Inside Golden State Politics

Ukraine. The Smithsonian. Redistricting Rumble

Share episode

We range  all over the political map.  We look at Trump's seat- of -the -pants diplomacy and the risky battle the president and Gov. Gavin Newsom are waging for control of Congress.  

host-4ha0_2_08-20-2025_152524:

welcome to another episode of Inside Golden State Politics. I'm Bill Buki, former city editor and columnist for the Los Angeles Times, and with me is our technical staff, Nancy Voky, our producer director.

squadcaster-h9de_2_08-20-2025_152523:

And I'm showing remember to Jeff. Political analyst and self-styled media maven to you from watching too much cable news. My head hurts. The divisions, the divisiveness, the nastiness, disingenuousness, the political actual bludgeoning going on. All reflecting and sparking the nation's and the world's sour mood. And then there's the vicious partisan brawl that's erupted over congressional redistricting over the future direction, the values and norms of our nation. Its states and their governments. just another day in paradise. Over to you, bill.

host-4ha0_2_08-20-2025_152524:

Sherry, on our way to all of this, we have the president of the United States, betraying, Our ally, the Ukraine in favor of his new best friend President Putin. his goal obviously in the short term, is to, dismember, the Ukraine, Outlaw its language to make it into a powerless ru state with no army to speak of, ready to be taken. That's his, short-term goal as long-term goal is something more tangible, that he really wants, and that's getting the Nobel Peace prize. There's, a committee somewhere in Scandinavia that's going to have to make that decision whether to give the president of the United States that which he craves most.

squadcaster-h9de_2_08-20-2025_152523:

Okay. Then what's your point in all of this?

host-4ha0_2_08-20-2025_152524:

My point is. My God, I've told you all these terrible things that are happening. My point is, these are terrible things that are happening

squadcaster-h9de_2_08-20-2025_152523:

Yes.

host-4ha0_2_08-20-2025_152524:

and and I think we should talk about this today, about how they can be prevented, what we can do about it. where's, where's the country going because, that's what's happening.

squadcaster-h9de_2_08-20-2025_152523:

Well, that's what's happening nationally, and I think we both agree that, if we don't agree on the details, and I'm not at all sure, I have not been inside that brain of, Donald Trump. So I can't really tell you what is the most important reason he's been playing these games. But, it's worrisome. It scary. where do we go from there?

host-4ha0_2_08-20-2025_152524:

You know, District of Columbia is going where we were in Los Angeles a while back. Heavy armed forces, infantry, you know, the whole works, marching around the city, stopping people, imposing, a modified form of martial law. to chase away non-existent crime. That is the beginning. I think, and we've talked about this before, the beginning of an authoritarian government here in the United States. That's scary.

squadcaster-h9de_2_08-20-2025_152523:

Very, very scary. And I think that, mayor Karen Bass of Los Angeles was right when she announced that she believed that what? Los Angeles was Trump sent in military, was the test case for how to do it elsewhere, wherever that Trump decided military needed. And I used that with quotes around it to go. I mean, but by now, quite frankly, I don't think we should be so surprised over those maneuvers if there's anybody doesn't think that we really are on the road to autocracy, if not already there. I'm very surprised. I'm very surprised. And, and it, it has implications. Nationally and certainly for California. We've been talking about that for a good long time. And now here's the latest example, redistricting Trump's demand that Republican governors of Republican states for him. Does that sound familiar? more seats. At least the house of representative. So there will be no break on what he wants to do in Washington after the midterm elections. it's exploded. It truly, the whole debate, can call it a debate, it's almost civil war, a partisan brawl, as I said, and I think it has grave implications not only for, The nation, but certainly for California, even the, trust or distrust between California's leaders and the California electorate because our leaders, under the leadership of Gavin Newsom, our governor, are moving away from the nonpartisan independent. redistricting commission and taking back the power of drawing their own district lines. Californians don't like that. I mean, we moved away from, insulated. Legislative gerrymandered to a more open process. And now because Donald Trump has been making those phone calls and Texas answered that phone call, okay, you got it. We're going after five seats. California responding by saying, okay, we're gonna do what we can do to nullify those five seats. And you wanna know something? This debate has not totally eradicated the debate the Epstein files, but it sure has done a lot to free up some of the stupid things that are going on in Washington, take over the airwaves. Now we're looking at the stupid thing that's been going on in Texas, that's not as important to Donald Trump.

