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The hosts of the “Ruthless” podcast—Josh Holmes, Michael Duncan, John Ashbrook, and Comfortably Smug—recently focused their attention on California Governor Gavin Newsom’s attempts to distance himself from far-left policies during their Tuesday appearance on “Jesse Watters Primetime.”
Newsom has captured public attention in recent weeks for his remarks that suggest a moderation of his views on issues such as immigration and the treatment of transgender youth. Observers speculate that this shift may signal his aspirations for a presidential run in 2028.
Duncan remarked on Newsom’s direction, stating, “I think he’s making a decision to go on the Republican track in the Democratic Party.” He acknowledged that it’s a bold strategy and added, “We’ll see how it works out for him, but the other options are to get arrested, fight ICE, or embrace communism. So I like his odds.”
Ashbrook criticized Newsom’s approach, noting that he hasn’t effectively “stuck the landing” with his new stance. He expressed skepticism about Newsom’s motives, claiming, “Everybody sees through his BS,” especially regarding the governor’s willingness to appear on right-wing platforms.
Yet, Ashbrook also pointed out that Newsom’s tactics represent a necessary evolution. He stated, “It is absolutely the avenue he should be taking. It is the way of the future. New media is the way of the future.”
Smug drew parallels between California’s political climate and the ongoing New York City mayoral race. He mentioned socialist candidate Zohran Mamdani, who continues to lead in polls against established figures such as Andrew Cuomo and incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, both of whom have recently shifted to independent status after their Democratic affiliations.
Smug remarked on the Democratic Party’s leftward shift, saying, “So much of the party has lined up behind a communist. Is that ‘Thelma & Louise’—let’s drive off a cliff and learn nothing from this election?” He expressed doubt about the existence of a rational faction within the party, questioning whether any moderate Democrats remain.
Holmes, hailing from Minnesota, reflected on his own experiences with progressive politics while discussing the Minneapolis mayoral race. He described the candidacy of Omar Fateh, who runs on a platform similar to that of Mamdani. Holmes stated, “Look, they’ve had this problem in Minneapolis for a long time. It stems from a significant number of Somali immigrants who came to the city without any mandate to assimilate. You can witness the community evolving into something different, which brings forth candidates like Omar. They exist completely in their own sphere, disconnected from the rest of the state. It’s disheartening.”
Recently, FOX News Media announced a licensing deal with the “Ruthless” podcast as a part of its broader strategy for expanding new media outreach. FOX News Media CEO Suzanne Scott highlighted the continuing success of their media ecosystem and stated, “The ‘Ruthless’ deal is a natural extension of our powerhouse brand, as audiences reshape how they consume quality content.”
She emphasized the importance of their roster of successful personalities, who are well-equipped to thrive in an evolving media environment where podcasting facilitates deeper engagement.
The “Ruthless” co-hosts expressed their enthusiasm in a collective statement about the new partnership. They exclaimed, “We are thrilled to elevate ‘Ruthless’ to new heights through this strategic collaboration. There is a growing demand for authentic political and cultural discussions, and our podcast delivers candid and irreverent takes that resonate with our committed audience.”
This move reflects a broader trend in media where traditional outlets, like FOX News, are increasingly recognizing the value of alternative platforms like podcasts. The convergence of politics and media in this way illustrates the rapidly evolving landscape of how audiences access and engage with political discourse.
As politicians like Newsom attempt to navigate these changing waters, the scrutiny of media personalities continues to shape public perception. The interactions between established figures and alternative media platforms reveal much about the future of political communication.
The shift towards moderated conversations is likely to gain traction not only in California but nationwide. As political landscapes shift, the importance of media adaptability becomes increasingly evident, signaling a new era in both politics and journalism.
