Becerra Draws Fire Over Viral KTLA Clip as California Democrat Leads Governor Polls
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · May 13
Becerra Draws Fire Over Viral KTLA Clip as California Democrat Leads Governor Polls
7 articles · Updated · The New York Times · May 13
A KTLA clip posted Tuesday showed Xavier Becerra asking before an interview, “This is a profile piece, this is not a ‘gotcha’ piece, right?” — a moment that quickly went viral.
The exchange undercut Becerra’s effort to introduce himself to voters as he rises in California’s crowded governor’s race, where the former attorney general and Biden health secretary is still little known to many.
KTLA reporter Annie Rose Ramos replied that her questions were fair and meant to help viewers learn about him as a candidate, while the station’s anchors later discussed the encounter online.
Opponents seized on the video to attack Becerra, and his campaign pushed back, saying he stays for tough questions and has long defended journalists’ right to do their jobs.
When a candidate clashes with reporters, does it reveal their true leadership style or just the pressures of a modern campaign?
How can voters discern a pattern of conduct from a political attack when a candidate's past criticisms resurface?