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Terry
This is an iHeart podcast.
Ben O'Keefe
Did you know using your browser in incognito mode doesn't actually protect your privacy? Take back your privacy with IPVanish VPN. Just one tap and all your data, passwords, communications, browsing history and more will be instantly protected. IPVanish makes you virtually invisible online. Use IPVanish on all your devices, anytime you go online, at home, and especially on public wi fi. Get IPVanish now for 70% off a yearly plan with this exclusive offer@ipvanish.com audio.
Katherine Townsend
Over the years of making my true crime podcast Hell and Gone, I've learned no town is too small for murder. I'm Katherine Townsend. I've heard from hundreds of people across the country with an unsolved murder in their community.
Gavin Newsom
I was calling about the murder of my husband. The murder is still out there.
Katherine Townsend
Each week I investigate a new case. If there is a case we should Hear about, call 678-744-6145. Listen to Helen Gone Murderline on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever. Your podcast High Key.
Ben O'Keefe
Looking for your next obsession? Listen to High Key, a new weekly podcast hosted by Ben o' Kee, Ryan Mitchell and Evie.
Evie
Oddly, we got a lot of things to get into. We're going to gush about the random stuff we can't stop thinking about. I am High Key. Going to lose my mind over all things Cowboy Carter.
Gavin Newsom
I know, girl.
Evie
The way she about to yank my bank account.
Gavin Newsom
Correct.
Ben O'Keefe
And one thing I really love about this is that she's celebrating her daughters.
Evie
Oh, I know.
Ben O'Keefe
Listen to High key on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever. Get your podcasts.
Dan Busch
Stay informed, empowered and ahead of the curve with a BI N News this Hour podcast updated hourly to bring you the latest stories shaping the black community. From breaking headlines to cultural milestones, the Black Information Network delivers the facts, the voices and the perspectives that matter 247 because our stories deserve to be heard. Listen to the BI N News this Hour podcast on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
Benedict Townsend
Do you remember Vine? It changed the Internet forever and it vanished in its prime. I'm Benedict Townsend, and this is Vine. Six seconds that changed the world. The untold story of genius, betrayal and the app that died so that TikTok could thrive. From overnight stars to the fall that no one saw coming, we're breaking down what made vine iconic. Listen to vine on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or. Or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Gavin Newsom
This is Gavin Newsom.
Terry
I'm still learning the ropes here.
Gavin Newsom
That's good. And by the way, what's, you're, you're in Springfield right now.
Terry
I was in Springfield. I just got back this morning. I drove back. And today DHS announced 60 days and they're gone for the Haitians. So the families that I met with who are law abiding, they're working, they fill out W2s, they pay taxes, they got Social Security numbers, the mayor wants them, the governor wants them, the city council wants them, business, church leaders. Trump wants them out based on his slander of them. And they have 60 days. And they're hiding in their homes, Governor, they are hiding in their homes. And the babies, 1200 babies born since they've been here. Now the Supreme Court throws their fate into doubt.
Gavin Newsom
It's, you know, and good for you. I forgive me, just selfishly stating it so often and it's so interesting, just from your prism now, this sort of new alignment with what you're doing that you're going back to a story that everybody's moved on from, that was weaponized in a rubric of debates and a political campaign and now reminding everybody of the human side of all this and the impacts. But it's what you just said about the mayor and the governor and the community, this only reinforces just the absurdity of this moment.
Terry
Yeah. And now you're fighting back in a really interesting way. I read the suit, I read the claims, a bunch of questions. But you're suing Fox News. I assume everybody's watching at this point. And there'll be more coming, know that. So why? What's your beef?
