Podcast Summary: "And, This is A Republican Without A Country with Frank Luntz" Host: Gavin Newsom | Release Date: May 14, 2025 | Platform: iHeartPodcasts

Introduction

In the episode titled "And, This is A Republican Without A Country with Frank Luntz," Governor Gavin Newsom engages in a profound and candid conversation with Frank Luntz, a renowned Republican pollster and communication strategist. The discussion delves deep into the current political climate, the increasing polarization in American society, and the imperative need for honest and respectful dialogue across the political spectrum.

The State of Political Division

[03:12] Frank Luntz:
"It's exactly it. And to me, what’s frightening is that we want to fight, argue, and disagree. We're looking for a reason to say I'm insulted or worse, I'm offended. That's the kind of culture we're in, and no one's trying to get us out of it."

Luntz emphasizes the unprecedented level of division in the United States, noting that neither side is fostering the kind of respectful discourse necessary for national unity. He commends figures like Cory Booker for maintaining an uplifting and non-political tone, contrasting sharply with leaders like Chuck Schumer, whom he criticizes for failing to bridge divides.

Contract with America and Its Legacy

[05:07] Frank Luntz:
"The moment it started was the day Newt Gingrich got elected Speaker in 1994. Republicans winning something they hadn’t for 40 years set the stage for ongoing conflicts. The Contract with America was the first time politicians put an agenda on the line with accountability."

Luntz reflects on the historical significance of the Contract with America, highlighting its role in reshaping Republican strategies and its initial positive reception. He laments that modern politicians no longer "run for something" but rather focus on opposing the other side, leading to heightened tensions and reduced collaborative efforts.

Personal Journey and Shifting Perspectives

[14:38] Frank Luntz:
"John McCain came up to me and asked if we could find a way to disagree without labeling people. That was a pivotal moment for me, illustrating that civil discourse is possible even among staunch opponents."

Luntz shares personal anecdotes demonstrating his shift towards valuing civil engagement over partisan antagonism. He recounts interactions with Democratic figures like Barbara Boxer and Michael Bennett, emphasizing the importance of understanding and respect despite deep-seated disagreements.

Effective Communication in Politics

[25:18] Frank Luntz:
"Barack Obama's speech in Selma, Alabama, is the best speech I’ve ever seen a president give. It was an investment in emotional intelligence and empathy that truly resonated."

Luntz discusses what makes a powerful political communicator, praising leaders like Barack Obama, Tony Blair, and Mitch Landrieu for their ability to connect emotionally and present positive visions. He contrasts this with contemporary politicians who focus more on condemnation than celebration.

Critique of Democratic Communication Strategies

[62:39] Frank Luntz:
"Democrats need to find a way to share success without punishing the wealthy. They are too negative and focused on defeating opponents rather than building a positive agenda."

Luntz critiques the Democratic Party's current messaging, arguing that their focus on wealth taxes and condemning opponents alienates voters. He advocates for a more constructive approach that emphasizes solutions and celebrates American strengths.

Impact of Social Media and Behavioral Changes

[43:04] Frank Luntz:
"It's our behavior magnified tenfold by social media. Parents need to understand the impact of constant connectivity on their children’s ability to engage and think independently."

The conversation shifts to the role of social media in exacerbating political and social divisions. Luntz warns of the detrimental effects on younger generations, emphasizing the need for parental intervention to mitigate addiction and foster genuine interpersonal skills.

Advice for the Democratic and Republican Parties

For the Democratic Party:

[62:39] Frank Luntz:
"Democrats should focus on solutions that address the wealth gap without punishing success. They need to present a positive vision that resonates with the working class and diverse voter bases."

Luntz advises Democrats to adopt a more optimistic and solution-oriented messaging strategy, moving away from purely oppositional rhetoric to one that offers clear, actionable plans for improvement.

For the Republican Party:

[35:34] Frank Luntz:
"Republicans need to move beyond simply opposing policies. They should highlight what they are for, presenting positive alternatives that unify rather than divide."

He suggests that Republicans should also embrace positive messaging, focusing on what they advocate for rather than solely what they oppose, to attract a broader electorate.

The Importance of Truth and Accountability

[54:43] Frank Luntz:
"Embrace the truth. Seek the truth. Fight for the truth, and demand that people tell you it. When they say they weren’t wrong, make them prove it."

Luntz underscores the necessity of honesty and accountability in politics. He criticizes the current environment where admitting mistakes is rare, advocating instead for a culture where truth is paramount and leaders own their decisions and their consequences.

Final Reflections and Call to Action

[71:54] Gavin Newsom:
"Frank, thank you for all your insight. Thanks for the history. Thanks for joining us today. I'm very grateful for this opportunity."

The conversation concludes with mutual respect and a shared commitment to fostering better political dialogue. Luntz challenges leaders like Cory Booker to continue promoting positive messaging and building bridges across the political divide, while Newsom expresses hope for more civil and constructive conversations in the future.

Notable Quotes

• Frank Luntz [03:38]:
  "The country's never been more divided."

• Frank Luntz [07:33]:
  "When you’re conscious of the resistance, you’re the opposition, but not the resistance."

• Frank Luntz [14:38]:
  "John McCain asked if we could disagree without labeling people. That was pivotal."

• Frank Luntz [25:18]:
  "Obama's Selma speech is the best presidential speech I’ve ever seen."

• Frank Luntz [62:39]:
  "Democrats need to present a positive agenda, not just punish the wealthy."

• Frank Luntz [71:54]:
  "It's taking the better road."

Conclusion

This episode of "This is Gavin Newsom" provides an insightful exploration into the complexities of American political communication. Through Frank Luntz's expert analysis and personal experiences, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the factors contributing to political polarization and the essential steps needed to foster a more unified and respectful discourse. The conversation serves as a call to action for both parties to embrace truth, accountability, and positive messaging to heal the nation's divisions.