In February, the announcement that Charlie Kirk, a leading conservative figure and co-founder of Turning Point USA, would join the first episode of California Governor Gavin Newsom’s podcast sparked considerable discussion and controversy across the political spectrum.

Progressives expressed dismay at Newsom’s decision to feature someone they perceived as the embodiment of conservative opposition. Meanwhile, opinions were divided among conservatives regarding Kirk’s choice to engage with Newsom. Some argued that Kirk should avoid interacting with Newsom, suspecting that the governor was attempting to project a centrist image in anticipation of a potential 2028 presidential bid.

Despite the controversy, the podcast interview went ahead. During the discussion, Kirk managed to elicit an acknowledgment from Newsom regarding the inequity of male participation in women’s sports and revealed that Newsom’s 13-year-old son was an admirer of his.

Nevertheless, the interview happened, Kirk got Newsom to admit to the unfairness of men in women’s sports, and we learned that Gavin Newsom’s 13-year-old son was a big fan of his.