UPDATE: Fox News host Dana Perino has intensified her criticism of California Governor Gavin Newsom for the second consecutive day, igniting a fierce exchange that underscores a growing media battle. Perino’s remarks, made on July 25, 2023, came in response to Newsom’s attempts to mimic former President Donald Trump’s social media style, which she described as inauthentic and cringe-worthy.
In a heated segment on The Five, Perino, who also hosts America’s Newsroom, slammed Newsom’s social media tactics, claiming he is “making a fool of himself.” This outburst follows a Monday night exchange where Newsom’s press team labeled her “Ding Dong” for her earlier comments.
During a podcast appearance with Brian Tyler Cohen, Newsom defended his approach, stating, “If you’ve got issues with what I’m putting out, you sure as hell should have concerns about what he’s putting out as president.” However, Perino did not back down, asserting that Newsom’s posts are crafted by hired hands to project a Trump-like persona: “He was reading tweets that were written for him by people he is heavily investing in to try to help him look more like Trump,” she stated, expressing disbelief that Democrats, who typically oppose Trump, would adopt his tactics.
Perino further argued that authenticity is crucial for political success, citing fellow Democrats like Zohran Mamdani, whose genuine approach has garnered significant attention. “Now you have Andrew Cuomo trying to copy him and it’s just cringe,” she remarked. “If you’re doing this and it’s not authentic… we get the joke! It’s just not funny!”
As the tension escalates, the implications of this media clash are significant, reflecting broader themes in American politics as potential candidates for the 2028 presidential election begin to emerge. The public is closely watching how these figures navigate their personal brands and social media strategies in an increasingly polarized environment.
The Daily Beast has reached out to both Newsom’s press office and Fox News for comments on Perino’s escalating criticisms. With both sides entrenched in their positions, observers can expect this debate to intensify in the coming days, making it a critical narrative in the lead-up to the next election cycle.
As this story develops, it raises essential questions about authenticity in political communication and the effectiveness of social media strategies in today’s political landscape. Stay tuned for updates on this ongoing saga.