Gavin Newsom
Well, the beef is, you know, you can't maliciously slander someone. You can't defame someone by altering facts, editing facts, knowingly doing that without being held to some higher level of ethics and accountability. I have no problem. Look, we all know Fox is a propaganda network, but it's under the guise of being a news organization, being journalists, and there's rules of engagement as it relates to that. And you know, he, Donald Trump and I had a phone call on June 6, early morning, maybe June 7, four days later, Donald Trump lied and said, well, we talked the day before. I highlighted the fact we never talked the day before Fox decided to cover up for the president's lie. And they knowingly did that in a way that defamed. And I just think we need to call that out now. It's one that to be on the receiving end. And I've been on the receiving end of Fox for years and years and years. But there's red lines, and on this red line, they crossed it. And I want a simple apology. I just. I'm not looking. You know, you got to file these in your. Your own. Your own individual accord. It's, you know, the malice is a high bar. But they're dead to write on this. I mean, they had a chiron who said Gavin lied about Trump call. I mean, so they've got to apologize. If they don't, they need to be held to account. And we want to seek damages.
Terry
Right. You're asking for an apology and $787 million.
Gavin Newsom
You heard that number before. Where'd that number come from? Yeah, that's the. That's the Dominion lawsuit. And this. They reacted to the Dominion lawsuit with a press release that they put out against this lawsuit that almost was. You know, you almost could have cut and pasted it. And. And they paid a big price there. But what they did do is they didn't fundamentally change their practices. And that's the point. That's the point of this lawsuit. This money doesn't come to me. It's not about any of that. This is charity goes someplace else. But this is about changing these practices, these unethical practices. And, you know, I don't do this lightly. I got a bunch of calls there. This is actually why this happened. You know, I watched Jesse Waters. I watched John Roberts. I mean, that's just straight news, John. And Jesse tries to assert himself in that respect. And I got a bunch of calls saying, why'd you lie about the Trump call from friends? I said, what do you mean I lied about it. Just making that up. Say, well, that's not what I'm seeing on Fox. And so I'm constantly battling that. I'm like, this is doing damage. It was not just on the 65 million people that watched Fox and Fox Business, but hundreds of millions on social. And it was weaponized on the right. And it started to bleed in. And so that, for me, that crossed the line, and that's why I'm pushing back.
Terry
That is the way that the system works on that side. Look, I was obviously in corporate legacy, mainstream media, whatever you want. I had a great career, loved it, have nothing bad to say about my colleagues, but it's like they're fighting or they're trying to tell the truth blindfolded to the reality of what's happening to the truth is what I would say. It was frustrating being in there because Trump has this power of bending reality for people. And Fox assists his whole ecosphere assists him in doing that. And kind of both sides or the kind of vocabulary that you can use is very difficult to serve the people with still.
Gavin Newsom
And it's, it's, it's look, it's. And that's not news worthy in and of itself, what you said, it's spot on, but it's really eroding trust and it's hurting our democracy and it's code red. And you think Fox, who's just the most blatant and just notoriously the most blatant as it relates to being a propaganda network, would have learned that lesson with that $787 million settlement with Dominion. But they haven't. And they continue to cover up for the folly and the lies of this president. And it's one thing for the president to lie. It did it just a few moments ago, quite literally about water in California again. I mean, he's an obsession. But you don't cover up for that. You don't willfully and knowingly and maliciously cover up for those lies, edit information and alter what you present as fact and defame people. You can't do that.
Terry
Is there something about the past few months in this second term? And I don't want to post facto rationalize what I did. I wasn't thinking. It's too much. It's the straw that breaks the camel's back. I thought I was describing accurately a public figure in America.
Gavin Newsom
By the way, few words rung more true than those words. Forgive me, that's just my editorial opinion.
Terry
And actually, what's worse is it wasn't like a drunk tweet. I actually looked at it and I read it and I thought, yeah, that's true. Hit send. There you go. But my point is that there is this hammer blow, this daily bludgeoning of the body politic with cruelty. Right. And lies at every point, demoralizes people. And I've seen you over the past couple of years, it seems. One thing I really respected and enjoyed you doing was crossing off Golda Fox and debating Hannity, you know, taking him on, having a. Having a good debate with Desantis. People appreciate that. But is there something about the past few months and the Democrats crying out for someone to do something that is part of the background to you pulling what is in some ways a stunt? Right? This lawsuit.
