Former Today show star Katie Couric posed a lighthearted yet pointed question to California Governor Gavin Newsom during her podcast episode on Thursday, probing whether his striking appearance ever presents professional challenges.
Couric's Playful Inquiry on Newsom's Looks
The veteran journalist, aged 69, directly asked Newsom, 58, if he encounters difficulties due to being 'ridiculously good-looking,' humorously quoting the 2001 supermodel satire film Zoolander. Couric followed up with, 'No, seriously. What do you do about that?' sparking a candid exchange about public perception and personal authenticity.
Newsom's Unapologetic Response
Newsom swiftly dismissed the notion of altering his image, retorting, 'You don't do anything about it. 'Cuz if you're going to do something about it, then you're bullsh**ing people.' He elaborated, 'You know what? I am who I am. And it's fine. You don't have to like me. Or maybe you like a slick person. I don't know. Whatever. It's okay.' This response underscored his stance on maintaining genuineness amid media scrutiny.
Context of the Conversation
Earlier in the discussion, Couric acknowledged press descriptions labeling Newsom as 'slick,' prompting Newsom to joke about feeling pressured to adopt a persona. Couric then inquired if he faced a 'Zoolander' problem, alluding to Ben Stiller's egotistical male model character, which elicited laughter from the governor. The dialogue appeared to reference a February Vogue article that opened by dubbing Newsom 'embarrassingly handsome,' detailing his 'seasoned with silver' hair and composed demeanor during his final State of the State address, though it omitted pressing state issues like wildfires or homelessness.
Podcast Setting and Book Promotion
The exchange occurred on Couric's Next Question Podcast, where Newsom promoted his memoir, A Young Man in a Hurry. Couric, founder of Katie Couric Media, billed the interview as featuring 'a leading Democratic voice,' noting the book offers 'a very candid look at a childhood much more complicated than the polished image suggests.' She praised Newsom for 'actually letting people in' through his narrative.
Newsom's Background and Political Prospects
The memoir delves into Newsom's upbringing by a single mother in San Francisco and his connections to the Getty family, with his father, Bill, serving as an attorney and close friend to billionaire Gordon Getty, whose oil-derived fortune is estimated at $4.5 billion. Getty once remarked, 'I think of Gavin as a son,' highlighting their bond during Newsom's 2004 mayoral inauguration. Widely viewed as a potential presidential candidate for 2028, Newsom's podcast appearance blended personal reflection with political positioning, emphasizing his unvarnished approach to public life.
