Podcast Summary: "And, This Is A Final Election Day Push With Aaron Parnas"

Podcast: This is Gavin Newsom
Host: iHeartPodcasts
Air Date: November 4, 2025

Episode Overview

This special election day episode features California Governor Gavin Newsom in conversation with the host (Aaron Parnas). The focus is a high-stakes California special election (Prop 50) and its national implications for Democratic strategy, Republican opposition, and the broader state of American democracy. Newsom provides a behind-the-scenes account of Democratic organizing efforts, comments on reported efforts by the Trump-aligned federal government to monitor California's election, and shares a forward-looking call to action.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Voter Turnout & Grassroots Momentum

• Election Context: California is experiencing unprecedented early and election-day turnout for Prop 50.
• Grassroots Mobilization: Newsom underscores the scale and passion behind the Democratic campaign, referencing the involvement of 250 organizations, cessation of fundraising after exceeding goals (over 1.2 million contributions), and the shifting ground game from traditional fundraising to grassroots mobilization.
• Economic Sensitivity: Acknowledges timing challenges—rising healthcare premiums, cuts to food stamps, and jobs market anxieties—making small-dollar contributions particularly meaningful.

"Election day has been going on for weeks... we blew past our small dollar amount. And I was very sensitive at a time when we're cutting food stamps and healthcare premiums are going up, people are feeling the anx around a jobs market... but we're dialing it up... our grassroots and our ground game..."
— Gavin Newsom ([03:07]–[05:17])

2. Federal Election Monitors & Trumpian Tactics

• Federal Involvement: Press reports referenced Trump administration efforts to send federal monitors (deputy AG, DOJ) to California.
• Democratic Vigor: Newsom promises to "monitor the monitors"—meeting every Republican attempt with greater grassroots vigilance. Significant legal funds have been set aside to counter any federal election interference.
• Preemptive Undermining: Newsom connects current actions to Trump's broader tactics—publicly alleging a "rigged" election, preparing legal and political groundwork to challenge unfavorable results.
• Historical Parallels: Warns of a trend reminiscent of previous federal show-of-force deployments (D.C., Portland, Chicago) and possible future National Guard federalization.

"For every one person they put out there, we're going to have 10 people monitoring the monitors... He's mapping out a way of guaranteeing his victory in the midterms in 2026 and beyond... This is the Election Rigging Response act..."
— Gavin Newsom ([05:43]–[07:58])

3. National Implications & Party Power Shift

• Democratic "Rebirth": Newsom sees the election as a turning point—evidence that the Democratic Party is regaining confidence and political muscle nationwide (not just in California).
• Universal Economic Messaging: He advocates for a Democratic strategy built around universal values—healthcare, food security, economic equity.
• Contrast with GOP: Newsom paints Trump as an isolated, weak figure, noting his absence from key state campaigns and rising disapproval ratings.
• Big Tent Vision: Newsom cautions against binary "either/or" thinking about the party's direction. He urges an inclusive approach encompassing multiple leaders and states—a multi-part vision for the future.

"We need to bring more people into this party, many parts, one body. And I think if we can stay there... we know that the obstacle is the way... We've got to address Trump and Trumpism... We have to democratize our economy to save our democracy."
— Gavin Newsom ([12:16]–[13:57])

4. Building Momentum for 2026 and Beyond

• Eyes Wide Open: Newsom repeatedly stresses the importance of vigilance and citizenship to defend democracy through 2026 and into 2028.
• Active Citizenship: Quotes Justice Brandeis on the vital role of engaged citizens.
• Sustained Organizing: Emphasizes "sharing passion with action," organizing at the local level, and maintaining momentum for co-equal government and the rule of law.

"In a democracy, the most important office is office of citizen... He, this guy [Trump], thrives on one thing, exhaustion... And I think it's becoming overwhelmingly obvious to Donald Trump that he's losing and we're winning."
— Gavin Newsom ([14:10]–[15:51])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Grassroots Strength:
  "We don't screw around with these elections... If we see a good poll, we're like, 'No, what are we missing about this?'... We kick the tires."
  — Gavin Newsom ([03:56])

• On Republican Interference:
  "We've set aside millions of dollars for our legal defense. We're there today making sure we're monitoring the monitors."
  — Gavin Newsom ([07:28])

• On National Democratic Confidence:
  "The Democratic Party is back on its toes. We're not on our heels. We're winning again and we're finding our confidence. We're finding our sea legs."
  — Gavin Newsom ([08:19])

• Vision for the Party’s Future:
  "I hope we don't get in this all binary, this notion that it's either or... I think it's both. And, and I think that's the bigger picture, this opportunity that we're building a bigger tent as a party."
  — Gavin Newsom ([12:55])

• Call to Action:
  "Eyes on the balls, folks. On the ball. It's 2026. Please, I pray that we don't, we don't get ahead in that 2028 race. Please don't. It's all about 2026. It's all about restoring a co-equal branch of government... so we can maintain this framework of popular sovereignty."
  — Gavin Newsom ([15:36])

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [03:07] — Newsom on massive Democratic turnout, fundraising, and the ground game.
• [05:43] — Addressing DOJ monitors and Trump interference.
• [08:19] — Democratic victories and their significance for 2026.
• [10:01] — Trump's weakness and loss of approval.
• [12:16] — Newsom on the Democratic Party, economic challenges, and inclusion.
• [14:10] — The call to action for activists and citizens, keeping up the fight for 2026 and beyond.

Conclusion

Governor Gavin Newsom delivers an energized, combative, and optimistic message to listeners on California's special election day. He casts the stakes of Prop 50 and related national races as critical moments for democracy, calls out what he sees as anti-democratic tactics from the Trump-aligned opposition, and galvanizes the Democratic base for continued activism. Newsom champions broad-based organizing, urges vigilance, and advocates an expansive vision for the party—and the country—centered on citizenship, economic fairness, and the rule of law.