This is Gavin Newsom - Episode Summary: “And, This is More With Speaker Newt Gingrich”

Release Date: May 30, 2025
Host: Gavin Newsom
Guest: Speaker Newt Gingrich
Podcast: This is Gavin Newsom, iHeartPodcasts

1. Introduction

In this compelling episode of "This is Gavin Newsom," Governor Gavin Newsom engages in an in-depth conversation with former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich. The discussion traverses a spectrum of pressing political and social issues, emphasizing the necessity for honest and respectful dialogue between differing viewpoints. The episode seeks to bridge divides by fostering understanding and exploring bipartisan solutions.

2. Immigration Policy: Past and Present

Governor Newsom and Speaker Gingrich delve into the complexities of U.S. immigration policy, reflecting on historical legislation and its contemporary implications.

Historical Perspectives:
Gingrich references the Chinese Exclusion Act and figures like Dennis Kearney, who echoed exclusionary sentiments reminiscent of modern rhetoric. He highlights the cyclical nature of immigration debates, drawing parallels between past and present challenges.

Gingrich [05:03]: "Every person that came in was inspected for health... It wasn't an automatic open door. It was a controlled open door."

Current Immigration Levels:
Gingrich points out the substantial increase in immigration rates, noting that immigration has surged from approximately 4.8% in 1970 to around 14.8% today. He expresses concerns about "peak immigration" and its effects on societal integration and economic systems.

Gingrich [06:05]: "We are going to deport most of the criminals. And if you are here without having yet been a criminal and you become a criminal, we're going to deport you."

3. Impact of Immigration on Higher Education and Innovation

The conversation shifts to the influence of immigration on higher education and the innovation landscape in the United States.

Higher Education Concerns:
Gingrich articulates concerns about the diminishing capacity of U.S. higher education institutions to produce PhDs and STEM professionals, crucial for maintaining the nation's competitive edge in innovation.

Newsom [02:53]: "My fundamental concern about this assault on higher education is the impact that will have in terms of our capacity to get these PhDs and STEM folks..."

4. Policy Evaluations: Simpson-Mazzoli Act and Trump’s Immigration Policies

Gingrich provides a critical analysis of the Simpson-Mazzoli Act, initially intended to offer amnesty to 300,000 individuals but resulting in unintended long-term consequences by extending to 3 million.

Simpson-Mazzoli Act:
He reflects on his role in passing the act in 1986 and Reagan's diaries revealing intentions to control border immigration through work permits—a goal ultimately unmet.

Gingrich [08:37]: "We thought we were giving amnesty to 300,000. Turned out to be 3 million."

Trump’s Immigration Approach:
Gingrich discusses Trump's strategies, emphasizing deportations of criminals and differentiating Dreamers from other undocumented immigrants. He acknowledges the division within political movements while recognizing significant support for Trump within Hispanic and African American communities.

Gingrich [09:27]: "They grew up in America. For all practical purposes, it is their native country."

5. Border Control and Rhetoric’s Impact

The discussion explores the tangible effects of presidential rhetoric on border control and societal perceptions of immigration.

Policy Outcomes:
Gingrich notes a significant decline in border crossings due to policy shifts, attributing part of this change to aggressive rhetoric rather than solely executive orders.

Gingrich [10:33]: "He [Trump] came in and it really... [broke down border controls]."

Societal Impact:
The guests examine how Trump's rhetoric has influenced public sentiment, fueling fears and misconceptions despite statistical evidence showing native-born individuals are more likely to commit crimes than immigrants.

Gingrich [11:18]: "He got the highest percentage any Republican's ever gotten in the Hispanic community."

6. Economic Policies: Tariffs and Trade with China and Europe

Gingrich and Newsom transition to discussing economic strategies, particularly focusing on tariffs and trade relations with China and Europe.

Reevaluation of Trade Policies:
Gingrich candidly admits to misjudging China's economic strategies post-Deng Xiaoping, recognizing that the open market approach employed by China was intended to sustain its authoritarian regime rather than promote democratic openness.

Gingrich [20:13]: "I really thought... that opening up China economically was a great step towards a more open China. I totally misunderstood Deng Xiaoping's motives."

Tariff Impacts:
They analyze the repercussions of Trump's tariff policies, highlighting the challenges faced by small businesses and the resultant market instability.

Gingrich [22:40]: "He is now going to have an exciting and enthusiastic six or eight months."

7. Bipartisanship and Political Polarization

A significant portion of the conversation addresses the fractured state of American politics and the imperative for bipartisan collaboration.

Historical Cooperation:
Gingrich reminisces about the cooperative relationship between him and President Bill Clinton, particularly during the passing of balanced budgets. He laments the current toxicity and partisanship that stifles effective governance.

Gingrich [29:43]: "We produced the only four balanced budgets in a century... because we listened to each other and we talked with each other."

Calls for Bipartisanship:
Gingrich advocates for a renewed commitment to bipartisan efforts, drawing on historical examples to illustrate the benefits of cross-party collaboration.

Gingrich [38:55]: "Either there has to be a very concerted effort to reach out and to try to find bipartisan ways to work together."

8. Reflections on Political History and Future Outlook

The episode culminates with reflections on political history, including the Impeachment of Bill Clinton, and speculations about the future political landscape.

Impeachment Reflections:
Gingrich critiques the handling of Clinton's impeachment, attributing its failure to personal biases and a departure from substantive legal grounds into sensationalism.

Gingrich [36:10]: "We profoundly mishandled the impeachment... The report was so lurid and so related to sex that it poisoned the whole project."

Future Political Landscape:
Discussing the potential for future elections, Gingrich expresses hope for bipartisan progress but acknowledges the high level of polarization that could lead to increased extremism if cooperation isn't achieved.

Gingrich [40:54]: "The founding fathers designed the system... to make it so hard that it's very, very difficult, as we just saw in the House, for a purely partisan effort to work."

9. Conclusion

Governor Newsom and Speaker Gingrich conclude the episode by reflecting on their personal relationship and the broader implications for American politics. Gingrich emphasizes the importance of bipartisan dialogue and the necessity of moving beyond entrenched partisanship to address the nation's challenges effectively.

Gingrich [42:12]: "It was a lot of fun. I hope you enjoyed it."

This episode serves as a poignant reminder of the value inherent in civil discourse and bipartisan cooperation. By examining historical precedents and current policies, Gavin Newsom and Newt Gingrich provide listeners with a nuanced understanding of the complexities surrounding immigration, economic strategies, and political polarization. The dialogue underscores the enduring need for empathy, informed policy-making, and collaborative governance to navigate the United States toward a more unified and prosperous future.