Gavin Newsom
Yeah. Look back to the lawsuit. But let me go back almost three years ago to today, because we just celebrated, and not celebrated, we lamented the anniversary of the Dobbs decision three years ago. And I remember being at Planned Parenthood in Southern California, in la, saying, where the hell is my party? And it wasn't an indictment of individual leaders. It wasn't even indictment of the, you know, the dnc. It was sort of, frankly, it was dieting by my own lack of accountability at this moment, that the other side was dominating the narrative on CRT and dei esg. They were censoring historic facts, rewriting history, quite literally rewriting social studies books in places like Florida. And I was watching the weaponization and the propaganda coming from these networks, not just Fox One American News newsmax, and how they're able to shape shift the conversation and how my party, the Democratic Party, was consistently on the defense. And that's where I woke up. I said, you know what? The world we're living in has happened on our watch. Society becomes how we behave. Take some responsibility, man. And so I decided I needed to actually not just complain about something, I needed to do something. And that's when I started to reach out and went on Fox and I had Hannity. I said, let's go. Let's go into Ronald Reagan's old building, the old governor's mansion where Reagan was. Ask me anything you want. Let's do an unedited hour, hour and a half interview. And we did that. And I started to go back on Fox. And that's why I ended up. And I appreciate your reference to the debate with Ron DeSantis. And so I think that's healthy. I thought it was important. A lot of my members of my party were critical, saying, why do you even indulge those guys? It's all fake news, et cetera. But I thought it's important to meet people where they are. So I say all that in the context of this lawsuit. I have a high threshold for the bullshit on Fox is the point. All right. I wouldn't do this unless I felt they really did cross the line. And I don't. It's not about money for a nonprofit. It's about accountability. I really did hope and expect after that Dominion lawsuit they would stop, but they haven't. And right now, if you're covering up for the cruelty, God bless you, that's the right word. Not just the chaos for the abject lies and mistruths of this administration. You can't lay claim to being a news organization any longer. That's what this lawsuit's about.
Terry
I think that is exactly the conundrum that my former colleagues and across the establishment, legacy, corporate, what, mainstream media, whatever you want to call it, they are doing their best. I love them, I respect them, they're doing great work. But there's something that's changed in this moment. It is a moment in history where it requires a different response. I think I'm discovering that in myself. And I do think that I wonder if one of the things you're trying to do is give heart to people who see this who are bludgeoned and either on the sidelines, I don't wanna get involved. They may have even voted for Trump, don't like it. Or certainly the people who didn't vote for Trump feeling in despair. He is all powerful, controlling the narrative and now just bringing the hammer down in every walk of life.
Bridget Todd
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Ben O'Keefe
Did you know using your browser in incognito mode doesn't actually protect your privacy? Take back your privacy with IPVanish VPN. Just one tap and all your data, passwords, communications, browsing history and more will be instantly protected. IPVanish makes you virtually invisible. Use IPVanish on all your devices, anytime you go online, at home, and especially on public wi fi. Get IPVanish now for 70% off a yearly plan with this exclusive offer@ipvanish.com audio.
Katherine Townsend
Over the past six years of making my true crime podcast Hell and Gone, I've learned one thing. No town is too small for murder. I'm Katherine Townsend. I've received hundreds of messages from people across the country begging for help with unsolved murders.
Gavin Newsom
I was calling about the murder of my husband. It's a cold case.
Evie
I've never found her and it haunts.
Gavin Newsom
Me to this day. The murderer is still out there.
Katherine Townsend
Every week on Helen Gone Murder Line, I dig into a new case, bringing the skills I've learned as a journalist and private investigator to ask the questions no one else is asking.
Gavin Newsom
Police really didn't care to even try. She was still somebody's mother. She was still somebody's daughter. She was still somebody's daughter, Sister. There's so many questions that we've never gotten any kind of answers for.
Katherine Townsend
If you have a case you'd like me to look into, call the Helen Gone murder line at 678-744-6145. Listen to Helen Gone Murder line on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Gavin Newsom
What happens when we come face to face with death? My truck was blown up by a 20 pound anti tank mine. My parachute did not deploy. I was kidnapped by a drug cartel.
Dan Busch
I just remember everything getting dark.
