Podcast Title: This is Gavin Newsom
Episode Title: And, This is How Republicans Kill Medicaid with Senator Amy Klobuchar
Release Date: May 20, 2025
Host: Gavin Newsom
Guest: Senator Amy Klobuchar
Description: Gavin Newsom engages in a candid conversation with Senator Amy Klobuchar to discuss the pressing issue of Medicaid cuts proposed by Republicans, exploring the broader implications for the economy, bipartisan efforts, and the state of American democracy.

1. Introduction and Acknowledgment of Senator Klobuchar

Timestamp: [02:44] - [03:07]

Gavin Newsom opens the conversation by expressing his appreciation for Senator Klobuchar's productive nature and bipartisan efforts.

Gavin Newsom: "I want folks to appreciate Senator Klobuchar. The fact that you are one of the most productive. You're the face of productivity."

He highlights her ability to collaborate across the aisle, setting a positive tone for the discussion.

2. The Take It Down Act: A Bipartisan Effort

Timestamp: [03:08] - [07:27]

Overview of the Act

Senator Klobuchar explains the origins and objectives of the Take It Down Act, co-sponsored with Senator Ted Cruz.

Senator Klobuchar: "We joined forces and introduced this bill called the Take It Down Act. It simply says the platforms have to take down these images, non-consensual images in 48 hours and then creates criminal liability on the people that put them on or extends criminal liability."

Bipartisan Collaboration

She details how the bill navigated through Senate dynamics and received pivotal support from the First Lady.

Senator Klobuchar: "At the inaugural lunch, I brought up to the President and the first lady this bill. Three days later her office called ours and then they really helped to get it through the House and it got signed into law."

Gavin Newsom's Reflection on Bipartisanship

Newsom reflects on the significance of bipartisan efforts, questioning whether such collaborations are anomalies or a sign of hope.

Gavin Newsom: "Is this something to be hopeful about? Is this one off?"

3. Bipartisanship in Today's Political Climate

Timestamp: [05:42] - [12:31]

Senator Klobuchar's Commitment to Collaboration

Senator Klobuchar emphasizes the importance of working with individuals across the political spectrum for the country's betterment.

Senator Klobuchar: "Courage isn't just standing by yourself. Courage is whether you're gonna stand next to someone you don't always agree with for the betterment of this country."

She acknowledges the challenges posed by divisive rhetoric, particularly from figures like President Trump, which hampers bipartisan initiatives.

Senator Klobuchar: "The rhetoric and the things that are said makes it harder to function bipartisan."

Discussion on Democracy and Constitutional Stability

The conversation shifts to the state of American democracy, with Newsom prompting Klobuchar to assess whether the nation is amidst a constitutional crisis.

Gavin Newsom: "You talk about this notion of equal branches of government, popular sovereignty, the rule of law... what's your over under?"

Klobuchar's Perspective on Democratic Resilience

Senator Klobuchar draws parallels between current events and historical moments, expressing cautious concern but highlighting the judiciary's role in upholding the rule of law.

Senator Klobuchar: "The courts have been standing up over 200 times with judges appointed by Bush and by Trump themselves... that is a pushback."

She contrasts this with the potential for deeper crises, indicating that while challenges persist, institutional checks offer resilience.

Senator Klobuchar: "We're starting to be in an economic crisis if this continues. But we are closer to a constitutional crisis."

4. Impact of Tariffs on the Economy and Small Businesses

Timestamp: [12:31] - [20:33]

Economic Consequences of Tariffs

Newsom and Klobuchar delve into the ramifications of President Trump's tariffs, emphasizing their detrimental effects on small businesses and consumers.

Senator Klobuchar: "Look at the impact to small businesses. Busy Baby... she doesn't have the phone number of the White House."

She illustrates how tariffs act as regressive taxes, disproportionately affecting low and middle-income families.

Senator Klobuchar: "$3,000 a family annually is going to be a tariff tax. It's like a baby tax."

