Staff Reports
Democratic candidate for governor of California Xavier Becerra finally said he’ll participate in debates with Republican Steve Hilton. That’s the news everyone is talking about — and it’s about time. Voters don’t need more press stunts. They need straight answers, not a candidate who treats public appearances like optional homework.
Becerra finally agrees to debates — but why wait?
Becerra told reporters on a campaign walk that “We will have debates, and between now and Nov. 3, we will continue to go out there and meet with folks.” Fine. But this pledge came after Hilton and others publicly accused him of keeping a low profile and dodging questions. With polls still showing Becerra ahead — Berkeley IGS puts him roughly 55% to Hilton’s 37% — his campaign has the luxury of a cautious strategy. That doesn’t excuse hiding from the cameras.
What he said — and what he didn’t
Promises to debate sound good in a swipe-filled news cycle. Yet reporters and voters want specifics: dates, formats, moderators. More important, they want him to answer hard questions about his record. Becerra has been careful about making big policy commitments and answering specifics on spending and health-care plans. Saying “we will have debates” is easy. Standing up and defending years in public office is harder.
Scandals and accountability — not partisan theater
There are real reasons voters should demand face-to-face answers. Becerra’s former long-time chief of staff pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud over campaign funds. Voters deserve to know whether Becerra knew what was happening on his watch, and how he will hire and manage staff if elected governor. This isn’t gossip — it’s about competency and trust.
Bottom line: show up and answer the questions
Debates are more than photo ops. They are the one place where candidates can be pressed live on policy, past mistakes, and plans for the state. If Becerra follows through, great — but don’t let “we’ll debate” be a press-release promise that fizzles. California voters deserve full answers on jobs, housing, health care, and ethics, not a cautious campaign that treats the public like an audience instead of the boss. Xavier Becerra should stop hiding and start earning that lead.
