In shaky debate performance, Xavier Becerra continues to exemplify the failures of a career politician
LOS ANGELES — The reviews are in: last night’s CNN debate made it abundantly clear that Tom Steyer brought the fire and Xavier Becerra — despite being a career politician of 35 years — is somehow still not ready for prime time. Immediately upon the conclusion of the debate, CNN Commentator and Biden administration official Xochitl Hinojosa notably remarked, "I do not trust Xavier Becerra to stand up to Trump. He was not effective in government. A lot of people in the Biden administration are talking about this because they realize he was not an effective HHS secretary. If you ask any cabinet secretary, they would tell you the same thing."
With Becerra’s record under scrutiny, the Steyer campaign released a new social video today. It begs the question, “Xavier Becerra’s colleagues don’t trust him. Why should you?”
Becerra continued to waffle on basic policy questions. Becerra was asked at least eight times whether he supports single-payer healthcare, and he outright refused to give a straight answer. Despite previously calling healthcare a human right, he has seemingly walked back that position.
Here’s what they’re saying:
Gustavo Arellano, Mark Z. Barabak and Anita Chabria, LA Times: Steyer was the most lively and direct he’s been in a debate, landing a few punches and making points with clarity (far less wonky than he’s been in the past). He’s owning his far-left politics, and labeling himself the “change-maker. Steyer has been trailing Becerra in the polls, but Becerra again had a steady if less-than-thrilling appearance. For fed-up Democrats, Steyer may be looking better all the time.”
Jeff Cohen, Journalist - Salon: Steyer’s election could make him the effective “class traitor” that most Californians need him to be — a governor who stands up to corporate greed and power in the mold of President Franklin Roosevelt.”
Bill McKibben, Environmental Activist, Author & Journalist: “Instead of taking money from Big Oil, [Steyer’s] given money, time and counsel to those of us volunteering in the fight against the industry. In fact, I think that whether one is most concerned about lowering utility bills with clean energy or protecting California’s forests, beaches and insurance rates from the global warming threat, he’d be the most climate-conscious elected official in America.”
Betty Yee, Former California State Controller & Gubernatorial Candidate: “In this race, there is one clear choice for change: Tom Steyer. He will put working people first.”
Republican National Committee, “An unhinged Tom Steyer insanely suggests President Trump’s Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller is sending ICE agents to California to “racially profile” and calls ICE a “criminal operation.”
Jack Cocchiarella, Gen Z Progressive Political Commentator: “Tom Steyer is the only choice for Governor who will actually fight for California and not special interests.”
Dr Asif Mahmood, Commissioner United States Commission on International Religious Freedom: “Last night’s CA gubernatorial debate made two things clear: • Undecided, open-minded voters? Many walked away leaning Steyer. • Already leaning Steyer? That support solidified into commitment. Not just my take—this comes from conversations with thoughtful, consistent voters across California.”
Elise Joshi, More Perfect Union: “Becerra dances around the single payer question. Steyer champions it unapologetically. I know who I'm voting for.”
David Sirota, Founder and Editor-In-Chief of The Lever, “There's one thing you need to know about @XavierBecerra : As a congressman & AG, he demanded the HHS Secretary use "march in" power under federal law to lower the price of government-developed medicines. Then when he became HHS Secretary, he literally refused to do that.”
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