Senator Klobuchar's Critique of Tariff Strategies

Klobuchar criticizes the broad implementation of tariffs, arguing for more targeted approaches that support domestic industries without alienating allies.

Senator Klobuchar: "He's pushing China more into the arms of Russia... this is going to send us pell mell down the economy."

Gavin Newsom on Economic Leadership and Innovation

Newsom underscores the importance of maintaining America's leadership in innovation, research, and a robust middle class, warning against the backtracking caused by current policies.

Gavin Newsom: "These advancements have allowed our economy to function and been a leader and we don't want to move back on that."

5. Medicaid Cuts and Their Broader Implications

Timestamp: [20:33] - [30:57]

Detailing the Medicaid Cuts

The discussion shifts to the proposed Medicaid cuts, with Newsom highlighting the severe impact on millions of Californians.

Gavin Newsom: "3.4 million folks will be impacted through our Medi Cal, our Medicaid, just in California alone."

Senator Klobuchar's Defense Against the Cuts

Klobuchar refutes claims that Medicaid cuts are necessary, emphasizing the importance of healthcare and social safety nets for vulnerable populations.

Senator Klobuchar: "When you look at Medicaid, half of the people in nursing homes are on Medicaid... seniors, older people."

Economic and Social Ramifications

They explore the broader economic consequences, including increased national debt and the burden on working families.

Gavin Newsom: "It will increase the national debt by a minimum of $3.3 trillion. Talk about saddling the next generation."

Strategies to Counteract Proposed Cuts

Senator Klobuchar outlines potential legislative strategies and the importance of united opposition within Congress to prevent the passage of these detrimental measures.

Senator Klobuchar: "It takes only four of them in the House and four of them in the Senate... If four of them stand up, then they can't pass it."

6. Personal Stories and Real-World Impacts

Timestamp: [30:57] - [41:08]

Case Study: Small Business Owner Affected by Tariffs

They share the story of a small business owner whose operations are jeopardized by tariffs, illustrating the human side of economic policies.

Gavin Newsom: "She has to look her kid in the eyes and tell them that... it's so important to highlight those stories."

Economic Inequities Highlighted

The conversation underscores how tariffs exacerbate economic inequalities, making it difficult for small businesses to compete globally.

Senator Klobuchar: "Busy Baby can't make it up and she can't... she doesn't have the ability."

Counter-Narratives to Republican Messaging

They address Republican narratives that frame Medicaid cuts as efforts to reduce waste, fraud, and abuse, offering counterpoints that highlight the essential services Medicaid provides.

Gavin Newsom: "We're asking them to work, Senator, you're just asking them to reapply every six months... it really is about waste, fraud, and abuse."

7. Judiciary's Role in Upholding the Rule of Law

Timestamp: [41:08] - [52:50]

Senator Klobuchar on Judicial Independence

Klobuchar lauds the judiciary's efforts to counteract executive overreach, emphasizing the importance of judicial independence in times of political turmoil.

Senator Klobuchar: "The courts have been standing up over 200 times... and that is a pushback."

Gavin Newsom on the Potential for Constitutional Crisis

Newsom discusses the precarious balance of power and the looming threat of a constitutional crisis, contingent on the judiciary's actions.

Gavin Newsom: "But it hasn't arrived yet because of what the judge is doing, their jobs... that is going to be decided in the near future."

Personal Anecdotes Illustrating Political Tensions

They share personal experiences from significant political events, such as January 6th, to illustrate the heightened state of national politics.

Senator Klobuchar: "Mike Pence and me and Blunt walking down that pathway to the House... I knew that."

8. Call to Action: Protecting Medicaid and the Economy

Timestamp: [52:50] - [43:51]

Urgency of Legislative Action

Newsom emphasizes the critical need for immediate legislative efforts to protect Medicaid and counteract the proposed cuts.

Gavin Newsom: "We do tax cuts to people who aren't even asking for it... but tell me sanity is being taxed right now."

