Vogue magazine has come under intense fire for what critics are calling an "inappropriate" and overly effusive profile of California Governor Gavin Newsom, with Fox News hosts leading the charge against the publication's coverage. The profile, published on Sunday, described the 58-year-old Democratic politician as "embarrassingly handsome" and lavished praise on his public persona as he hints at a potential presidential run in 2028.
Fox News Hosts Launch Scathing Critique
During a segment on Fox's Outnumbered, host Emily Compagno sarcastically introduced the topic, stating, "Gavin Newsom appears to have a big fan - that's a euphemism - at Vogue, if the magazine's latest piece on him is any indication." Compagno proceeded to read aloud sections of the profile that she labelled as "gushing" and "frankly inappropriate," warning viewers, "I hope you've already eaten," before delving into the passages.
Excerpts from the Controversial Profile
Compagno quoted directly from the Vogue article, which began with, "Let's get this out of the way: He is embarrassingly handsome, his hair seasoned with silver, at ease with his own eminence as he delivers his final State of the State address." She continued reading, "It must drive Trump nuts. Newsom: lithe, ardent, energetic, a glimmer of optimism in his eye; Kennedy-esque. Add to that his stunning wife and four adorable kids."
Compagno declared the profile "beyond inappropriate," suggesting that if she were Newsom, she would have "gotten a restraining order" against the journalist, Maya Singer. She further criticised the piece as "inadequate" and "undeserving of the American public," questioning why such content was deemed appropriate for a potential presidential candidate.
Panelists Join the Condemnation
Guest panelist Charles Payne argued that the profile used "a lot of words" to mask a lack of substantive content about Newsom's qualifications. He compared it to similar pieces written about former President Barack Obama, calling it "embarrassing for all involved" and urging Vogue to steer clear of political coverage.
Compagno also raised concerns about gender double standards, alleging that if Newsom were a woman subjected to such a profile, it would have sparked widespread outrage. She emphasised that the article should have focused more on his political policies, such as addressing California's budget and homelessness crises.
Further Criticism from the Fox Panel
Lisa Kennedy described the profile as "smutty erotica," advocating for all political journalism to maintain a sceptical tone towards politicians. Kayleigh McEnany admitted she couldn't finish reading the entire piece, sharing another passage she found particularly objectionable: "As he spoke, late-summer sun slanted in through the windows, bathing Newsom in an oh so California magic-hour glow."
McEnany expressed disgust, reading further, "I'd prepared for this sit-down by consuming the spectacle of Gavin Newsom — tweets, TV hits, interviews, umpteen episodes of his podcast, This Is Gavin Newsom — and was having a hard time taking in the man. His actual molecular reality. Immaculate. Fantastic at gab, like a windup doll." She simply stated, "This is weird."
Comparisons to Only Fans and 'Fifty Shades of Grey'
Harris Faulkner drew a striking comparison, likening the Vogue piece to an "ad for Only Fans," a comment that elicited laughter and agreement from the other hosts. She added, "That was straight up nasty if you didn't know this was a piece for someone who wants to run for president," and quipped, "It was the 51st shade [of Grey]."
The Daily Mail has reached out to Vogue for comment on the controversy, but as of now, the magazine has not publicly responded to the criticisms levelled by Fox News and its hosts. This incident highlights ongoing tensions between media outlets over the tone and focus of political journalism, particularly as the 2028 presidential election cycle begins to loom on the horizon.
