Next Up with Mark Halperin Episode: Waltz OUT as NSA... Could Witkoff Be Next Up? Plus, Gavin Newsom on Why He's Not a "Crazy Liberal" Release Date: May 1, 2025

Hosted by Mark Davis and Jessica Milan Patterson

1. National Security Advisor Shake-Up

Mark Davis opens the episode with a breaking news segment about President Donald Trump's decision to replace his National Security Advisor, Mike Waltz. Waltz, who was initially praised for his strong reputation, has faced criticism over his management style and competence, particularly highlighted by his role in the controversial Signal chat group.

• Mark Davis [02:15]: "The decision to get rid of Waltz has been percolating for a long time. It wasn't about ideology but about process and competence."

The discussion delves into the potential successor, Steve Witkoff, a businessman with close ties to Trump. While some in the administration support Witkoff for his negotiating prowess, others doubt his qualifications, leading to speculation about inter-party maneuvering.

• Mark Davis [08:30]: "Steve Witkoff is completely unqualified to be at the highest level of American national security."

Davis speculates that negative media coverage, such as a recent New York Post article, may be an attempt to derail Witkoff's candidacy, reflecting internal conflicts within the Trump administration.

2. Presidential Politics: Eyes on 2028

Transitioning to the broader political landscape, Jessica Milan Patterson and Mark Davis discuss the upcoming 2028 presidential race. They highlight the Republican frontrunner, J.D. Vance, and the open field within the Democratic Party.

• Mark Davis [10:45]: "Understanding the universe of possible people, my track record suggests knowing who isn't going to be the nominee."

Davis emphasizes the importance of candidates being part of the national conversation, citing Barack Obama's successful navigation of various media platforms as a benchmark for effective presidential campaigning.

3. In-Depth with Governor Gavin Newsom

A significant portion of the episode features an extensive interview with Governor Gavin Newsom of California. The conversation centers on dispelling common myths about Newsom, his political strategies, and his vision for California and potential national ambitions.

Myth-Busting

• Jessica Milan Patterson [31:00]: "It's a myth that you're far to the left of the country."
• Gavin Newsom [32:36]: "I'm a pragmatist. I'm a small business owner. The notion that I'm a wild-haired liberal is nonsense."

Newsom counters accusations of being overly liberal by highlighting his fiscal policies, such as opposing wealth taxes and supporting small businesses, while maintaining strong progressive stances on social issues.

Presidential Ambitions

Addressing speculation about his presidential run, Newsom clarifies his stance:

• Gavin Newsom [38:22]: "I am someone that's trying to pursue the unknown. I'm open to argument and learning, but I haven't declared my intentions."

He emphasizes the importance of having a compelling vision and personal motivation before considering a presidential campaign.

Economic and Social Policies

Newsom provides insights into California's economic standing, debunking myths about the state's decline and highlighting its status as the fourth-largest economy globally.

• Gavin Newsom [30:46]: "California is the fourth largest economy in the world... we dominate in every major industry in the United States."

He also discusses challenges such as housing affordability and homelessness, attributing some issues to local governance and emphasizing the state's proactive measures.

• Gavin Newsom [42:46]: "States' vision realized through states... we've been deeply focused on getting things done."

Trade and Tariffs

Newsom shares his perspectives on the current trade war with China, critiquing the administration's approach to tariffs and advocating for a more strategic long-term leverage.

• Gavin Newsom [50:25]: "I don't think he has a tremendous amount of leverage. The asymmetry in trade needs to be addressed more strategically."

4. Conversations with Jessica Reed Kraus and Jessica Milan Patterson

The episode further features dialogues with Jessica Reed Kraus, an independent journalist, and Jessica Milan Patterson, former chair of the California Republican Party. They discuss the state of California, critiques of the Democratic administration, and their perspectives on the Trump administration.

State of California

Jessica Reed Kraus and Jessica Milan Patterson express concerns over California's governance, highlighting issues like housing shortages, homelessness, and population decline.

• Jessica Milan Patterson [59:27]: "The Golden State is not quite as golden as it used to be... Californians are waking up and they're ready for some change."

They discuss potential Republican candidates who could address these challenges, suggesting that Silicon Valley entrepreneurs might hold the key to revitalizing the state's political landscape.

Views on the Trump Administration

The Jessicas provide their takes on the Trump administration, with Kraus expressing fascination with its unconventional style and Patterson critiquing its policies.

• Jessica Reed Kraus [80:53]: "This is the greatest stage and the greatest show on earth right now."
• Jessica Milan Patterson [74:22]: "Stay off the Signal. That was an unforced error."

Their conversation touches on the administration's handling of various issues, including social media regulation and the influence of key figures like Suzy Wiles.

5. Closing Remarks

Mark Davis wraps up the episode by thanking guests and listeners, teasing upcoming content, and encouraging audience engagement on various platforms.

Notable Quotes

• Mark Davis [02:15]: "It wasn't about ideology but about process and competence."
• Jessica Milan Patterson [31:00]: "It's a myth that you're far to the left of the country."
• Gavin Newsom [32:36]: "I'm a pragmatist. I'm a small business owner. The notion that I'm a wild-haired liberal is nonsense."
• Jessica Milan Patterson [59:27]: "The Golden State is not quite as golden as it used to be."
• Gavin Newsom [50:25]: "I don't think he has a tremendous amount of leverage."

Key Takeaways

• National Security Shake-Up: President Trump is set to replace his National Security Advisor, with Steve Witkoff being a potential candidate, amidst internal disagreements over competence and process.

• 2028 Presidential Race: The Republican field appears to be consolidating around J.D. Vance, while the Democratic side remains open, with emphasis on candidates' ability to engage in national conversations.

• Governor Newsom's Stance: Governor Gavin Newsom refutes myths portraying him as overly liberal, emphasizes California's economic strength, and addresses challenges like housing and homelessness. He remains open but undecided about a presidential run.

• California's Political Climate: Former Republican chair Jessica Milan Patterson and independent journalist Jessica Reed Kraus discuss California's governance issues, advocating for new leadership potentially from Silicon Valley's entrepreneurial sector.

• Trump Administration Analysis: The guests provide mixed views on the Trump administration, appreciating its dynamic presence while critiquing certain policies and strategies.

This episode offers a comprehensive look into current political dynamics, both at the national security level and within the broader context of upcoming elections and state governance, featuring in-depth insights from prominent political figures.