Senator Klobuchar on Voter Engagement and Congressional Responsibility

Klobuchar urges constituents to engage with their representatives, highlighting the power of a small number of votes to block detrimental legislation.

Senator Klobuchar: "It takes only four of them in the House and four of them in the Senate... you need 51 votes in the Senate."

Highlighting Public Opinion Against Cuts

She references recent polls indicating significant public opposition to Medicaid cuts, reinforcing the argument against such measures.

Senator Klobuchar: "Only 37% think he's handling the economy well... 68% said tax the billionaires and the wealthiest more..."

9. Personal and Economic Vision for the Future

Timestamp: [43:51] - [53:33]

Integrating Economic Growth with Social Policies

Newsom articulates a vision that balances economic innovation with social responsibility, emphasizing investments in research, personalized medicine, and AI.

Gavin Newsom: "This advancements have allowed our economy to function and been a leader... we don't want to move back on that."

Senator Klobuchar on Democratic Strategies for Success

Klobuchar outlines key strategies for Democrats to regain momentum, including embracing new agendas, addressing economic disparities, and reducing costs in critical sectors.

Senator Klobuchar: "Bring down costs. Bring down costs. Bring down costs. That's going to mean more housing and getting through some of this permitting muck."

Emphasizing Unity and Community Resilience

They highlight the importance of community resilience and unity in overcoming political and economic challenges.

Senator Klobuchar: "The hardworking Americans... to remember these hardworking Americans."

10. Conclusion and Final Remarks

Timestamp: [53:33] - [59:02]

Summarizing the Path Forward

In their closing remarks, Newsom and Klobuchar reiterate the importance of focused legislative action, voter engagement, and maintaining democratic principles to safeguard Medicaid and the broader economy.

Gavin Newsom: "I appreciate and, and I also just appreciate the, the essential nature of this moment."

Senator Klobuchar: "We can't be stuck in the status quo of the past... we have got to have our own agenda."

Acknowledgments and Farewell

Newsom thanks Senator Klobuchar for her insights and contributions, affirming the significance of their collaborative efforts in addressing national issues.

Gavin Newsom: "Senator Klobuchar, thanks for joining us."

Notable Quotes

1. On Bipartisanship:

   Senator Klobuchar: "Courage isn't just standing by yourself. Courage is whether you're gonna stand next to someone you don't always agree with for the betterment of this country."
   ([05:37])

2. On the Take It Down Act:

   Senator Klobuchar: "The platforms have to take down these images, non-consensual images in 48 hours and then creates criminal liability on the people that put them on."
   ([03:40])

3. On Democracy and Constitutional Crisis:

   Senator Klobuchar: "We are closer to a constitutional crisis, but it hasn't arrived yet because of what the judge is doing."
   ([12:31])

4. On Economic Impact of Tariffs:

   Senator Klobuchar: "He's pushing China more into the arms of Russia... this is going to send us pell mell down the economy."
   ([17:51])

5. On Medicaid Cuts and Public Opinion:

   Senator Klobuchar: "Only 37% think he's handling the economy well... 68% said tax the billionaires and the wealthiest more."
   ([41:08])

6. On Democratic Strategies:

   Senator Klobuchar: "Bring down costs. Bring down costs. Bring down costs. That's going to mean more housing and getting through some of this permitting muck."
   ([53:33])

Conclusion

In this episode of "This is Gavin Newsom," Governor Newsom and Senator Amy Klobuchar engage in a robust discussion about the threats posed by Republican-led Medicaid cuts and tariffs. They emphasize the necessity of bipartisan cooperation, highlight the adverse impacts of current economic policies on small businesses and vulnerable populations, and call for concerted efforts to protect and enhance the American economy and democratic institutions. Through personal anecdotes and data-driven arguments, they advocate for policies that support the middle class, promote economic innovation, and uphold the rule of law, urging listeners to remain engaged and proactive in shaping the nation's future.