Analysis and video: California governor candidates debate

Thanks so much to everyone for joining us.

If you like coverage like this, have we got a newsletter for you! Sign up at latimes.com/essentialpoliticsemail and you will be the first to know about other live events and breaking news. There are just 27 days until the June 5 primary, and The Times has you covered.

Have a good night!

Okay folks, I think we can call it a (livechat) night. Here's John's insta-analysis: https://www.latimes.com/politics/essential/la-pol-ca-essential-politics-may-2018-personality-not-policy-divides-and-1525840433-htmlstory.html

And last week's included an interview with Chuck Todd about the upcoming debate. It's a great listen.

Before I sign off from tonight's live chat, just a small plug for our weekly podcast: The California Politics Podcast is published every Friday on iTunes, Soundcloud and Stitcher. Melanie and I are on most episodes, and occasionally we drag a few of our Times' colleagues in for the fun. This week, I'm sure the big topic will be this debate -- winners, losers and what's next. We hope you'll listen and subscribe! https://soundcloud.com/politics-california

Meanwhile, the independent expenditure backing Antonio Villaraigosa just reported spending nearly $500,000 to go after Cox. So the battle continues...

But just barely. &nbspVillaraigosa: wow.

Melanie, we win!

Drum roll ...

This is unscientific, but we think pretty close to accurate. Compiled by Michael Livingston on the politics team:

Allen    

13:26    

Newsom

12:07    

Cox    

11:17    

Eastin    

10:11    

Villaraigosa

9:45

Chiang    

9:42

https://www.latimes.com/politics/essential/la-pol-ca-essential-politics-may-2018-guess-who-talked-the-most-during-the-1525838815-htmlstory.html

Jinx

I'm going to guess Travis Allen

Allen

Any guesses on who talked the most tonight?

Great point, Mel.

I thought Cox tried to strike a tricky--maybe even contradictory--balance of embracing Donald Trump and yet being a "Jack Kemp Republican." Kemp was a moderate on issues like immigration (he opposed Prop. 187, for example). How can Cox try to claim the mantle of both leaders?

In the LAT conference room, we're adding up the amount of time each candidate spoke. Stand by!

Considering that single-payer healthcare had been such a major flashpoint (especially between Democrats) up until now, I'm surprised we didn't hear more about it. Among Democrats on other policy issues, the differentiation wasn't so much in what they'd do--they all seemed to largely agree--but who is best qualified to do it. A lot of recitation of resume, which is helpful for voters just now tuning in.

That said, I keep coming back to the idea of a voter seeing these candidates for the first time, and if that's the case, they probably came away with a clear picture of where they line up, even if there aren't many differences between the candidates in the same parties.

My overall takeaway is that Chiang did the best job of telling his own personal story, and with the exception of gas tax, high-speed rail and immigration policy, they didn't do much to show how they would be different from Gov. Jerry Brown — or each other.

I'm going to start poring over my notes, folks, in anticipation of a quick post on our Essential Politics news feed. Thoughts, overall, from the two of you?

So I counted 18 questions in the debate. I was a bit surprised that there wasn't more about the economy. Poverty came up, but sort of obliquely (or did I miss that?). I would have liked to have heard the candidates pressed a bit more on some specifics, but that's the debate moderator in me. Six candidates is tough to handle!

Chuck Todd gives the candidates high marks for a "nice, civil conversation." And I'll agree -- fewer fireworks than I expected but some interesting grist on policy for us reporters to mull over

And those opinions haven't changed. Of course, the parties refused to fund the ballot measure I mentioned in that column, so go figure!

John, you had a good column about the parties hating the top-two not so long ago:

https://www.latimes.com/politics/la-pol-ca-road-map-california-top-two-primary-20170910-story.html

Our colleague Liam Dillon, who worked for a long time in San Diego, has a fact-check on John Cox's claims about the recall of Mayor Filner.

https://www.latimes.com/politics/essential/la-pol-ca-essential-politics-may-2018-john-cox-says-he-led-the-effort-to-oust-1525833797-htmlstory.html

"19 states have elected business people as governor," says John Cox. Fact check: Voters rejected a major business leader, Meg Whitman, in 2010.

All the candidates seem to be polite here about the legacy of the top-two primary. Fact check: Both the major parties hate it. So do most third parties.

Even more laughs when he added "either one of these [Republicans] will do"

And crowd laughs loudly.

