California governor Gavin Newsom said in an interview that he watches Fox News obsessively, so much so that his staff have tried to stage interventions on him.
“I don’t want to know what they think, I want to see the patterns, and what you see are patterns that emerge,” argued Newsom when former White House press secretary Jen Psaki asked why he watched the conservative network.
Newsom clarified to Psaki that he watches the network “every night,” not just occasionally. “My staff has quite literally tried to have interventions with me about it,” Newsom explained.
However, said the governor, Democrats shouldn’t go on the network. “It contributes to the mental-health crisis in this state so on the basis of one’s own personal conditions I would not recommend it,” said Newsom, laughing.
The California governor argued that Democratic legislators he talks to are upset about being on the defensive with respect to issues like abortion or gun control. According to Newsom, right-of-center news outlets like Fox News contribute to Democrats being on their heels on these issues.
“They’re so upset about the messaging on the other side — the anger industry, the entertainment wing, particularly of the Republican Party — the surround sound on Fox with these, I don’t even like saying his name, Tucker Carlson, or that other guy,” said Newsom. “They’re all the same. And One America News and Newsmax, and what they’re doing to divide this country.”
“It’s — you know, where illusion rules, not facts,” the governor explained.
Despite his comments, Newsom appeared on Fox News early in June, sparring with longtime host Sean Hannity. The two discussed varied topics, including the homelessness crisis in California, which the governor admitted is a “disgrace.” The governor also defended his positions on issues like taxes and immigration.
Before his interview a month ago, Newsom last appeared on Fox News in 2010, when he was mayor of San Francisco.
Newsom has launched a media and appearance blitz in recent weeks, seeking to raise his national profile. Despite rumors he’s a candidate in waiting on the Democratic side, Newsom has denied that he’s interested in entering the race. The California governor has also defended Biden’s policies and fitness for office.