Ruthless podcast hosts Josh Holmes, Michael Duncan, John Ashbrook, and Comfortably Smug participated in a discussion on Jesse Watters Primetime, where they openly criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom’s recent political pivot. The hosts highlighted Newsom’s efforts to move away from radical stances he and his party have previously embraced, calling his approach insincere and questioning his intentions. Duncan suggested that Newsom’s move is a bold attempt to court the Republican base within the Democratic Party. The hosts also drew parallels between Newsom’s political shift and the broader realignment of the Democratic Party, suggesting that the party is under pressure to moderate its policies to remain relevant. The discussion also touched on the hosts’ recent licensing deal with FOX News Media, which they see as a strategic move to expand their influence in the evolving media landscape.
Ashbrook, one of the podcast’s co-hosts, questioned whether Newsom had ‘stuck the landing’ with his pivot, suggesting that the governor’s efforts were still met with skepticism. He noted that Newsom’s willingness to appear on right-wing podcasts was seen as an attempt to reach a broader audience. However, the hosts also discussed the broader implications of liberal politics in California, drawing comparisons to the New York City mayoral race, where socialist candidate Zohran Mamdani leads the polls against incumbents running as independents. Smug commented on the trend in liberal politics, suggesting that the party is facing a crisis of identity and support, with some arguing that progressive policies are no longer viable in a rapidly changing political landscape. The hosts’ critiques reflect a deeper debate within the Democratic Party over the direction of progressive politics and the need for a more moderate approach to remain competitive in the upcoming elections.
In addition to their political commentary, the hosts discussed their recent licensing deal with FOX News Media, a move they believe is aligned with the expansion of new media. The deal is seen as part of a broader trend where traditional media outlets are adapting to the rise of podcasting, which offers a more direct and engaging way to reach audiences. The hosts emphasized that their partnership with FOX News represents an opportunity to reach a wider audience while maintaining the authenticity and irreverent tone that has defined their podcast. The hosts also expressed confidence that their approach to political and cultural commentary will resonate with a growing audience looking for deep, unfiltered conversations. Overall, the discussion highlighted the changing dynamics within the media landscape and the evolving role of political commentary in shaping public opinion.