California Takes ‘Good Cop/Bad Cop’ Approach to President Trump
Feb 26, 2025
auto_awesome
In this enlightening discussion, Guy Marzorati, Marisa Lagos, and Scott Shafer, all KQED politics correspondents, dissect California's political maneuvering under Trump’s administration. They explore Attorney General Rob Bonta's lawsuits and Governor Gavin Newsom's balancing act for federal aid. The trio speculates on potential gubernatorial candidates, including the intriguing possibility of Kamala Harris running. They also delve into the challenges Dems face amid shifting voter sentiments and discuss strategies for effective messaging in these turbulent times.
California's dual approach features Attorney General Bonta's lawsuits against the Trump administration juxtaposed with Governor Newsom's strategic engagement for federal aid.
Speculation surrounds Kamala Harris's potential gubernatorial candidacy, highlighting her need to separate this run from her presidential aspirations.
Voter sentiments in California are evolving toward conservative issues, necessitating unity among Democrats to address challenges like crime, immigration, and homelessness.
Deep dives
The Impact of the Trump Administration on California Politics
The influence of the Trump administration on California politics is significant, particularly as state officials work to navigate the challenges posed by federal policies. Attorney General Rob Bonta has taken a proactive approach by filing lawsuits against the federal government, showcasing California's resistance to federal decisions that threaten state interests. This strategy has been characterized as a good cop, bad cop dynamic between Bonta's aggressive stance and Governor Gavin Newsom's calculative relationship with the Trump administration. As California faces deep budget cuts from federal programs, this tension will likely shape the state's political landscape and influence voter sentiments leading into future elections.
Kamala Harris's Potential Bid for Governor
There is speculation regarding Vice President Kamala Harris's potential run for governor in California as she weighs her political future. Her experience, including being the state's Senator and Attorney General, positions her as a strong candidate should she decide to enter the race. However, concerns remain about whether she can effectively distance herself from her presidential ambitions while focusing on a governor's campaign. Political analysts suggest that her name recognition could prove beneficial, allowing her to enter the race later than other candidates and still secure a solid campaign footing.
Republican Challenges in California
The Republican Party faces an uphill battle in California, where recent electoral trends indicate a shift toward Democratic policies, particularly in light of the changing political climate under the Trump administration. Figures like Riverside Sheriff Chad Bianco, who hold extreme conservative views, show the current GOP's challenge to appeal to a diverse California electorate. The need for a more centrist figure has been recognized, with discussions around individuals like Rick Caruso, whose previous mayoral campaign reflects the complexities of appealing to various voter bases. Ultimately, the overall state registration trends complicate any Republican aspirations to regain significant influence in statewide elections.
Democratic Unity in a Rightward Shifting Landscape
As voter sentiments in California appear to lean more conservatively on issues such as crime, immigration, and homelessness, the need for unity among Democrats has become increasingly important. Despite a solid Democratic majority, there are factions within the party that differ on how to address these issues, leading to a fragmented approach. The potential entry of Kamala Harris into the gubernatorial race could unify the Democratic field, but concerns remain about whether she can navigate the mixed sentiments within the party while addressing the pressing challenges California faces. The recent electoral history indicates that Democrats must balance progressive ideals with more moderate strategies to retain their foothold in the state's politics.
The Future of Medicaid and State Funding
The discussion around future funding for California reveals concerns about impending cuts to Medicaid and other essential social services due to the federal budget proposals. If enacted, these changes could lead to significant implications for California's budget and residents who rely heavily on these programs. Democrats have recognized the urgency of crafting a strong narrative that highlights the importance of these services to constituents, challenging the narrative that seeks to redefine Medicaid's role in society. As state officials prepare for the possibility of drastic funding cuts, the focus is shifting toward preserving essential services that aid vulnerable populations in California.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta has filed a host of lawsuits against the Trump administration, as Governor Gavin Newsom tries to stay in Trump’s good graces to safeguard federal disaster aid. It could be a good cop-bad cop strategy from the state, says KQED’s politics team, who join us to talk about how the Trump administration is shaping state politics. We’ll also look at who might be eyeing the governorship to replace termed-out Newsom — and whether former vice president Kamala Harris could enter the race.
Guests:
Guy Marzorati, correspondent, KQED's California Politics and Government Desk
Marisa Lagos, politics correspondent, KQED; co-host, KQED's Political Breakdown
Scott Shafer, senior editor, KQED’s California Politics and Government Desk; co-host, Political Breakdown
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode