The Commentary Magazine Podcast – "Gavin Knew Some"

Date: February 24, 2026
Host and Panel: John Podhoretz, Abe Greenwald, Seth Mandel, Eliana Johnson

Episode Overview

This episode centers on California Governor Gavin Newsom’s controversial comments regarding his SAT scores and dyslexia during an event in Atlanta, exploring how politicians attempt to appear relatable, especially when burdened with elite backgrounds. The Commentary team examines the intersection of race, privilege, media framing, and political authenticity, using Newsom’s gaffe as a case study. The panelists explore how Democrats—especially elite figures—navigate American class and race dynamics, and how the media and political opponents respond to moments like this.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Gavin Newsom’s SAT Anecdote and Its Fallout

[03:45–11:41]

• Newsom, on a book tour in Atlanta, cited his 960 SAT score and dyslexia in an attempt to relate to the audience (including Atlanta’s mayor Andre Dickens).
• The panel discusses the awkwardness of politicians publicizing weak test scores, noting past similar disclosures (George W. Bush scoring higher than Gore/Kerry).
• John Podhoretz: “[Newsom] raised it in Atlanta... politicians should generally stay away from the SAT. It's not a good thing to raise.” (04:59)
• The group scrutinizes Newsom’s attempts to connect with minorities and “normal people” through self-deprecation, questioning both the authenticity and effectiveness.

2. Was the Comment Racially Tone-Deaf or Just Awkward?

[05:18–10:00]

• Abe Greenwald recounts his own emotional embarrassment over Newsom’s remark, describing it as patronizing to minorities, akin to notable gaffes by other Democrats (e.g., Biden, Kathy Hochul).
• Abe Greenwald: “...he was talking down to minorities the way that Kathy Hochul had said that black kids in the Bronx don't know what the word computer means. The way Joe Biden said poor kids are just as smart as white kids.” (07:17)
• Eliana Johnson notes Newsom’s privileged background—contrary to his “relatable” narrative—underscoring the disconnect between perception and reality.
• The group questions whether SAT scores or such self-effacing anecdotes are truly “relatable” to the Democratic base, especially working-class or minority voters.

3. Media Coverage and Partisan Framing

[24:38–27:42]

• Eliana Johnson slams Politico Playbook for covering the controversy as a MAGA-media invention rather than addressing the substance of Newsom’s misstep.
• Eliana Johnson: “...we got a window into the legacy media's... devotion to advancing the presidential campaign of Gavin Newsom. In the coverage of this as MAGA media, a row between Gavin Newsom and MAGA media...” (25:13)
• The panel discusses the routine way legacy media reports Democratic missteps as partisan controversies, often using Democratic flack denials as definitive.

4. Newsom’s Privilege and the Challenge of Authenticity

[12:05–24:38, 52:31–54:19]

• The Getty family’s wealth and Newsom’s close association with them puts a glaring spotlight on his efforts to present himself as “just folks.”
• Comparing Newsom to Trump, the hosts note that Trump’s rich-guy persona had a populist twist, while Newsom comes across as privileged and out of touch.
• John Podhoretz: “[Newsom’s] a very surface guy. That's the problem... we're seeing his surface, you know, in a way that we haven't [before].” (52:31)
• The issue of “authenticity”—or lack thereof—looms large for Newsom according to the hosts, as prior Democratic candidates have faltered for trying to appear as something they are not.

5. Swearing as (In)Authenticity and Copying Trump

[35:16–39:32]

• The panel observes a growing trend among Democrats to use coarse language as a means to project authenticity or anger, following Trump’s norm-breaking lead.
• Seth Mandel: “Democrats think that normal people curse like sailors. And so they're like, we're going to show you that we're angry... F. Trump. And then it's like, oh, okay, I didn't. I thought you weren't angry enough.” (36:07)
• John Podhoretz and others critique this as tone-deaf and inauthentic, alienating more Americans than it attracts.

6. The Lasting Impact on Newsom's Prospects

[45:17–49:22]

• The group debates whether such gaffes have lasting significance: could it become a defining “burr,” or will early stumbles immunize Newsom in the primary season?
• Seth Mandel: “I think he's actually benefiting from getting out there early and stumbling in non monumental ways repeatedly. It's like he's getting the jab...” (47:45)
• The consensus: genuine political vulnerability comes less from early gaffes than from inauthenticity or a poor gubernatorial record.

7. Larger Themes: The Search for the Perfect Democratic Candidate

[54:19–59:59]

• Panelists are skeptical that current “next-in-line” Democrats (Newsom, Whitmer, etc.) will ultimately win the presidency, citing a history of surprise candidates and the craving for authenticity and novelty.
• They note that “perfect candidates” rarely win, and the party may look elsewhere.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• John Podhoretz [04:59]: “Politicians should generally stay away from the... SAT. It's not a good thing to raise.”
• Abe Greenwald [07:17]: “I was ashamed because I think he was talking down to minorities... We have a record of this kind of thing.”
• Eliana Johnson [09:29]: “This is the beginning of an attempt by Newsom... to appeal to normal people, of which he is very much not one.”
• John Podhoretz [24:38]: “Liberal racism is a real thing... it has the quality of, oh, you're such an idiot child. As an American minority, I need to come in and take care of you.”
• Eliana Johnson [25:13]: “We got a window into the presses... devotion to advancing the presidential campaign of Gavin Newsom. In the coverage of this as MAGA media, a row between Gavin Newsom and MAGA media...”
• Seth Mandel [36:07]: “Democrats think that normal people curse like sailors. And so they're like, we're going to show you that we're angry... F. Trump.”
• John Podhoretz [52:31]: “He's a very surface guy. That's the problem. So I think that's the problem. And we're seeing his surface...”
• Abe Greenwald [41:38]: “There was an interview... Barbra Streisand... Barbara Walters said, what's a misconception that people have about you? And Barbra Streisand thought for a while and she said, I think they think I'm perfect.”
• Seth Mandel [47:45]: “I think he's actually benefiting from getting out there early and stumbling in non monumental ways repeatedly... he's getting the jab. He's now got his... public embarrassment shot... building up this kind of immunity.”

Additional Timestamps for Important Segments

• SAT and Political Gaffes: [03:45–06:33]
• Racial, Class, and Democratic Messaging: [06:33–10:00]
• Newsom’s Privilege vs. Relatability: [12:05–18:28]
• Trump and Populist Authenticity: [18:28–24:38]
• Media/Politico Playbook Critique: [24:38–27:42]
• Swearing as Authenticity & Comparison to Trump: [35:16–39:32]
• Inauthenticity and Candidate Vulnerability: [52:31–54:19]
• Political Lessons for 2028 Nomination: [54:19–59:59]

Tone and Language

• The tone is wry, intellectual, and at times exasperated.
• Panelists blend humor ("My weakness? I care too much.” [42:26]) with sharp political critique.
• They maintain a critical stance toward Democratic elite messaging and mainstream media spin, often highlighting the ironies and hypocrisies involved.

Summary for New Listeners

If you missed this episode, the Commentary team provides a pointed, unsparing look at the intersection of class, race, and political authenticity through the lens of Gavin Newsom’s recent gaffe. The hosts dissect the performance of Democratic elites, media complicity, and the evolving standards of “relatability” in American politics. They warn that attempts to manufacture authenticity—be it through cursing, humblebrags, or awkward personal stories—often backfire, particularly for politicians unable to reconcile their privileged backgrounds with their party’s grassroots. This episode will be of particular interest to listeners following Election 2028, Democratic Party dynamics, and the ongoing debate about authenticity in American public life.

Endorsement

The podcast ends with a lighthearted recommendation from John for the “dark, dirty, and hilarious” comedy Splitsville (on Hulu), praised as one of the funniest movies he’s seen in years [60:00–62:43].