California’s wide-open governor’s racehit the debate stageWednesday night, and any voters looking for spicy signature moments were unfortunately met with a six-candidate serving of meh.
The televised debate in San Francisco largely slogged through familiar talking points on costs of living, immigration, public safety and President Trump — with candidates often talking past each other in a race that’s still lacking clarity after theimplosion of former Democratic front-runner Eric Swalwell.
Xavier Becerra had a golden opportunity to capitalize onhis surge in the pollssince Swalwell’s career collapse after accusations of rape and sexual assault, but the former Biden cabinet member’s dull and bumbling dad vibes reminded viewers why he sat comfortably in sixth place just 10 days ago.
In one instance, Becerra incorrectly suggested Trump recently started a war with Iraq instead of Iran.
“Ironically enough, though, if you’re a Democratic legislator or donor, he clearlycame across as the safest choice,” said Dan Schnur, a teacher of political communications at USC and UC Berkeley.
California’s gas tax was one of the few issues that produced the cleanest divides on stage.
Becerra defended keeping it to fund infrastructure, while progressive billionaire Tom Steyer — who called himself the “change agent” in the race and cited attacks from groups like PG&E, oil companies and other special interests — shifted blame to oil companies. He later expressed support for a mileage tax.
Former congresswoman Katie Porter acknowledged affordability concerns but tied the issue to healthier air and a strong climate policy, while San Jose mayor Matt Mahan repeatedhis call for a temporary suspension and reform.
The two Republicans on stage kept it blunt.
Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco pushed to eliminate the gas tax entirely, saying any loss in revenue could be made up by attacking pervasive waste, fraud and abuse, while former Fox News host Steve Hilton vowed to slash the tax and boost in-state oil production as governor becauseCalifornians are “being crushed by the gas prices.”
Source: California Post – Breaking California News, Photos & Videos
