Overview
- Images of California Gov. Gavin Newsom sitting with an unusually tight crossed-leg posture at the New York Times DealBook Summit circulated widely online on Dec. 5–6.
- Conservative media figures, including Sean Hannity and Jesse Watters, amplified ridicule as social media users joked about the "testicle-crushing" pose.
- Newsom’s press office responded with a photoshopped image and the caption "Democracy requires flexibility," leaning into the meme.
- Reactions split as some praised the humor while others said the move prolonged or intensified the mockery.
- Coverage noted the viral moment overshadowed parts of Newsom’s policy discussion, including remarks about National Guard use during the Trump administration.