Guest:
Fox News LA Anchor Elex Michaelson
Guest Bio:
Elex Michaelson is the co-anchor of Fox 11 News in Los Angeles and host of the weekly political show The Issue Is. Known for his thoughtful interviews and debate moderation, Elex has spoken with some of the nation’s most influential political leaders and received eight Emmy Awards and seven Golden Mikes. A native Californian, he brings deep insight into the state’s political dynamics, media landscape, and upcoming elections.
Show Summary
From Gavin Newsom’s calculated media strategy to Kamala Harris’s next move and the growing appeal of centrist disruptors like Rick Caruso, this episode is a masterclass in California’s political future. Award-winning journalist and political commentator Elex Michaelson joins Jon Slavet for a candid conversation on what’s really happening behind the scenes — from deepening divides in LA to the state’s national image, and whether Republicans even stand a chance in 2026.
Chapters
00:00 – Newsom’s New Persona: The Left’s Anti-Trump
01:12 – Meet Elex Michaelson
02:20 – What’s Dividing Los Angeles
04:30 – Mayor Bass: Firestorm Fallout vs. Political Wins
06:40 – Fires, Permitting, and AI Solutions
08:30 – Rick Caruso’s Next Move
10:42 – Newsom’s Media Playbook and 2028 Ambitions
13:10 – Authenticity and the Problem with “Shifting”
15:50 – Kamala vs. Caruso: What’s Next in 2026?
18:20 – Can Republicans Win in California?
21:10 – Why Local Issues Get Derailed by National Politics
24:15 – Prop 36, Party Pushback, and the Center-Left Surge
26:00 – Rapid Fire: Education, Stereotypes, and Hope for CA
Connect with Elex
X: https://x.com/elex_michaelson
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elexmichaelson/
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@elexmichaelson
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elexmichaelson/
Website: https://www.youtube.com/elexmichaelson
Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe to our podcast, leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and join the conversation on Instagram and LinkedIn with the hashtag #stateofgoldpodcast
Connect with State of Gold
- X: https://x.com/realjonslavet
- Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stateofgold/about
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stateofgoldpodcast/?hl=en
- Website: www.stateofgold.com
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