Gavin Newsom
I'm dying. When we step beyond the edge of.
Ben O'Keefe
What we know to open our consciousness to something more than just what's in that western box.
Gavin Newsom
In return, I clinically died. The heart stopped beating, which I was dead for 11.5 minutes. My name is Dan Busch. My mission is simple to find, explore and share these stories. I'm not a victim. I'm a survivor. You're strongest when you're the most vulnerable. To remind us what it means to be alive. Not just that I was the guy that cut his arm off, but I'm the guy who was smiling when he cut his arm off. Alive Again, a podcast about the fragility of life, the strength of the human spirit, and what it means to truly live. Listen to Alive again on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows. Adventure should never come with a pause button.
Evie
Remember the MoviePass era where you could watch all the movies you wanted for just $9? It made zero sense and I could not stop thinking about it. I'm Bridget Todd, host of the tech podcast There are no Girls on the Internet. On this new season, I'm talking to the innovators who are left out of the tech headlines, like the visionary behind MoviePass, Black founder Stacy Spikes, who was pushed out of MoviePass, the company that he founded. His story is wild and it's currently the subject of a juicy new HBO documentary, we dive into how culture connects us.
Gavin Newsom
When you go to France or you.
Terry
Go to England or you go to.
Gavin Newsom
Hong Kong, those kids are wearing Jordans, they're wearing Kobe's shirt.
Ben O'Keefe
They're watching Black Panther and the challenges.
Evie
Of being a black founder.
Gavin Newsom
Closing your eyes and tell me what a tech founder looks like. They're not going to describe someone who looks like me and they're not going to describe someone who looks like you.
Evie
I created There are no girls on the Internet because the future belongs to all of us. So listen to There are no girls on the Internet, on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
Gavin Newsom
I wish I could show you a video I just got right before we went on from a friend of mine down in San Diego. And this young woman torn away from her car by masked men screaming and yelling turns out to be a housekeeper at a well known hotel in Southern California. A member of local Levin Unite here just ripped off the streets by masked men. This is a moral moment. This is happening in America. You have 5,000 federalized troops, you have the U.S. military in the streets of Los Angeles in 2025 today. I mean, this is, this is to your point. Things have radically changed. You can't operate with the old constructs people talk about. I heard, you know, there's been some punditry, you know, are we moving towards authoritarianism? And it depends which lens, which set of eyes you have. How about to that young woman on the street? We're already there. For some of us that have more privilege, we're not there yet. And so I want to speak for those folks to your point. Yeah. For things to change, you've got to change. It's not what happens, it's what we, how we respond to what happens. And I need to be held to a higher level of accountability. And so I appreciate the frame of your question. Yeah, I've changed. I've changed. You know, I changed when those National Guard were federalized. I changed when I started to see members of our community torn asunder, terrorized by these raids and people in masks, in things that I've never thought I'd see in this country to see. People deported, disappeared. I was with a 12 year old boy, same age as my kids, crying, who lost his mother and father. They disappeared. They went to the same job site they'd been going to 20 years in Oxnard, California, and he had no one. He didn't even know how to get back into his own house. That's Trump's America. So when you say those words, Terry, about Stephen Miller, you were goddamn right. Excuse my language. You were right and he is wrong. And it's wrong for us to operate under the old rules. Forgive me for being intense about this, but a lot of people are counting us to do more and be better.
