In a recent appearance on CNN, Democratic strategist and former spokesperson for Hillary Clinton, Karen Finney, criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom's remarks on the participation of biological men in women's sports, labeling it as an "obvious gimmick.
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The governor's comments, made during the debut episode of his podcast "This is Gavin Newsom," have sparked significant debate within his own party.
Governor Newsom's podcast, launched on February 26, aims to engage with prominent figures from the MAGA movement. In his inaugural episode, he hosted Charlie Kirk from Turning Point USA and expressed his view that allowing biological men to compete in women's sports is "deeply unfair."
This statement has drawn criticism from various quarters, including members of the California Legislature's LGBTQ caucus. According to the Daily Caller, Assemblymember Chris Ward and Senator Caroline Menjivar issued a joint statement expressing their profound disappointment and frustration with Newsom's remarks.
During a segment on "The Source with Kaitlan Collins," Finney, alongside David Axelrod, shared her perspective on Newsom's stance. "The thing that bothered me about the whole incident was it was such an obvious gimmick, right? He needed some headlines to say, Newsom breaks with the left, right?" Finney remarked.
She further criticized the governor's approach, stating, "It was such a gimmick. To Davids point, I mean, its like the thirstiness is dripping off of him, and its like, just stop it. Its gross."
Finney also highlighted her concerns about the governor's rhetoric, suggesting that he was using the left for political gain. "You know hes using the left basically. These are the people who have had his back for a very long time when they tried to recall him, actually. I just dont think people are not going to take too kindly to it," she added. Her comments reflect a broader sentiment among some Democrats who feel that Newsom's statements may alienate his traditional support base.
The controversy surrounding Newsom's comments comes on the heels of a recent legislative development. Democratic senators blocked Republican Alabama Senator Tommy Tuberville's Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act, which aimed to prohibit transgender athletes from participating in girls' and women's sports. This legislative move underscores the ongoing national debate over transgender rights and sports participation.
Despite his recent comments, Governor Newsom has historically supported transgender rights in California. His administration has backed policies allowing men in women's prisons and permitting schools to transition children without parental consent. These actions highlight the complexity of Newsom's political stance, as he navigates the delicate balance between advocating for transgender rights and addressing concerns about fairness in sports.
Finney's critique of Newsom's approach underscores a broader conversation about how political leaders engage with contentious issues. "The conversation that he could have been having is you dont have to demonize people," she said. "You dont have to demonize children who are trans and who are vulnerable and have high suicide rates, right?"
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