Weekend Listen: Can Republicans Win California Again? Steve Hilton Thinks So
Summary
Bloomberg’s Michelle Hussain interviews Steve Hilton, a former UK strategist and Trump-backed Republican candidate for California governor. Hilton discusses his pragmatic platform aimed at reducing California’s high cost of living and housing crisis, while deflecting questions on foreign policy and big tech regulation. He emphasizes his immigrant background and renunciation of British citizenship to demonstrate his commitment to the US, positioning himself as a bipartisan alternative to incumbent Gavin Newsom.
Topics discussed
Introduction: Steve Hilton's run for California Governor
Hilton's background and motivation to run
Political identity: From UK Conservative to Republican
California's economic decline and cost of living crisis
Long-term decline in living standards and migration
Policy disagreements: Billionaire tax and tariffs
Views on Big Tech, AI, and regulatory frameworks
Balancing innovation with unintended consequences
Campaign strategy and closing the voter gap
Foreign policy: Iran, Cuba, and family history
Immigration policy and border control
Citizenship, loyalty, and final campaign thoughts
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