Terry
I respect that intensity. That's where we have to find our courage, Right? We have to find it there. And I appreciate what you're saying about that. I will say that having just gotten back, one of the things, if you don't mind a personal note, the outpouring of people signing up for this and actually very, very kind and genuine support for something I didn't, from one perspective, really screwed up. Right? This is not the way I'd recommend leaving a job. But as I say, I'm kind of exhilarated and excited by the possibilities and by the work ahead, the good work that you're talking about ahead. But I do feel that it became for a lot of people, a galvanizing moment, right? A sense that, okay, whatever you think, what he said, including some of my neighbors. I live in a kind of a purple neighborhood in Frederick, Maryland, out closer to Antietam and Gettysburg than to Washington, D.C. and a lot of my neighbors voted for Trump. And one of them in particular, very strong for Trump. He told my wife, he said, tell your husband. You know, I really respect him, though. What he did was brave. And, you know, look at his. At his social feeds. He loves that. It was very encouraging for me. I feel very encouraged. But the point of it is, I think the point, the cruelty is the point to dishearten people, make them amenable to more and more authority. And just one more note. In Springfield, one of the young Asian men that I spoke with, he had a brain tumor in Haiti, they couldn't help him. Came to the United States, started working, got on Obamacare, got the brain tumor operated on. But they had to remove his pituitary glands, so he needs to regulate his hormonal system. If they send him back, he'll die. And he said, I don't go out of the house because anyone can wear a mask. Remember, he's from Haiti. Anyone can wear a mask and put ice on them. I don't know if they're kidnappers or if they're the law. So there are thousands of people hiding in their homes from the federal government who are, until a couple of weeks ago here, lawfully good employees. You go ask the businesses down there, the dole plant, auto machining plants. You ask the Mayor and the city council. These are good people, the vast majority of them, and they're hiding from our government. That's, to me, a disgrace.
Gavin Newsom
It is a disgrace. But you've reinforced this point. And I want to amplify the point I think you're making, that the cruelty is the point, but the point being that that demoralization just completely neuters us and we become numb and we no longer are active. We're inert. And that is exactly what he wants. He wants to crush us into submission. He wants to overwhelm the shock in Oz about overwhelming us. And so we cannot maintain neutrality at this time. It was, Dante said, the hottest place in hell is reserved at a time of moral crisis for those that maintain their neutrality. This is not a neutral moment. And I think, look, this lawsuit, I hope, represents just an expression of that. I want both to know we're not just going to roll over, that we're going to have people's backs, people that may not have a voice, people that may not have the privilege that you and I have to even be able to go on substack to be able to have this conversation, to reach a few people that are kind enough to take the time to listen, to know that they matter and we care. There are people out there that give a damn. You gave a damn to go back to Springfield and to check in with people that, that. That were used purely as a political, you know, political fodder, that were used as subjects, not human beings. And to humanize them. That's important, and it's more important now than ever. So look, I think it's in that same spirit that we initiated this lawsuit, in same spirit to which we're pushing back against these authoritarian tendencies in Trumpism.
Terry
Can I ask you before we move on the New York mayoral primary with Mandani winning and Cuomo going down to defeat, a lot of Democrats are seeing that as a signal of a new direction. A lot of other Democrats are saying that this is maybe New York City, but it would not work in other parts of the country. How do you read that politically?
Gavin Newsom
I think my experience in this respect is we tend to overstate in the short term. Lessons learned, or we extrapolate lessons that frankly just reinforce our own pre existing biases of what this means or what this doesn't mean. But to the credit of Mandani, this was a hell of a campaign. I mean, you know, you could distinguish the message from the messenger. But his ability to galvanize and to organize, to use the tools of Technology, new media to create a, I thought a personality that even if he disagreed, you kind of had a little more trust in was rather extraordinary. And so from that perspective, in the power of emulation, success leaves some clues now what this means ultimately for the Democratic Party. Was this really appreciation of Cuomo came in with a lot of baggage. Was this more parochial politics in the context of just one American city, though the largest is to be determined. But I think it's one thing, I think it is, is a giant wake up call that democracy still alive and well, bottom up. And if you're looking at this for the prism, I think particularly Speaker Johnson, you're recognizing you got 18 months left. And if you're looking at this as Susie Wiles, the chief of staff of the President, your administration ends in 18 months. We're going to take back the House. We're seeing young people reawaken here. They haven't gotten the message about the cynicism yet. They're still engaged. And for me, that was maybe the most compelling takeaway from what occurred last week.
Terry
Well, that is a great, positive, hardening end because people are looking for something to look forward to, the good hard work of saving the country.