host-4ha0_2_08-20-2025_152524:

You know, not everybody in California is a Democrat. there are a lot of Republicans in California and, these various, redistricting schemes, disenfranchise them, I mean. What's the sense of why should they vote? Why should they do anything?

squadcaster-h9de_2_08-20-2025_152523:

Who are they?

host-4ha0_2_08-20-2025_152524:

Republicans, it fosters a deep seated, mistrust of government.

squadcaster-h9de_2_08-20-2025_152523:

Which is

host-4ha0_2_08-20-2025_152524:

can,

squadcaster-h9de_2_08-20-2025_152523:

there.

host-4ha0_2_08-20-2025_152524:

How can you trust these people?

squadcaster-h9de_2_08-20-2025_152523:

We've crossed that bridge a long time

host-4ha0_2_08-20-2025_152524:

we're going back over, that, that bridge again. So anyway, this whole procedure of drawing maps, of putting these maps out on the ballot, it just turns people off. They say, oh, the hell with it, so, that's gonna be the bottom line, I think, is, is, disillusionment, you know, no trust in government, no matter what the party, it'll be a decrease in partisanship.

squadcaster-h9de_2_08-20-2025_152523:

Do you believe that Texas should just go ahead and California should back off

host-4ha0_2_08-20-2025_152524:

What is gonna happen is gonna happen. They're both gonna go their own ways. California, what is gonna happen is that, this reapportionment scheme, this redistricting scheme, will, go on the ballot, in several days.

squadcaster-h9de_2_08-20-2025_152523:

Wait a minute, lemme ask you this. Should would you criticize Texas for what they're doing? haven't said a word about that. And what Texas did is, is even more shady, if you will, than California might be looking at. just drew the lines in the, in the legislature. The Republican majority, I assume by now, have passed. The lines. California actually is leaving final decision to the voters. Yeah. The lines will go on the ballot, but it will be the. The voters who decide whether or not commission is paused for three election, whether or not those lines become the lines that will be used in the next three elections, and if the voters say, stop it, we don't like it, it's stopped.

host-4ha0_2_08-20-2025_152524:

Sure is.

squadcaster-h9de_2_08-20-2025_152523:

just did it at the behest of a nervous president who wants to keep control. Of Washington and beyond. Lemme hear your criticism or your support of what Texas is do doing. I think it's far greater a problem, than what California is proposing to do.

host-4ha0_2_08-20-2025_152524:

California is, just playing defense. How do you know that California ballot measure, which is gonna be before the people. How do you know if it's gonna pass?

squadcaster-h9de_2_08-20-2025_152523:

Know.

host-4ha0_2_08-20-2025_152524:

I doubt if it's gonna pass. You know, the,

squadcaster-h9de_2_08-20-2025_152523:

do we know that Texas is gonna give the President five more Congressional seats? We don't know.

host-4ha0_2_08-20-2025_152524:

well, we don't know. But one thing we do know is that if you put a complicated ballot measure on the ballot. all the research shows that it loses because it's too complicated. You gave a very good description of. What's going to happen, as you described the, ballot measure that Californians will face. And I listened and I thought, well, that's a really, a good description. It's too goddamn complicated

squadcaster-h9de_2_08-20-2025_152523:

So

host-4ha0_2_08-20-2025_152524:

think about. I'm stopping at the ballot box in California and saying, this measure's too complicated. It's not a way to do business. When I vote and there's something really complicated on the ballot, I always vote no.

squadcaster-h9de_2_08-20-2025_152523:

There has been research. It's old now that indicates that there's. Like a 20% built in no vote for any initiative because Californians, when they don't understand it, that when they don't get the message to vote no. And what this says to me is, the Democrats damn well better think of a simple motivating message. So what I see. A possibility for them in is not the most complicated mechanical explanation, but a hard anti-Trump I mean, maybe not even mentioning what's inside the, the valid proposition in, by and large Californians do not like donald Trump, they do not like the slouching, and it's not slouching anymore autocracy. So if I, if all, all I asked you be, instead of explaining as you asked me to do what this was all about, and I said, well, now this ballot proposition will stop Trump

host-4ha0_2_08-20-2025_152524:

Stop. Okay. That's it right there. Stop Trump. Vote yes on proposition. Whatever it is. Stop Trump.

squadcaster-h9de_2_08-20-2025_152523:

that's my point.

host-4ha0_2_08-20-2025_152524:

that's a campaign.

squadcaster-h9de_2_08-20-2025_152523:

Would you vote against that argument? Would you really?

host-4ha0_2_08-20-2025_152524:

Probably, not, you know, every day Trump comes up with something that makes me, stronger vote no on Trump. You know, I'm just gonna pause for a moment. What he's doing now is, is he's thinking of having a reassessment of slavery, right?

squadcaster-h9de_2_08-20-2025_152523:

Explain please.

host-4ha0_2_08-20-2025_152524:

Well, he's saying that, if you go through this. Smithsonian or you go to any museum or you know anything about history, and you think that slavery was bad, you're not giving it a chance. He wants, sort of a reconsideration of slavery. Oh, it wasn't that bad.

squadcaster-h9de_2_08-20-2025_152523:

Remember it wasn't JD Vance who argued that, you know, no, slavery wasn't all that bad because, blacks got to learn skills while they were enslaved or indentured. I mean. I'm not standing up for what he said that slavery wasn't all bad. But I'm telling you, that, what can I say? We've heard it before and maybe we didn't believe it the first time, but this time there's a lot to think about. I mean, what he is doing, quite frankly, I think, and this really makes me nervous, is that he is jumping from the political mess. He has created the chaos that now infuses our political system, de demanding to shape culture, arts, and the culture

host-4ha0_2_08-20-2025_152524:

And the history.

squadcaster-h9de_2_08-20-2025_152523:

and well rewriting the history is all a part of that. And that's something dictators do. I'm sorry that is something that dictators do, but, and, and you should know that, Some, if not all, of what he has been about may well be unconstitutional. And he, I don't know that he has singular executive authority over the decisions that, influence institution. It's, that's I think 20 some museums and all. this is lunatic. I'm

host-4ha0_2_08-20-2025_152524:

i'm sorry too because I think that, he'll put so much pressure on people will, will be afraid of, being fired. But you know what, he's doing, the whole Trump drive is to, is to make America white again.

squadcaster-h9de_2_08-20-2025_152523:

Yeah, I think you're right.

host-4ha0_2_08-20-2025_152524:

Return to white supremacy,

squadcaster-h9de_2_08-20-2025_152523:

white Christian

host-4ha0_2_08-20-2025_152524:

right?

squadcaster-h9de_2_08-20-2025_152523:

a national Christian nationalism.

host-4ha0_2_08-20-2025_152524:

That's right.

squadcaster-h9de_2_08-20-2025_152523:

Although that leads to the question, if that is the case, why has he focused so intensely on what he sees as dealing with antisemitism as. Much as should be dealt with. I mean, that's, that's been his excuse for what he is doing it in terms of higher education. That's a bizarre

host-4ha0_2_08-20-2025_152524:

I think his antisemitic, rents, are really aimed at, Conservative Jews who, support him, you know, on election?

squadcaster-h9de_2_08-20-2025_152523:

don't understand. What

host-4ha0_2_08-20-2025_152524:

Well, I'm saying that the Jewish community is a, is a complex, community with, many ways of looking at things. And there's a. Clear division, and it's been shown in election results between, conservative, very conservative Jews, who, tend to vote Republican and who vote tended to vote for Trump. And, More liberal Jews who had a different view. I think what he's trying to do in this case, he's trying to solidify his conservative Jewish base and

squadcaster-h9de_2_08-20-2025_152523:

I wouldn't even say conservative Jewish. I'd say the MAGA base, that's a part of it.

