Newsom's move into podcasting was seen as an effort to broaden his appeal amid ongoing speculation about a possible 2028 White House bid. The poll suggests that Newsom may risk backlash from liberal and left-wing voters while attempting to engage with MAGA figures such as Kirk and Steve Bannon on his show.

Political analyst Steve Swatt told ABC10 that the move has left many Democrats puzzled, especially after Newsom voiced opposition to “woke culture.”