Gavin Newsom
Right? Saving the country. Look, one cannot overstate that simple statement that you just made. And the Supreme Court made it more challenging today. Look, we just cannot live in the divided States of America any longer. You know, I'm sort of paraphrasing Bill Clinton. You can't. You know, divorce is not an option. We're going to have to define the terms of the future, to live and advance together across our differences. And I think, you know, one thing people need to see is other people's courage. And for those people that turned out and voted, that's an act of citizenship. And the office of citizen right now is the most important office of all. And I think for all the assaults on institutions, that's the institution that will endure. And that's what gives me hope and optimism.
Terry
All right, well, great. Thanks very much. This was fun.
Gavin Newsom
This was fun. Terry, thanks for having me on. And congrats on everything. Keep doing what you're doing.
Terry
Thank you. Thank you. Good luck. Good luck in court.
Gavin Newsom
Thank you.
Ben O'Keefe
Did you know using your browser in incognito mode doesn't actually protect your privacy? Take back your privacy with IPVanish VPN, just one tap and all your data, passwords, communications, browsing history and more will be instantly protected. IPVanish makes you virtually invisible online. Use IPVanish on all your devices anytime you go online. At home and especially on public wi fi. Get IP Vanish now for 70% off a yearly plan with this exclusive offer@ipvanish.com audio.
Katherine Townsend
Over the years of making my true crime podcast Hell and Gone, I've learned no town is too small for murder. I'm Katherine Townsend. I've heard from hundreds of people across the country with an unsolved murder in their community.
Gavin Newsom
I was calling about the murder of my husband. The murder is still out there.
Katherine Townsend
Each week I investigate a new case. If there is a case we should Hear about, call 678-744-6145. Listen to Helen Gone Murderline on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Ben O'Keefe
Looking for your next obsession? Listen to High Key, a new weekly podcast hosted by Ben o' Keefe, Ryan Mitchell and Evie.
Evie
Oddly, we got a lot of things to get into. We're gonna gush about the random stuff we can't stop thinking about. I am High Key. Going to lose my mind over all things Cowboy Carter.
Gavin Newsom
I know, girl.
Evie
The way she about to yank my bank account.
Dan Busch
Correct.
Ben O'Keefe
And one thing I really love about this is that she is celebrating her daughters.
Evie
Oh, I know.
Ben O'Keefe
Listen to High key on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Benedict Townsend
Do you remember Vine? It changed the Internet forever and it vanished in its prime. I'm Benedict Townsend and the this is Vine. Six seconds that changed the world. The untold story of genius, betrayal, and the app that died so that TikTok could thrive. From overnight stars to the fall that no one saw coming, we're breaking down what made vine iconic. Listen to vine on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Dan Busch
Stay informed, empowered and ahead of the curve with a bi N updated hourly to bring you the latest stories shaping the black community. From breaking headlines to cultural milestones, the Black Information Network delivers the facts, the voices and the perspectives that matter 247 because our stories deserve to be heard. Listen to the BI N News this Hour podcast on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
Terry
This is an iHeart podcast.
Podcast Title: This is Gavin Newsom
Host: iHeartPodcasts
Episode: Taking On Fox News (Live with Terry Moran!)
Release Date: June 27, 2025
In the episode titled "Taking On Fox News," Gavin Newsom joins host Terry Moran for a candid and in-depth discussion about his legal actions against Fox News. The conversation delves into the motivations behind the lawsuit, the broader implications for media integrity, and the current state of American democracy.
[02:47] Gavin Newsom:
"This is Gavin Newsom."
Gavin opens the discussion by addressing his ongoing lawsuit against Fox News, highlighting significant grievances and the broader context of media ethics.
Reasons for the Lawsuit:
Gavin articulates that Fox News has consistently engaged in malicious slander and defamation by altering and misrepresenting facts. He specifically references an incident involving a phone call with former President Donald Trump:
[04:30] Gavin Newsom:
"The beef is, you know, you can't maliciously slander someone. You can't defame someone by altering facts, editing facts, knowingly doing that without being held to some higher level of ethics and accountability."
Gavin contrasts Fox News's behavior with the standards expected of a legitimate news organization, emphasizing that despite their self-proclaimed journalistic integrity, they operate more as a propaganda network.
