A Wednesday night debate for California’s wide-open governor’s racedidn’t appear to shake upthe election — but it did reveal how awkward the Democratic challengers can be when asked about Gov. Gavin Newsom.
At one point, moderators asked the four Democrats and two Republicans on stage to grade Newsom on his efforts to tackle the state’shomelessness crisisand whether they’d do anything differently.
Several gave mealy-mouthed answers while trying not offend the governor,who said earlier in the daythat he planned to watch the debate. Newsom has said he won’t endorse anyone in the race.
Democrat San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan refused to give any grade at first, before the moderators pressed him for a response.
He ultimately said he would give Newsom a “B” for his efforts on homelessness, before noting that he would “give all of us” a “D” for implementation, seemingly trying to avoid blaming only Newsom.
Democrat ex-Rep. Katie Porter bragged that she was a “notoriously tough grader” before also giving Newsom a “B,” earning a jab from Republican candidate Steve Hilton on the debate stage.
“Wow! I’d love to be in your class, Katie, if you get a ‘B’ for what Gavin Newsom’s done on homelessness,” Hilton exclaimed. “My goodness.”
Progressive billionaire Tom Steyer, whomade headlines for refusing to grade Newsomduring a past interview, gave Newsom a “B-“.
Former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra — who has seen a recent surge in the polls — offered Newsom the highest marks on homelessness by giving him an “A” grade.
The Democrat, who appears likely topick up support from political operatives in Newsom’s orbit, did add that it was important to track the use of anti-homelessness funding was going.
Source: California Post – Breaking California News, Photos & Videos