"I think a Republican would be ideal in the general election," jokes Gavin Newsom. Yes, that's his fondest hope... keeping a Democrat off the November ballot.

Delaine Eastin invokes a change to Prop. 13 -- to assess commercial property at market rates -- as she talks about the Schwarzenegger legacy and budget cuts. Christina, you called Eastin the Bernie Sanders of this debate -- she certainly is staying on course.

It's a little jarring to hear a Republican like Allen bash the last Republican governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger. But it goes to show the deep factions within the state GOP party and how Schwarzenegger infuriated much of the party's base. Schwarzenegger now is supporting an effort to boost more moderate Republicans, but that contingent is pretty much absent from this stage.

With the way Cox answered that question about not voting for Trump ("I do regret it"), it sounds as though he realizes that's a problem with the base.

Worth noting, as Allen and Cox discuss their support for President Trump, that only 22% of California voters gave Trump positive marks as president in a November poll.

https://www.latimes.com/politics/la-pol-ca-latimes-trump-congress-poll-20171110-story.html

And now Allen!

John, it's as if Villaraigosa heard you, with a dig at "talking and tweeting" at Trump.

"I don't wake up everyday thinking of how to take shots at Trump," says Newsom. Boy, that's hard to square with his Twitter feed.

Although we always have to remember that so many people haven't paid any attention, so many voters might be seeing these candidates for the first time.

Yeah, that's an interesting point.

We're coming up on the home stretch of this debate. Honestly, I haven't heard a breakout moment. And I don't mean that as a need to focus on the horse race. &nbspThe Q is whether anyone's minds have been changed. For now, it feels like things are where they stood when the debate began.

Travis Allen just made a very quick reference to SCA 5, a failed legislative effort by Latino and African American Democrats to roll back the state's ban on affirmative action. Republicans had capitalized on that issue to appeal to some parts of the Asian American community, who considered re-instating affirmative action as a threat to their access to elite UC campuses.

I agree, Melanie. That was very quick. I also thought Newsom had come prepared with a pivot to Trump.

Our colleague Seema Mehta took a look at the well-documented Villaraigosa and Newsom affairs, and why it seemed like they might not actually become a campaign issue. https://www.latimes.com/politics/la-pol-ca-antonio-villaraigosa-gavin-newsom-consultant-rivals-20170716-story.html

Notice the date on that story. It was before the MeToo movement began, and that's one reason it's up for discussion tonight.

Allen going after Newsom and Villaraigosa hard for their affairs, but perhaps he actually did them a favor. Both Democrats took the opportunity to acknowledge they were wrong and learned from their actions.

The mention of Travis Allen allegations was brief and didn't include the context. We've got you covered: https://www.latimes.com/politics/essential/la-pol-ca-essential-politics-updates-gop-gubernatorial-candidate-travis-allen-1517612326-htmlstory.html

Eastin laments men in politics who don't have "a sense of self-control." Her answer gets applause in the room.

Eastin scores a nice applause line by noting there are "businesswomen too." Eastin has tried to capitalize on being the sole women in the race, especially with the surge of women jumping into politics after Trump's election. But as our colleague Seema Mehta noted, she's had a hard time breaking through with her lagging fundraising. https://www.latimes.com/politics/la-pol-ca-delaine-eastin-california-governor-race-20180410-story.html

Look out: sexual misconduct is on tap.

It is, though, a bit of a missed opportunity to invoke a Bill Clinton "I feel your pain" moment.

It's a bit of an open-ended question. Newsom used it to attack Allen, without really answering.

This topic about personal sacrifice is interesting. No one seems to have an on-point answer.

Gavin Newsom often talks about redirecting money that is currently spent on healthcare to establish a single-payer healthcare system. But we're still waiting for details on how, exactly, he would do that. Repurposing federal dollars, figuring out how to raise revenues to cover what's being spent in the commercial insurance market--so far Newsom hasn't articulated how he would accomplish this.

Asked about high-speed rail, the Democrats on stage give slightly varying levels of support for the project. The Republicans instantly promise to kill the project. A reality check for the Dems: The project simply must have money from Congress. And that's not going to happen with House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy on the watch.

I wonder if the topic of gun control will come up. It's something we've seen already on the television airwaves.

That's a good point, Christina. &nbspMaybe the feeling is to not get in the way of Republicans talking only to the base of their party.

