Turning Point USA leader Charlie Kirk (right) was the guest on California Gov. Gavin Newsom's (left) inaugural edition of his "This is Gavin Newsom" podcast. (Gavin Newsom on X)
Kirk and Newsom clashed over transgender athletes in women’s sports on the podcast, but Newsom — breaking with his progressive base — sided with Kirk, calling it "an issue of fairness" and "deeply unfair." He also noted that his own children watch Kirk’s videos.
"Obviously, we have deep differences of opinion," Newsom said Tuesday. "Obviously, he was very offended by positions I hold dear, and I, in turn, very offended by things that he said in positions he held. But the fact is, we had that opportunity to engage."
"It's all at stake," the governor continued. "This is a profound and consequential moment in American history. We can lose this republic if we do not assert ourselves. And stand tall at this moment and stand guard, to this republic and our democracy."
CHARLIE KIRK ASSASSINATION ROCKS CAPITOL HILL, HEIGHTENS LAWMAKERS' SECURITY FEARS
Gov. Gavin Newsom's office doubles down amid controversy over transgender athlete AB Hernandez in the Jurupa Valley School District. (Mario Tama)
"We need to win this," he said, "or we lose this republic, we lose this democracy."
Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA — the nation’s largest grassroots conservative youth movement — was assassinated last week at Utah Valley University during his "American Comeback Tour," where he invited liberal students to challenge him in open debate and ask questions.
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Suspect Tyler Robinson was formally charged by the state of Utah on Tuesday. Robinson espoused far-leftwing ideology and had a "hatred" for Kirk's views, according to an indictment.
Jamie Joseph is a U.S. Politics reporter for Fox News Digital covering transgender and culture issues, the Departments of Education and Health and Human Services, and stateside legislative developments.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/newsom-says-he-kept-touch-charlie-kirk-since-podcast-called-him-gracious