So I watched the entire CA Dem Governor debate last night

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senseandsensibility (25,251 posts)

So I watched the entire CA Dem Governor debate last night



Here's my takeaway: The R candidates are cartoon characters, although the British one was more likeable than the sheriff guy. More importantly, all of the Dem candidates were qualified, serious, and able to lead the largest state in the union. I would vote for any of them without hesitation.

Matt Mahon: I went into the debate with more knowledge about him than some of the others, since I live in Silicon Valley and he is the mayor of the largest city in SV. He played that up, was relaxed and camera ready, and said he would stand up to "big tech" when he was called on it. However, his efforts to "both sides" issues was not appealing to me. He did seem knowledgeable about addressing homelessness and had a record of addressing it in San Jose.

Xavier Becerra: He was calm, knowledgeable, and low key, as one would expect. But he was not afraid to speak his mind and play up his experience. One of my favorite parts was when he was challenged about the California Highway Patrol stopping truck drivers and giving them "English proficiency" tests. He spoke to that in a way tha I think will appeal to our huge Hispanic population here as well as other Democratic voters. He also spoke about his own impressive biography (something I wish he would do more) and how he was the first in his family to graduate from college.

Tom Steyer: He seemed to be presenting himself as the front runner. I'm not saying he was cocky, but he did not waste time attacking other candidates. He defended himself and his billionaire status, saying he would be glad to pay more taxes and he and his wife had agreed to give away all their money in their lifetimes. His demeanor was energetic and passionate about progressive causes, including ending homelessness and taxation.

Katie Porter: Put on the defensive at the beginning about her treatment of an aide that went viral, she apologized and tried to put it behind her. After that, she played up her "professor" persona and made many good points. I was reminded of why she was so good in congressional hearings. Teaching experience definitely translates to good communication skills.

Bottom line I am still supporting Becerra. However, I will vote for the Dem candidate no matter who it is. And so will the candidates. They were asked to pledge to support the eventual candidtate of their party and all the Dems agreed to do so.

https://www.democraticunderground.com/100221192682

Please see the bold part. All you need to know.

[SVPete]

... However, (Mahan's) efforts to "both sides" issues1. was not appealing to me. He did seem knowledgeable about addressing homelessness and had a record of addressing it in San Jose.2.

1. Translation: Mahan (correct spelling, BTW) is not a hateful-crazy-lockstep Prog. I doubt that Mahan or Becerra (who does not think understanding highway and street sign more complex than "Stop" and "Yield" is important) have a chance. Steyer has spent 10s of millions of $$ to buy name recognition and visibility, and Porter has some name recognition.

2. senseandsensibility is accurate about Mahan's actions in San Jose. It took a couple of years after Boise got overturned, but Mahan did clean out the Guadalupe River (I drive by a now-former encampment during my commute). Credit where credit is due, I'm not a hater like Trump-Haters who would complain of oncology doctors' and nurses' unemployment if Trump cured cancer. That said, the two R candidates understand that the problem is not one of housing, but mostly of a mix of chemicals use and mental problems.

WRT who the leaders are among Dems, I think they are Steyer and Porter. Steyer is promising to do things that a governor has no authority to do. If he tries to do any of those promises, he will get slapped down in court and wasting gobs of $$$$ and AG staff time. Porter's manglement style is B#$%h-Boss with misandry sauce. Even if I were a DU-grade Prog I would not want to be on her staff. A 7-figure salary would not even one worth a year of her b#$%hitude.

[ADsOutburst]

DU proving once more that if Democrats say the “right things”, well, that’s good enough for them.

[DLR Pyro]

Bottom line I am still supporting Becerra. However, I will vote for the Dem candidate no matter who it is.

I'm curious if this DUmmy supported Havieair Backerea before the epic swallwell implosion or after his side sent out the memo that he is the new savior.

And I noticed this DUmmy is a "vote blue no matter who" cultist as well.