Melanie, to your point, the positions that both Cox and Allen are taking on immigration are not in line with the majority of Californians. The Democrats might be thinking it's a better strategy to let them discuss their views rather than attack.

"That wall is a monument to stupidity," Newsom says about Trump's border wall plan. &nbspI'm betting that was a rehearsed line.

John, I definitely expected a more combative Villaraigosa, at least aimed at the Republicans. But maybe he's content watching them squabble among themselves

For the record, it's truthabouttravis, not truthagainsttravis

On early childhood education, Newsom says he agrees with Villaraigosa. &nbspEarlier, Villaraigosa said he agreed with Newsom on another topic. &nbspAnyone else surprised we aren't seeing Villaraigosa take someone on -- either Newsom or one of the Republicans?

So, Cox cited two different sites that he said would set the record straight on Travis Allen, the only other Republican who can be considered real competition.

Here's a story about Cox running against Barack Obama: https://www.latimes.com/politics/la-pol-john-cox-california-governor-race-20170919-story.html

Fascinating that John Cox keeps talking all about "all these politicians" on the stage. Reality: He's run for office several times in the past when he lived in Illinois.

Chiang has repeatedly mentioned his parents, and their immigrant story

Allen and Newsom have sparred over Steinle's death in an earlier debate, too.

If the name Kate Steinle that Travis Allen cited sounds familiar, it's because then-candidate Donald Trump frequently cited her murder on the campaign trail when criticizing immigration policies. Here's some context on the verdict in that case: https://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-kate-steinle-analysis-20171202-story.html

Chiang portrays himself in the mold of Gov. Jerry Brown, who took federal money for national guard operations to deal with trafficking and enforcement throughout the state, rather than defy the president outright. Brown has notably picked his shots against the president. Newsom and Villaraigosa oppose Trump at every turn.

And Villaraigosa joins in "I'm not going to respond to fake news."

Democrat John Chiang threw out a white-hot accusation about one immigration case when Gavin Newsom was mayor of San Francisco. &nbspHe did so twice, and Newsom wouldn't bite. &nbspIt's quite clear he doesn't want to give Chiang any oxygen -- on this or any other issue.

John Cox reminds the audience — a second time — that he's a Jack Kemp Republican

Newsom tries to own the sanctuary state policy, seemingly glad to be the foil of the people he cited: Bill O'Reilly, Lou Dobbs and President Trump

7:05 p.m. when Trump's name first comes up, from Newsom

Travis Allen just promised to call a special election if he's elected to repeal California's sanctuary law. Reality: That would take Democrats in the Legislature to go along.

"Gavin Newsom's sanctuary state law" must be news to the author of the law, state Sen. Kevin de León

Sure thing. You don't get a statement in the voter guide if you don't agree to campaign spending limits. The biggest fundraising candidates didn't want to be constrained.

John, can you tackle that one? It's actually a story our team is working on explaining for people

We've got a question from a reader following along with the livechat. Duane in Playa Vista asks:

Can you enlighten me as to why several of the gubernatorial candidates statements were omitted from the CA Voter Guide (ie Newsom, Chiang, Villaraigosa)?

Commercial break!

And sure enough, Cox follows up saying there's too many regulations. He says that competition would spur companies to improve their privacy for users, not the government.

Almost 30 minutes in on this debate and no one has laid a glove on the frontrunner, Gavin Newsom. I wonder how long that lasts.

I'm somewhat surprised to hear Travis Allen embracing the privacy initiative, given that Republicans are generally wary of increasing regulations on industry.

The candidates are being asked about an initiative that would change privacy rules in California. It might be on the November ballot. &nbspHere's what I wrote about it last year: https://www.latimes.com/politics/la-pol-ca-road-map-privacy-consumers-ballot-measure-20171126-story.html

(LAT plug here: The USC Dornsife/Los Angeles Times poll will be out in late May)

And these particular guys — and gal — are participating in this televised event because they met the threshold NBC set for being there. In total, there are 27 candidates on the ballot. These six have the best chance, according to a bunch of polls.

Sure. &nbspThis is a great example of the top-two primary, passed by voters in 2010 and putting all candidates -- regardless of party -- on the same ballot. &nbspPick your favorite from any party. The top 2 head to November. &nbspIt's really jumbled traditional politics in this state.

John, let's back up for the people who might not understand why there are 4 Democrats and 2 Republicans on the same stage.

