climate debates. The report accuses the CCP of manipulating liberal politicians like Gavin Newsom and influencing climate groups to undermine U.S. energy independence, thereby strengthening China’s grip on the global green energy market.
Notable Quote:
- Host 1 [05:06]: "Gavin Newsom and other liberal Democrat leaders have a lot of explaining to do about how they have been used by the Chinese Communist Party to hurt America and help China." [05:06]
Concerns Over Chinese Communist Party Influence
The CCP's strategic manipulation of American climate policy is a focal point, with the State Armor report highlighting collaborations between Chinese entities and U.S. liberal climate groups. This alliance ostensibly aims to push a premature green transition in the U.S., while China continues to expand its fossil fuel infrastructure, thus disadvantaging American energy sectors.
Notable Quote:
- Host 1 [06:20]: "The Chinese Communist Party is working with liberal climate groups in the United States to try and weaken our energy industry and help China." [06:20]
Senator Cory Booker's Activities and Election Influence
Senator Cory Booker is scrutinized for leveraging polling data from Families Over Billionaires, a group funded by figures like George Soros and foreign interests, to attack Republican initiatives such as the "Big Beautiful Bill." Whitlock suggests that Booker's tactics aim to discredit popular middle-class tax cuts and Medicaid improvements by associating them with left-wing dark money influences.
Additionally, Whitlock references a new op-ed by Jason Sneed and Caitlin Sutherland, which discusses Attorney Mark Elias’s lawsuit allowing foreign donor Hans Jorge Wies to continue influencing U.S. elections. This legal battle underscores ongoing efforts to combat foreign interference in American political processes.
Notable Quote:
- Host 1 [07:45]: "Mark Elias is suing to allow Hans Jorge Wies to be able to continue to influence US Elections with his funding and donations." [07:45]
Conclusion
Matt Whitlock concludes the episode by emphasizing the critical need for effective local leadership in California amidst the riots and political instability. He underscores the diverging paths of Democratic leaders like Karen Bass and Gavin Newsom versus President Trump's strengthening position. The episode paints a picture of a nation grappling with internal unrest, shifting political alliances, and external threats to its economic and political integrity.
Final Note: For those interested in staying informed with a concise and insightful analysis of current events, 10 Minute Drill offers a thorough yet engaging exploration of the most pressing news in politics and beyond. Be sure to subscribe on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and leave a review to support the show.