In February, a surprising announcement stirred the political landscape: Charlie Kirk, the conservative figurehead and co-founder of Turning Point USA, was set to feature on the debut episode of California Governor Gavin Newsom’s podcast. This unlikely pairing sparked intense debate across the political spectrum, drawing both criticism and curiosity.

On one side, liberals voiced their discontent, arguing that Newsom was giving a platform to someone they consider the epitome of conservative extremism. Conversely, some conservatives were baffled by Kirk’s decision to engage with Newsom, suspecting the governor of attempting to position himself as a centrist in anticipation of a potential 2028 presidential bid.

Despite the controversy, the conversation proceeded, leading to some intriguing revelations. During the discussion, Kirk managed to prompt an admission from Newsom regarding the inequities of men participating in women’s sports. Additionally, it came to light that Newsom’s own teenage son harbors admiration for Kirk, adding a personal twist to the political discourse.