(And 4 More Things to Watch for in Tonight’s Debate)
We’re betting on another shaky Becerra performance and more nonanswers about single payer
SAN FRANCISCO — Building on the strength and momentum from last night’s CNN debate, Tom Steyer faces the field again, forcing a clear contrast between the special interests-backed status quo and a candidate ready to fight for Californians.
Five things to watch for:
- Becerra’s Betrayal: Still no straight answer on single payer. After being asked at least seven times on stage last night, Becerra still refused to commit to supporting single-payer after having been for it. This comes days after a report that he told lobbyists he "wasn't supportive of single-payer" in a closed-door meeting — the same lobbyists who gave him a max-out contribution and are part of a coalition of forces fighting single-payer.
Watch Becerra dodge the question – seven times – here.
- Tom’s unstoppable momentum as the change candidate. Steyer is the only candidate ready to take on the corporate special interests driving up costs for Californians. Expect him to continue calling out Big Oil, the healthcare lobby, and the utility monopolies — the same interests spending over $26 million to defeat him and the change he will bring.
- We agree, "Read the indictment!" Last night, Becerra’s involvement in a corruption scandal got a lot of airtime. Faced with questions about the scandal engulfing his former chief of staff (who pleaded guilty to fraud) and top aides, Becerra defensively encouraged voters to “read the indictment.” Becerra's story on what he knew — and when — has shifted dramatically, leaving Californians to wonder: was he complicit, or just incompetent?
- ‘I Still Need Chevron.’ Expect Steyer to continue to hammer Big Oil for price gouging, while Becerra stands by his $39,200 contribution from Chevron. Chevron isn’t just gouging Californians at the pump — they’re bankrolling a fake advocacy group to mislead the public while quietly raking in the highest profits in the state, according to official findings and watchdog research about Chevron.
Becerra’s track as Attorney General shows a pattern of taking the check and doing their bidding: he refused to investigate ExxonMobil despite calls from Democrats to do so. - “Tax Me More.” Steyer has made it clear he would vote for the Billionaire Tax if it’s on the ballot and that he would close corporate tax loopholes. In sharp contrast, Mahan attacked Steyer for wanting to raise taxes on billion-dollar companies, and every other candidate on stage flat-out refused to support the measure. As much as the other candidates like to talk about Steyer’s net worth and will do so tonight, he’s the only one with a plan to close the loopholes that keep California families from getting ahead.
Tonight, voters will continue to see a clear choice between the status quo politicians who are bought and paid for by special interests that have driven up costs for Californians, and Steyer, who has the plans and will take on special interests. The choice is clear: Tom Steyer stands with the people, while the others stand with the powerful special interests
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