Connection to the Dominion Lawsuit:
Drawing parallels to the Dominion lawsuit, Gavin notes that despite previous legal repercussions for spreading misinformation, Fox News has not fundamentally changed its practices:
[06:01] Gavin Newsom:
"They didn't fundamentally change their practices. And that's the point of this lawsuit. This money doesn't come to me. It's not about any of that. This is charity goes someplace else. But this is about changing these practices, these unethical practices."
He underscores that his motive is not financial gain but seeking accountability and an apology from Fox News.
Erosion of Trust:
Gavin expresses deep concern over how Fox News's actions are eroding public trust and damaging democratic institutions:
[08:02] Gavin Newsom:
"It's really eroding trust and it's hurting our democracy and it's code red."
He asserts that Fox News continues to support the narratives of the Trump administration, further entrenching misinformation and division within the country.
Authoritarian Tendencies:
Terry Moran adds to the conversation by reflecting on his experiences in mainstream media, highlighting how Fox News amplifies authoritarian tendencies by distorting reality:
[07:19] Terry Moran:
"Trump has this power of bending reality for people. And Fox assists his whole ecosphere assists him in doing that."
Gavin agrees, elaborating on the broader societal impacts of such media practices:
[12:53] Gavin Newsom:
"I think it's in that same spirit that we initiated this lawsuit, in same spirit to which we're pushing back against these authoritarian tendencies in Trumpism."
Personal Commitment:
Gavin shares his personal journey in addressing media misinformation, including previous engagements with Fox News hosts like Sean Hannity and debates with political figures such as Ron DeSantis:
[10:23] Gavin Newsom:
"I thought it was important to meet people where they are. So I say all that in the context of this lawsuit."
He emphasizes the importance of holding media accountable to foster a more truthful and responsible press.
New York Mayoral Primary Discussion:
Later in the conversation, Terry brings up the New York mayoral primary where Mandani defeated Cuomo, and its implications for the Democratic Party:
[24:48] Terry Moran:
"Can I ask you before we move on the New York mayoral primary with Mandani winning and Cuomo going down to defeat, a lot of Democrats are seeing that as a signal of a new direction."
Gavin interprets this as a positive sign of democratic engagement and the potential for revitalizing the Democratic Party:
[25:11] Gavin Newsom:
"I think it's one thing, I think it is, is a giant wake up call that democracy still alive and well, bottom up."
He remains optimistic about the future, highlighting the importance of grassroots movements and young people's engagement.
Urgency for Change:
Gavin stresses that America is at a critical juncture, where neutrality is no longer an option:
[23:07] Gavin Newsom:
"This is not a neutral moment. And I think, look, this lawsuit, I hope, represents just an expression of that."
He urges listeners to take responsibility and actively participate in shaping the nation's future, emphasizing the importance of civic engagement and holding institutions accountable.
[27:10] Gavin Newsom:
"Saving the country. Look, one cannot overstate that simple statement that you just made. And the Supreme Court made it more challenging today."
Closing Remarks:
The episode concludes with Gavin affirming his commitment to fighting misinformation and advocating for a more transparent and ethical media landscape.
[28:21] Gavin Newsom:
"This was fun. Terry, thanks for having me on. And congrats on everything. Keep doing what you're doing."
Gavin Newsom on Defamation:
"You can't maliciously slander someone... without being held to some higher level of ethics and accountability."
[04:30]
On the Impact on Democracy:
"It's really eroding trust and it's hurting our democracy and it's code red."
[08:02]
On the Purpose of the Lawsuit:
"This is about changing these practices, these unethical practices."
[06:01]
On Democratic Engagement:
"Democracy still alive and well, bottom up."
[25:11]
In this compelling episode, Gavin Newsom provides a critical examination of Fox News's role in shaping public perception and undermining democratic values. Through his lawsuit and personal reflections, he calls for greater accountability in media practices and emphasizes the necessity of active civic participation to preserve and strengthen American democracy. The conversation serves as a timely reminder of the importance of truth, integrity, and responsibility in both media and governance.