MID-WILSHIRE, LOS ANGELES (KABC) — Gov. Gavin Newsom drew a full house in MidWilshire on Tuesday during a stop on his nationwide book tour, addressing global conflicts, state politics and the themes behind his new memoir.
His book, “Young Man in a Hurry: A Memoir of Discovery,” focuses on his life before politics, but Newsom says many of the lessons he learned apply to the political landscape today.
Newsom joined podcast hosts Tommy Vietor and John Favreau for a wide-ranging conversation that opened with the ongoing war in Iran.
“This is ‘Keystone Cops,’ but playing with real lives and with our reputation,” Newsom said.
Several hecklers interrupted as Newsom shifted to discussing his memoir, which he described as a love letter to his parents and family. Audience member Lina Davidian of Woodland Hills said the book’s themes resonated.
“The message of resiliency, the message of unity and the message that we can overcome. I think it’s something that resonates both on a personal level and on a national level,” she said.
With his term as governor nearing its end, Newsom urged voters to choose wisely as the crowded field of Democratic candidates could cancel each other out, leaving two sole Republican contenders on the ballot.
“For California, the most un-Trump state in America, to have a Republican Trumper running. There is no margin for error,” Newsom said.
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Audience members also weighed in on what they described as high stakes in upcoming elections.
“We have to save our democracy,” said Nora Hovsepian of Beverly Hills. “Our democracy is at risk right now, and the whole world order is at great risk. Not that it was perfect to begin with, but destroying it is not the answer.”
“We all have to recognize the moment that we’re living in and how perilous this moment truly is,” Newsom said.
After his event on Tuesday, Newsom continued his book promotion with an appearance on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”
Kimmel joked that Newsom was there to announce that he is running for president, which Newsom quickly laughed off.
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