Cox is channeling a lot of anger about the cost of living and affordability in this state. Question is, are voters just as angry?

The candidates are mentioning their own bios. You can keep track of who's who here: https://www.latimes.com/politics/la-pol-ca-california-governor-list-2018-htmlstory.html

And... Eastin gets another round of applause in calling for free tuition at UC schools. Reality check: There's no way to do that without either raising taxes or taking money from K-12 schools or healthcare for the poor, two big parts of the state budget.

That surprised me too, Christina. But smart of the moderators to keep the debate trained on these very California-specific issues. Not easy for Dems to pivot to Trump when it's about state highways.

Delaine Eastin often gets points with debate audiences for her forceful positions. She's the Bernie Sanders of this race, sort of.

We're almost 15 minutes in, and surprisingly, the words "President Trump" haven't been mentioned.

"Lockbox!"

This intra-GOP tussle over whose gas tax repeal measure is the real deal is very inside baseball. But also a sign of how much the GOP is hanging its hopes on using the repeal to boost their voter turnout. No wonder Allen &nbspand Cox are battling for credit.

Republicans Cox and Allen fighting about the gas tax repeal initiative... well, that's a sign of how much they (dis)like each other.

"Picking the pockets of the taxpayers of this state" is a line generated to ignite voter anger.

"Potholes old enough to qualify for Medicare" is a decent zinger from Newsom.

Allen is now repeating an allegation that Gov. Brown "bribed" 4 legislators to pass last year's $52 billion transportation plan. In truth, he agreed to projects those lawmakers found to be important; that's not actually a bribe.

Travis Allen is promising single-family homes with "a back yard and a front yard." It's an image of California through the years... not so much what some say the state must accept in years to come.

I hope the panelists return to Cox talking about the need to stimulate economic growth in the state. The truth is, California's economy is pretty darn strong right now--in fact, we've just become the 5th largest economy in the world. Cox seemed to imply more economic growth is necessary to tackle the state's pension liabilities, but political will is more of an obstacle.

John Chiang just cited our colleague Liam Dillon's piece at Newsom and Villaraigosa's ambitious promises on homebuilding. Check it out here: https://www.latimes.com/politics/la-pol-ca-new-home-building-goal-governor-candidates-20180306-story.html

John Cox is now talking about the CA Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the state's landmark environmental law. He is one of many who says it's time to overhaul it. &nbspBut doing so will be hard, as environmental groups don't want it completely discarded.

John Chiang's "I'm doing it today" is a reminder that he's a statewide office holder. He also goes right at "Gavin and Antonio" on the homelessness issue.

"What lacks is leadership in this state," says Lt. Gov. Newsom on homeless crisis in California. Yes, that sounds like a subtle swipe at Gov. Jerry Brown... not that he'll say so.

It's striking to hear the contrast between the candidates on how they describe the homeless population. Eastin emphasizes families and elderly women. Cox talks about substance abuse. Allen talks about "vagrants." All are shades of California's immensely complicated homelessness issue.

First attack on Newsom comes from Assemblyman Travis Allen, a Republican

I applaud Chuck Todd for skipping an opening statement. Those rarely illuminate any differences between the candidates and take up valuable time. They only have 90 minutes, so getting to the point is good for everyone.

The first question is about homelessness. Delaine Eastin calls for an emergency action by the next governor. &nbspThis is a major problem in the state.

Hi everyone! Looking forward to what'll definitely be a spirited--and hopefully substantive--debate. I'm watching to see how much the debate is driven by a man not on stage: President Trump. Expect Democrats to compete in how hard they can bash him and Republicans to jockey to embrace him.

Hello from the state capital, John Myers here. Tonight's debate is about 15 minutes away. One overarching thing worth watching for in this 90-minute event: How much of the event is driven by the race for second place? By that, I mean how do 5 of these candidates jockey for a moment in the spotlight alongside the consensus front-runner, Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom? Remember, in the top-two primary, everyone else on stage has a shot to make it to November with Newsom. This will be quite an interesting evening!

Hi everyone! I'm Christina, the AME for Politics here at The Times, and I'll be your host for the debate tonight.

I'm joined by Sacramento bureau chief and longtime California politics observer John Myers and Melanie Mason, one of our reporters covering this race.

We'll be watching the six candidates on stage make their case to voters, and as we do we'll share our thoughts here with Times readers in real time.