Staff Reports
Katie Porter just turned California’s Democratic primary into a reality TV reunion nobody asked for. In a recent CNN interview with Dana Bash, the former U.S. Representative lobbed two explosive accusations: she said billionaire Tom Steyer leaked a video of her yelling at a staffer, and she predicted Xavier Becerra could be implicated in an ongoing Sacramento probe. Both claims landed with a thud when Bash pushed back and the Steyer and Becerra teams denied the charges. The result? More infighting, more drama, and fewer reasons for Democrats to sell their nominees to swing voters.
Porter Points Fingers — But Has No Proof
On national television, Porter blamed Tom Steyer for “leaking the video.” That’s a big charge. Dana Bash was quick to demand evidence and even corrected Porter during the interview, noting there’s no public proof tying Steyer to any leak. The Steyer campaign flatly denied involvement. When a candidate accuses a rival of dirty tricks and can’t produce facts, it doesn’t look like leadership — it looks like desperation.
Why this matters in the governor’s race
Accusations without evidence poison the primary. Voters want a nominee who can defend facts, not fling them. Saying “I’m confident” isn’t the same as showing a chain of custody or a credible source. Porter’s move may rally a few loyal supporters, but for independent Californians and swing voters, it reads as more mudslinging — the kind that makes people tune out politics entirely.
Porter’s Attack on Becerra: Speculation, Not Substance
Porter didn’t stop at Steyer. She suggested Xavier Becerra, the former U.S. Health and Human Services secretary and former California attorney general, could be named as a co-conspirator in a Sacramento plea negotiation. Porter admitted she “does not have the facts” yet floated an indictment as if it were a forecast. Becerra’s team responded with denials and pointed to prior investigations that found no wrongdoing. Repeating speculation on cable TV is not a plan for governing.
The bigger picture: Democrats fighting while voters watch
This public infighting reinforces a simple point: when Democrats spend their time trying to tear each other down, they give up the high ground on competence. Republican voters see disorder; independent voters see chaos. If Porter wants to win, she needs evidence, a clear plan, and less reality-show rhetoric. Otherwise, California voters will watch the circus and decide they’d rather have steady leadership than primetime drama.
