On this episode of the Karol Markowicz Show, Karol sits down with Susan Crabtree, National Political Correspondent for RealClearPolitics and author of Fool’s Gold, to break down the growing concerns surrounding California’s political future.

Crabtree explains why she’s pessimistic about the direction of the state, pointing to a lack of accountability, one-party dominance, and the collapse of local media institutions. The conversation dives into controversial practices like “behest payments,” the role of investigative journalism, and how corruption stories are increasingly being uncovered through both traditional reporting and citizen journalism.

They also discuss:

• The potential political future of California post-Gavin Newsom
• Media bias, access journalism, and the decline of watchdog reporting
• How social media platforms like X are reshaping journalism
• The cultural and economic challenges facing middle-class Californians
• The impact of AI and information overload on the next generation

Plus, Crabtree shares her personal journey from Washington, D.C. to California, her passion for investigative journalism, and practical advice on staying grounded in a fast-moving, high-pressure world.