host-4ha0_2_08-20-2025_152524:

yes, yes, you're right.

squadcaster-h9de_2_08-20-2025_152523:

certainly go with the, the, the new, slogan Make America White again. You know, it's not part of Christian nationalism as I see it anyway. It is old white male Christians, basically. No offense, boy.

host-4ha0_2_08-20-2025_152524:

well, I'm a, let's see. I'm a, white male. non-Christian, crystal

squadcaster-h9de_2_08-20-2025_152523:

Be careful.

host-4ha0_2_08-20-2025_152524:

And a reformed Jew. And, and a critic of the, present, government, of Israel. so I check all the negative boxes in Trumpism.

squadcaster-h9de_2_08-20-2025_152523:

But you know, I, I think you're right about, the pattern of what Trump has been doing and how he has been approaching, gathering this power to his breast, as if you will. There's no doubt in my mind now that this is a pur, a purposeful move toward, well, not only a unitary executive, but an autocratic government. and I think what's happening, and I think quite frankly, the part of what has been, ex exacerbating, the opposition to Trump. and his moves is a result of that. And we see it in the fact only one thing that, I mean more than one thing that we see it in, but we do see it. I think it underscores the opposition that we see out there in the grassroots against the, the, the gerrymandering to make sure. That it's a good Gary Manden. I mean, you know, are we destroying the tenant tenets of democracy trying to save them? I don't see where side can claim, democracy is theirs.

host-4ha0_2_08-20-2025_152524:

That's why I think Trump and the maga pu Republicans are playing with fire when they, when they screw around with, this redistricting because a lot of people, a lot of Republicans, as the campaign goes on, we'll see that the bottom line is that, they've lost their right to vote. The Republicans, they've, they've lost their right to vote. Their districts have been changed. Their God knows what they're doing. And it just gives an unsavory, feeling, to our.

squadcaster-h9de_2_08-20-2025_152523:

Well remember in the end, I think what's really gonna have the most cloud in determining. midterm elections. One, where is the economy? Two, and where is the trust in the government that is in power at the point that administration, I don't think that Trump and his administration are, are really doing very well in either of those two categories that's going, if that maintains, that will, shape. If it doesn't maintain, it will shape turnout probably against Trump and the Republicans, no matter how much blood is let in this stupid partisan brawl. And by the way, if you look at the states and how many of them are under the control of Reef. Republicans and have flexibility in maybe adding seats to the ones that, Texas will give them. And by the way, bulletin, the Texas House just passed the maps this minute almost. So they're there, which means that California will soon be mobilizing, although that's one of the issues on the ballot. And it says California won't do this. Won't trigger this unless another state or two or three gerrymandering. It's been done. been done. So I think the California, obviously are gonna have a lot to use. Whether or not that the message is the right one, whether or not it resonates, will determine really, not only who controls the house. But who has any hope blocking Donald Trump?

host-4ha0_2_08-20-2025_152524:

You know, who's looking pretty good on all this, I think is, governor Gavin Newsom of California.

squadcaster-h9de_2_08-20-2025_152523:

Not bad.

host-4ha0_2_08-20-2025_152524:

He's, he's going right out in front, against Trump, against this, Republican, redistricting. He's making good use of his personality.

squadcaster-h9de_2_08-20-2025_152523:

And social media.

host-4ha0_2_08-20-2025_152524:

He understands social media. They probably, probably ahead of the Republicans on that. and he, is assembling a very good team. All the things that I've mentioned, like, this measure will be too complicated. And, you know, you're saying, it should be, you know, vote no on Trump. I think they probably already game that out and they know exactly where they're going on this campaign, don't you?

squadcaster-h9de_2_08-20-2025_152523:

Well, obviously they have. Why they wouldn't be saying it if, if, I can't believe they'd be saying it if they, they didn't know that that was a powerful message, you know? But what kind of frustrates me in a way is the fact that time. Gavin Newsom is discussed in relation to his being basically the leader of the resistance to Trump. Oh, it's, this is the 2028 game plan. is all about, is running for president. Well, it may well be, it's about running for his presidency, but I've gotta tell you, I've been watching him very closely I don't think that his. Emotion about this. His movement on, stopping Trump by, a contrary gerrymandering is I, I think he kind of believes at least a bit, you know, good government can really be good politics. And maybe good co politics can be government, but right now, he seems to be making headway, not, I don't know if there's a big change with regard to this state alone, but nationally he's being looked at more favorably in, the latest poll, which is of course. too early to take seriously. Uh, he, he comes in second to Kamala Harris, in, in the gov. I mean, I'm sorry, in the presidential primary race, in the Democratic presidential primary race. He's moving up. or not that maintains, who knows? That's a question I have. It goes on the ballot. He campaigns like crazy for it. What? Does that do to his presidential campaign?

host-4ha0_2_08-20-2025_152524:

I don't think that matters to him. It shouldn't matter to him right now. He's got one task in front of him and that's to, to, stop the, Texas Steel and, to come out of these primary elections in the next few months, with some victories. He's, he's got a clear message, he's got a good personality and a good presentation. He's got an experienced team around him, and he's, very eager for a fight. You can tell.

squadcaster-h9de_2_08-20-2025_152523:

What Democrats are looking for.

host-4ha0_2_08-20-2025_152524:

right, they're,

squadcaster-h9de_2_08-20-2025_152523:

the polls

host-4ha0_2_08-20-2025_152524:

They're not looking for a person who's going to, in. Indulgence, soul searching, and, self-doubt. What they're looking for is somebody who has a very clear message and it has to be an important message, and he's got,

squadcaster-h9de_2_08-20-2025_152523:

And someone who has, can stand up donald Trump,

host-4ha0_2_08-20-2025_152524:

right.

squadcaster-h9de_2_08-20-2025_152523:

who isn't a who. That's the technical term I guess.

host-4ha0_2_08-20-2025_152524:

You're looking at a, it's a great story. A guy who is, ready for a fight and oh, and he can raise enough money to wage that kind of war. and, he's got a quickness on his feet. that makes the, 79-year-old, guy in the White House with, bad ankles. Did you see that? Yeah.

squadcaster-h9de_2_08-20-2025_152523:

Yeah. yeah.

host-4ha0_2_08-20-2025_152524:

God, you're in bad shape. It's like when, it Biden was president and every time he'd walk somewhere you'd think, I hope he doesn't fall now. Wherever this guy walks, there's closeups of his ankles. Not good. Not good.

squadcaster-h9de_2_08-20-2025_152523:

Did you notice that when he met with all the heads of state who came to town with, Zelinski Trump was behind the desk in the Oval Office, which meant that no one could see? legs there, they, they and everybody else was encircled around the desk on chairs. I don't think that was a coincidence. I really don't. take a photograph of the, as someone explained that the ankles hanging over the shoes.

host-4ha0_2_08-20-2025_152524:

Yeah. Right.

squadcaster-h9de_2_08-20-2025_152523:

Yep.

host-4ha0_2_08-20-2025_152524:

Hey, Sherry. Let's, let's continue this really interesting anatomy, lesson. Next week.

squadcaster-h9de_2_08-20-2025_152523:

Yeah, well we're on the O the age cohort where we take a great interest how the shape of the anatomy in

host-4ha0_2_08-20-2025_152524:

I,

squadcaster-h9de_2_08-20-2025_152523:

of health.

host-4ha0_2_08-20-2025_152524:

I, I was over to my doctor's office, just a few hours ago. We were talking about my ankles.

squadcaster-h9de_2_08-20-2025_152523:

No kidding.

host-4ha0_2_08-20-2025_152524:

Yeah. I feel sorry.

squadcaster-h9de_2_08-20-2025_152523:

I'm not gonna vote for you for president. I, I don't do swollen ankles for president. Sorry. You ain't going to be my vote.

host-4ha0_2_08-20-2025_152524:

Oh,

squadcaster-h9de_2_08-20-2025_152523:

I'm sorry. Well, I think we better debate that off the air, don't you?

host-4ha0_2_08-20-2025_152524:

do. Okay. See you next week