An Axios report quietly confirms what many political observers have suspected: Democrats are already discussing how to take down Gavin Newsom before the 2028 presidential primary even begins.

In this rant, I break down a striking Axios piece based on conversations with more than 20 Democratic operatives — including people working for potential 2028 candidates who are not Newsom. Their conclusion is blunt: while Newsom may be the frontrunner, he’s also carrying the most exploitable baggage in the Democratic field.

This isn’t conservative spin. It’s Axios language.

We’ll talk about why Newsom’s recent momentum may be little more than a “sugar high,” why Democrats are worried about his record, and what this early internal jockeying says about California politics and national ambitions heading into 2028.

If you care about California politics, media narratives, and how power really works behind the scenes, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

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California’s next governor may come from the business world instead of the political class.

In this full-length interview on the So, Does It Matter? Podcast, publisher Jon Fleischman sits down with Jon Slavet, a Republican candidate for governor whose background is rooted in private-sector leadership, entrepreneurship, and large-scale business operations — not career politics.

Slavet discusses why he believes California’s economic, regulatory, and leadership failures stem from a government culture that has lost touch with how real businesses operate. He explains what finally pushed him to enter the race, how his experience managing organizations shapes his governing philosophy, and what he believes must change to restore accountability, affordability, and competence in Sacramento.

We also touch on Slavet’s recently launched State of Gold podcast — a side project that gave him a front-row seat to California’s political and cultural debates, but which ultimately reinforced his decision to move from commentary into direct leadership.

This is a wide-ranging, substantive conversation about leadership, economic policy, public trust, and whether California is finally ready for an outsider with real management experience in the governor’s office.

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✅ CHAPTER MARKERS

00:00 – Introduction

01:45 – Why Jon Slavet entered the race for governor

06:20 – Business leadership vs. career politics

12:05 – California’s regulatory crisis

18:30 – Economic growth and affordability

25:10 – Why Sacramento resists reform

31:40 – The State of Gold podcast and political commentary

36:50 – Public trust and government competence

43:00 – Final message to California voters

🎙️ This Week on the So, Does It Matter? Podcast — Jennifer Van Laar, Managing Editor of RedState

On this episode of So, Does It Matter?, Jon Fleischman sits down with Jennifer Van Laar, Managing Editor of RedState and one of California’s most unflinching political journalists.

Before entering political media, Van Laar spent nearly two decades as a court reporter, covering criminal and civil trials and witnessing firsthand how power, law, and politics collide. Today, she brings that same courtroom-honed precision to her reporting, holding California’s political class accountable.

In this candid one-on-one conversation, Jon and Jennifer dig into the “burning of Rome” moment California finds itself in, the stories you’re not hearing elsewhere, and why so many voters feel voiceless in a one-party state.

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🎙️ This Week on So, Does It Matter? — Sheriff Chad Bianco, Candidate for Governor of California

Welcome back to So, Does It Matter? — the podcast where Jon Fleischman sits down one-on-one with the leaders who want to change California’s direction.

In this episode, Jon talks with Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, now a candidate for governor. One of the most outspoken law-and-order voices in the state, Bianco has built a reputation for blunt honesty, a no-nonsense approach to public safety, and a willingness to challenge Sacramento’s soft-on-crime agenda.

Bianco discusses why he’s running, how California “lost its backbone,” and what it will take to restore accountability, rebuild public safety, and bring common sense back to state government. It’s a candid, straightforward conversation that gives voters a clear sense of who he is — and what his governorship would look like.

📺 To watch or listen to this on Substack, or to get up to speed on everything happening in California politics, visit 👉

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This Week on the So, Does It Matter? Podcast — Chuck Michel, President of the California Rifle & Pistol Association

Welcome back to So, Does It Matter? The Podcast — where we sit down each week with the people who shape, fight for, and sometimes frustrate the future of California politics. I’m Jon Fleischman, publisher of So Does It Matter, and this week we’re taking on one of the most critical issues in the state: our Second Amendment rights.

My guest is Chuck Michel, President of the California Rifle & Pistol Association and one of the most experienced and influential Second Amendment attorneys in America. For decades, Chuck has been on the front lines in courtrooms and the Capitol, pushing back against Sacramento’s increasingly aggressive attempts to restrict lawful gun ownership. If there’s a major firearms case in California — past, present, or upcoming — chances are Chuck has been right in the middle of it.

In our conversation, we discuss the lawsuits now reshaping California’s gun laws, the battles still ahead, and what citizens need to understand as legislators and bureaucrats continue pushing the limits of constitutional authority. It’s a meaningful, eye-opening conversation — and as you’ll hear, it also comes with a couple of real-world calls to action for anyone who cares about protecting their rights.

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http://www.sodoesitmatter.com

🎙️ This Week on So, Does It Matter? — Steve Hilton, Candidate for Governor of California

Welcome back to So, Does It Matter? The Podcast — where Jon Fleischman sits down one-on-one with the people shaping California’s political future.

In this episode, Jon talks with Steve Hilton, candidate for governor of California. Born in the U.K. and known to many as the former host of Fox News’ The Next Revolution, Hilton shares his vision for reforming California government and restoring accountability to the people.

They discuss his reasons for running, lessons from his years in politics, and what it will take to revive freedom and opportunity in the Golden State. It’s an energetic, ideas-driven conversation that sets the tone for 2026.

📺 To watch or listen to this on Substack, or just to get up to speed on everything going on in California politics, visit 👉

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This "quick hit" five minute podcast focuses on Rick Caruso, a billionaire developer in California, who is apparently so focused on his political ambitions that he not only left the GOP but has embraced the progressive agenda of the left.

There is a whole lot more content at www.SoDoesItMatter.com.

This week on the So, Does It Matter? Podcast on California Politics — Jon Fleischman goes through this week’s top ten Winners & Losers here in the Golden State. Below is a link to the written column on this, but of course, Jon is a lot more “colorful” as he goes through all ten of these folks who did it right or did it wrong. You will not want to miss Jon’s candor as he calls balls and strikes.

You can find a lot more on California politics at www.SoDoesItMatter.com!