California Gov. Gavin Newsom appeared visibly unsettled during a recent interview when asked about the pro-Israel lobbying group AIPAC, struggling to offer a clear response as he sought to steer the conversation elsewhere.
The moment came during an appearance on Higher Learning with host Van Lathan, who declared, “Um, AIPAC. I will not vote for a candidate that takes $1 from AIPAC.”
Newsom paused, hesitated, and then launched into a halting reply that left even his interviewer puzzled. “It’s interesting. I mean—it’s interesting, I haven’t thought about AIPAC in—It’s interesting you’re like the first to bring up AIPAC in years, which is interesting,” he said, repeating the word several times as he searched for footing.
“Why?” Lathan pressed.
“Not relevant to my day-to-day life. Which is just interesting,” Newsom responded. “It’s interesting you say that. JPAC perhaps more, but AIPAC less and less. It’s just interesting.”
As the exchange continued, Newsom appeared unable to articulate a position. “It’s just interesting that you bring up AIPAC, that it hasn’t been part of—I’m just reflecting quite openly and honestly—it hasn’t been part of the day-to-day—” he said, trailing off before changing the subject with a brief joke.
Lathan, unconvinced, pushed back: “I’m trying to figure out right now who I can vote for.”
Rather than return to the question, Newsom deflected. “Why are you so focused on years and years? Focus on Prop 50! It’s in front of you!” he said. “Focus on your city council race! Focus on the school board!”
He continued, sounding increasingly agitated. “Focus on that, man! The hell is that? You are so many years ahead. The world is radically changing. Jesus Christ.”
The governor’s rambling answer—marked by nervous laughter, half-finished thoughts, and visible discomfort—stood in stark contrast to his usual composure in front of the cameras. The moment quickly drew attention online, with clips circulating widely as viewers debated whether Newsom’s unease reflected deeper tensions within the Democratic Party over Israel and its allies in Washington.
AIPAC, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, has long been a lightning rod for critics on the left who accuse it of wielding too much influence over U.S. foreign policy. Progressive and far-left activists have increasingly demanded that Democratic leaders distance themselves from the organization, a move that could alienate moderate voters and major donors.
Despite Newsom’s claim that AIPAC was not relevant to his “day-to-day life,” the group has publicly praised him in the past. “Thank you @GavinNewsom for visiting Israel and standing shoulder-to-shoulder with our ally,” AIPAC wrote on social media in October 2023 after the governor’s visit to Israel.
The awkward exchange underscored Newsom’s delicate balancing act as he seeks to maintain national appeal within a Democratic Party divided over Israel. For many viewers, his response—laden with hesitation and deflection—offered a rare glimpse of a polished politician momentarily caught off guard by a question he seemed entirely unprepared to answer.
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