- Katie Couric asked California Governor Gavin Newsom about his good looks on her podcast.
- MAGA supporters criticized Couric for the question, likening it to one they’d ask of JD Vance.
- Newsom responded that he’s who he is and that people can like or dislike him as they please.
- Critics argue that the media infatuation with Newsom doesn’t match his political viability.
The MAGA Backlash
Katie Couric, the veteran journalist, found herself on the receiving end of criticism after asking California Governor Gavin Newsom a rather personal question. On her podcast Next Question, Couric humorously posed to Newsom whether he was “too handsome” to be president, referencing the 2001 comedy Zoolander.
The joke didn’t sit well with some MAGA supporters. Conservative media personality Megyn Kelly fired back, suggesting that Couric would ask the same question of JD Vance, a popular conservative author. Meanwhile, podcaster Adam Carolla went further, comparing Newsom to Hunter Biden in his confidence and tone deafness.
Newsom’s Response
While laughing off the joke, Newsom made it clear that he wasn’t bothered by it. “You don’t do anything about it because if you do something about it, then you’re bulls–ting people,” he responded. He continued, saying, “I am who I am. It’s fine.
You don’t have to like me. Or maybe you like a slick person, I don’t know. Whatever. It’s okay.” This response came with the added context that Newsom is a likely 2028 Democratic presidential contender.
Newsom further elaborated by saying he brought up his looks because “you talked about being authentic and I think it sometimes works against you,” referring to Couric’s earlier comments on authenticity in journalism.
The Broader Criticism
MAGA figures have taken issue with the media overall, arguing that there’s an infatuation with Newsom that doesn’t align with his political viability. Republican strategist Matt Whitlock even went so far as to say that Newsom has a “serious Beto (O’Rourke) problem,” suggesting the media’s focus on him is misplaced.
Conservative media also criticized Couric, who used to host The Today Show, for her questioning style. Joe Concha of Fox News said she had the audacity to lecture people on what real journalism is, while National Review correspondent Jim Geraghty wrote that Newsom’s record as governor is “well behind how handsome he is.”
Conclusion
The incident highlights the ongoing tension between political figures and media personalities. While Newsom’s response maintained a level of humor and indifference, it also underscored the scrutiny he faces from both sides of the aisle. The back-and-forth reflects the broader debates about authenticity in politics and journalism.
