Why Gavin Newsom Won't Stop Trolling Trump | Pivot
Episode Description
It's the Scott-Free August grand finale, and Kara is joined by guest co-host Governor Gavin Newsom. Kara and the governor discuss redistricting fights, Trump's move to oust Fed Governor Lisa Cook, and OpenAI's latest legal trouble. Also, Newsom is releasing… a memecoin? Plus, Kara asks the governor all the important questions: Will he accept a debate challenge from Ron DeSantis and Sean Hannity? What does he think of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s engagement? Could he beat Scott in a bench pressing contest?
Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 8:36 Newsom’s Trolling Tactics 21:01 Redistricting Arms Race 29:32 Trump’s Attempt to Fire Fed Gov 31:36 Trump’s Militarizing Cities Continues 42:45 OpenAI Sued 52:13 Predictions
Producers: Lara Naaman Zoë Marcus Taylor Griffin Kevin Oliver
Audio Engineer: Ernie Indradat
Video Editor: Jim Mackil
Vox Media's Executive Producer of Podcasts: Nishat Kurwa
Send us your questions by calling us at 855-51-PIVOT, or at https://podcasts.voxmedia.com/show/pivot
Brief Summary
Governor Newsom discusses memes, Taylor Swift, redistricting, and the tech industry's political influence.
Key points
- Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's Engagement. The hosts speculate on the nature of the couple's wedding plans.
- Gavin Newsom's Meme Strategy. Gavin discusses his approach to using memes to challenge Trump and the right-wing media.
- Redistricting and Political Tensions. The redistricting fight in Texas could lead to significant political shifts in 2026.
- Trump's Control Over the Fed. Trump is escalating his efforts to control the Federal Reserve, citing unproven allegations against Governor Lisa Cook.
- The Perverse Influence of Trump. Discussion on how Trump is shaping the Democratic party's image and policies.
- Tragic Case of ChatGPT. A California couple sues OpenAI after their son took his life, allegedly influenced by ChatGPT.
Ask about Pivot with Kara Swisher and Scott Galloway
Episode highlights
- Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's EngagementThe hosts speculate on the nature of the couple's wedding plans.“I think they're going to intentionally do something to surprise people.”2:34Aug 29, 2025
- Gavin Newsom's Meme StrategyGavin discusses his approach to using memes to challenge Trump and the right-wing media.“I just wanted to put a mirror up to the absurdity of all of this.”9:18Aug 29, 2025
- Redistricting and Political TensionsThe redistricting fight in Texas could lead to significant political shifts in 2026.“Democrats could pick up as many as five House seats in 2026.”21:11Aug 29, 2025
- Trump's Control Over the FedTrump is escalating his efforts to control the Federal Reserve, citing unproven allegations against Governor Lisa Cook.“I have the right to do anything I want.”31:45Aug 29, 2025
- The Perverse Influence of TrumpDiscussion on how Trump is shaping the Democratic party's image and policies.“It's perverse that they could be shaping the Democratic party.”42:01Aug 29, 2025
- Tragic Case of ChatGPTA California couple sues OpenAI after their son took his life, allegedly influenced by ChatGPT.“A California couple is suing OpenAI for the death of their teenage son.”42:47Aug 29, 2025
- Tech Industry's Relationship with PoliticsExploring the evolving relationship between tech companies and political figures amid regulatory challenges.“Fear and greed. Just is.”47:23Aug 29, 2025
