Maher Questions Newsom on California Gas Prices, Rents, Rail

California Governor Gavin Newsom faced pointed questions from HBO host Bill Maher during a Friday night appearance on "Real Time," where the comedian challenged him over persistent challenges in the state including high gas prices, steep rents and a troubled high-speed rail project.

Newsom appeared to promote his memoir, "Young Man in a Hurry: A Memoir of Discovery." Maher, who has previously expressed support for Newsom's potential presidential bid, pressed the governor on criticisms likely to arise from political opponents. "The other side, what they are going to say though is, but have you seen the stats from California?" Maher asked.

Newsom highlighted the state's economic strength, calling it the fourth largest in the world. Maher countered by listing specific issues. "Are they going to say good about gas prices? Are they going to say good about how high their rents are?" he said. "So many people live... I mean there's a whole litany. I mean the train! Gavin, you got to get rid of the train!"

Maher specifically referenced California's high-speed rail project, now estimated at more than $230 billion by the California High-Speed Rail Authority. Originally funded by a 2008...