California Governor Gavin Newsom is under fire after a controversial interview with conservative firebrand Steve Bannon. The high-profile sit-down has fueled speculation that Newsom is attempting a political makeover as he gears up for a 2028 White House run. However, not everyone is buying his sudden shift to the middle—including The View co-host Sonny Hostin, who didn’t hold back her criticism.
On the latest episode of The View, Hostin ripped into Newsom, accusing him of being “inauthentic” and staging a calculated stunt to appeal to a broader voter base.
“I believe that if you are going to be a public servant, you better be unapologetically authentic because voters can sniff out inauthenticity in a second,” Hostin declared.
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She argued that Newsom’s cozy exchange with Bannon was nothing more than a political publicity stunt aimed at winning over skeptical moderates.
“I thought that that was one of the most inauthentic things I have seen Gavin Newsom do. And trust me, that’s saying a lot.”
Is Newsom Playing Both Sides?
Newsom’s recent political recalibration has not gone unnoticed. Once seen as a staunch progressive, he has softened his stance on certain issues, positioning himself as a moderate Democrat—a shift many view as a calculated attempt to broaden his national appeal ahead of a potential 2028 presidential campaign.
But Hostin isn’t convinced. She dismissed Newsom’s performance as nothing more than a photo-op, claiming he lacked the conviction to genuinely engage with conservative viewpoints.
“I’m terribly disappointed. I think you meet energy with energy, and what he did was he showed his pretty white teeth and his cute face and did nothing other than that. And I think it’s despicable.”
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Newsom’s Strategy: Smart Move or Political Gamble?
Critics argue that Newsom is simply following the Democratic playbook—rebranding when convenient to stay politically relevant. But will voters see through his transformation, or will his strategy pay off?
While Newsom’s smooth-talking approach may appeal to some, Hostin and other critics believe it lacks authenticity. Whether this calculated pivot will help or hurt him in the long run remains to be seen.
For now, Newsom continues to walk a fine line, hoping to secure his place on the national stage. But with critics like Hostin calling him out, his path to the White House may not be as smooth as he hopes.
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