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Becerra, Hilton Clash Over Blame in California Governor Debate
Developing
In Short: In the first and likely only debate, Xavier Becerra and Steve Hilton traded blame over California's issues, with Becerra focusing on Trump and Hilton criticizing Democratic governance.
During the debate, Steve Hilton criticized the state's Democratic leadership, citing poor governance over decades as the cause of California's problems.
Xavier Becerra, however, repeatedly shifted the blame to former President Donald Trump, a strategy he maintained throughout the debate.
When discussing immigration, Hilton accused Becerra of focusing solely on Trump, saying, 'All you say is Trump, Trump, Trump,' while Becerra did not defend Democratic officeholders.
Becerra's strategy was evident when discussing the state's poor academic performance, where he simply stated, 'It’s not working,' while Hilton highlighted the state's 'worst results in the country' under Democratic control.
Despite Hilton's policy proposals to reduce regulations and red tape, Becerra offered little insight into his own plans, sticking to his 'Trump, Trump, Trump' narrative.
Given his lead in polls, Becerra felt no need to outline specific policies, while Hilton, trailing significantly, presented some policy changes he would implement if elected.
The debate, moderated by CNN anchors Jake Tapper and Dana Bash, focused on pressing issues like immigration and education, with each candidate blaming the other's party for the state's woes.
What this adds
The debate did not significantly alter the race, with Becerra maintaining his lead and Hilton unlikely to become governor.
What's still developing
- Likewise, when the issue was the California school system’s poor record on academic achievement in national tests, Becerra’s response was “it’s not working,” while Hilton cited “some of the worst results in the country” during Democrats’ control of the Capitol.
- But the next governor will have to make some very difficult decisions on whether to reduce that spending, particularly on social and medical services that Democrats cherish, or tell Californians that they must pay more in taxes when living costs in the state are already out of control.
- The first and probably only face-to-face debate between the two candidates for California governor Wednesday night established its pattern right off the bat.
- It’s rare for debates to have any material effect on the outcome of political contests.