California Governor Gavin Newsom recently made headlines by calling his own party “toxic,” but he didn’t expect friendly fire from within Democratic ranks. In a surprising twist, Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO) agreed with Newsom’s dire assessment of the Democratic brand—but then pointed the finger directly back at California. Bennet’s comments expose not just a party in disarray, but the transparent political calculations behind Newsom’s sudden conservative pivot. As the former Golden State golden boy positions himself for 2028, his fellow Democrats are refusing to play along with his reinvention tour.

Appearing on HBO’s “Real Time With Bill Maher,” Newsom delivered a scathing critique of his own party, claiming the “Democratic brand is toxic right now” with favorability ratings below 30%. According to Newsom, Democrats “talk down to people” and “talk past people”—a stunning admission from a man who’s spent years embodying coastal elite politics. I’ll give him credit for acknowledging reality, but let’s be honest—this is like an arsonist complaining about the smell of smoke.

From ‘The Daily Wire’:

“I do agree that the Democratic Party brand is really problematic. And I think that it is a brand that is, with all respect to my colleague from my California, is associated with New York and with California, is associated with the educated elites in this country, and not anymore with working people in this country,” Bennet said.

Bennet’s rebuke couldn’t be clearer—the problem isn’t just Democrats in general, it’s specifically politicians like Newsom who represent the out-of-touch coastal bubble. For conservative Americans who have long recognized California’s toxic political culture, hearing a Democratic senator openly acknowledge this reality is a refreshing moment of clarity. Are we witnessing the start of Democrats actually understanding why they lost in 2024? I’m not holding my breath.

Newsom’s Convenient Conservative Turn

The timing of Newsom’s Democratic Party critique is hardly coincidental. Since Trump’s decisive victory, the California governor has launched a podcast where he’s hosted conservative figures like MAGA strategist Steve Bannon and right-wing youth leader Charlie Kirk. During these interviews, Newsom has suddenly discovered common ground with conservatives, even agreeing that transgender athletes competing against biological females is “deeply unfair.”

Is this the same Gavin Newsom who’s spent years pushing radical progressive policies in California? Of course not. This is Newsom 2.0—the rebranded version desperately trying to scrub his ultra-liberal record before a potential 2028 presidential run. His transformation is about as authentic as a Hollywood movie set—all façade, no substance. As right-wing pundits correctly noted, Newsom’s newfound positions are entirely “transactional,” designed to appeal to moderate voters who rejected Democratic extremism in 2024.

Democrats in Disarray

Bennet isn’t the only Democrat publicly taking shots at Newsom. California Representative Sam Liccardo sarcastically compared Newsom to “the defendant who pleads for a judge’s mercy as an ‘orphan’ after killing his parents.” Meanwhile, Representative Ro Khanna pushed back against Newsom’s “toxic” characterization, insisting “this is not the time to join the chorus in bashing our party.”

The Democratic circular firing squad reveals a party without direction or coherent message. Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman has even warned they risk becoming a “permanent minority” if they don’t reconnect with working Americans. The irony is spectacular—after years of Democrats preaching unity while attacking conservatives, they’ve now turned their fire inward. I can’t help but enjoy watching this implosion from the sidelines.

Newsom’s transparent attempt to reinvent himself might fool some, but it won’t erase his record of championing the very coastal elitism that Senator Bennet identifies as the Democratic Party’s core problem. California’s failing policies, rampant homelessness, and exodus of middle-class families all happened under Newsom’s watch.

While conservatives can certainly appreciate Democrats finally admitting their brand is toxic, we shouldn’t be fooled by Newsom’s calculated pivot. His sudden discovery of moderate positions isn’t a genuine evolution—it’s a cynical ploy for higher office. Senator Bennet deserves credit for acknowledging that the Democratic Party’s problem isn’t just its message, but its messengers from elite coastal bubbles like California. As Democrats continue their internal blame game, Americans are reminded why they rejected their brand of politics in the first place.

Key Takeaways

• Senator Bennet (D-CO) confirms the Democratic brand is “toxic” but blames coastal elites like Newsom for the problem.
• Newsom’s sudden conservative podcast tour appears calculated to sanitize his ultra-liberal record before a potential 2028 presidential run.
• Democrats are publicly attacking each other as the party struggles to reconnect with working-class Americans.
• Newsom can’t erase his record of championing the same coastal elitism that’s driving voters away from Democrats.

Sources: Source, Sacramento Bee