California Governor Gavin Newsom unleashed a fiery rant against Joe Rogan during an appearance on the YouTube show Higher Learning, calling the podcaster a “son of a b***h” while demanding an invite to his show. Newsom, who was responding to Rogan’s earlier jab branding him a “bulls–t artist” who “ruined California,” said he was “punching back” and “not afraid to go.” The expletive-laced exchange, teased in a new episode clip, showed the combative governor taking direct aim at Rogan as he tried to goad him into a face-to-face showdown on the popular podcast New York Post reported. Expressing frustration over Rogan’s refusal to host him, Newsom stated, “Joe, why won’t you have me on the show?” in a clip teasing the episode, addressing the programme’s hosts Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay. The Governor, a member of the Democratic party, continued, “I’m not afraid to go — I’m punching Joe Rogan, that son of a bitch is not used to that.” He added, “He won’t have me on the show. It’s a one way and he has guests coming on, attacking and bashing, but he won’t have me on the show. Full stop. He should have me on the show.” When asked if he would attempt to restrain Rogan, Newsom referred to past contentious remarks made by the podcaster, stating, “He’s gonna dismiss it, he’s gonna laugh it off, tough guy and all that. But is he gonna have me on? I don’t know.” Rogan had previously criticised Newsom, asserting that the Governor aims for the presidency, saying, “You can’t ruin a city and then go on to ruin a state and then say, ‘Guys, that was just practice. Once I get in as president I’m going to fix it all,” later referring to Newsom as a “bulls–t artist.” In the teaser for “Higher Learning,” Newsom also remarked, “I’m the only governor who can claim this. I got a lot of s–t for this,” prompting host Van Lathan to respond, “I love that you didn’t ask me if you could curse.” Newsom replied, “Oh, sorry,” with a smile, to which Lathan added, “Well, you start with Joe Rogan, I’m gonna start cursing.” Addressing his own party’s political engagement, Newsom stated, “Where the hell is the Democratic party? Where’s our equivalent of Turning Point USA? Nowhere to be found.” Newsom’s remarks come amid ongoing tensions between the Governor and critics within the media landscape related to Rogan’s comments.
