Politics

Crowd Boos Brown and Whitman ‘Whore’ Responses During Gov. Debate

SAN RAFAEL, Calif. (AP) — Coming into their final debate of the California governor’s race, Democrat Jerry Brown and Republican Meg Whitman had a chance to persuade a statewide audience they could turn around the economically troubled state.

Instead, their third face-to-face exchange resorted to many of the personal attacks that have dominated the last few weeks of the campaign.

Neither candidate presented any new ideas in a contest that is virtually tied just three weeks before Election Day and in which a fifth of voters remain undecided. A poll released two weeks ago found about half the respondents were dissatisfied with both candidates.

Before Brown and Whitman walked on stage, moderator and former NBC anchor Tom Brokaw told the audience at Dominican University that he planned to address not just the critical economic woes facing the nation’s most populous state but the tone of the campaign.

The debate followed several weeks of personal attacks that had both candidates on the defensive — Whitman over revelations that her housekeeper was an illegal immigrant and Brown over an audio tape in which a female campaign aide called Whitman a “whore” for pandering to a Los Angeles police union.

While the first few minutes of the debate were civil, with Brown and Whitman touting California’s potential and the tough decisions ahead, much of the hour-long face-off was dominated with rehashed verbal jousting on nearly every issue.

It left 66-year-old independent voter Tom Callinam of Mill Valley with little insight into the candidates’ plans if elected governor.

“I have a hard choice. I haven’t decided yet. I don’t think that debate helped because of all the canned answers,” said Callinam, who attended the debate. “I would have liked them to answer the questions.”

Brown, 72, sought to describe Whitman as a billionaire corporate executive who wants to buy herself the state’s top job to benefit herself and wealthy friends. Whitman, 54, repeatedly called her rival a career politician beholden to public employee unions who would continue the “same old, same old” failed policies in Sacramento.

Brown launched the first attack of the debate, criticizing Whitman’s plan to eliminate capital gains taxes, a tax he said would benefit her and her wealthy friends.

“Ms. Whitman, I’d like to ask you how much money would you save if these tax breaks were in effect this year or last year?” he said.

Whitman, who smiled and laughed at the question, shot back, saying “Jerry Brown’s just wrong about this.” She went on to explain how such a cut would encourage job creation and bring more revenue into the state. She did not say how much she pays in capital gains taxes, although she acknowledged she was an investor who would benefit.

“You know what? I’m an investor, and investors will benefit from this but so will job creators, and I was a job creator,” Whitman said.

She also accused Brown of leaving the state in worse shape than when he began as governor during his tenure from 1975 to 1983. She repeated criticisms, which have been shown to be unfounded by The Associated Press and other news organizations, that unemployment nearly doubled and state spending increased by 120 percent under his watch.

Asked about California’s spiraling pension costs, Brown said Whitman was the only candidate who has sought to curry favor with unions. He cited her proposal to exempt fire and police from her plans to reform pensions in an attempt to win an endorsement from a Los Angeles police union.

That opened the door for Brokaw to ask Brown about an audiotape released last week in which a female aide used the word “whore” in describing Whitman‘s attempt to win the union’s endorsement. Brokaw characterized the comment as offensive to women as a certain slur is for blacks.

Brown, who has a reputation for being defensive when under scrutiny, said he disagreed with Brokaw’s description and sought to downplay the recording as an old, private conservation picked up on a cell phone. He said his campaign had already apologized.

“I don‘t want to get into the term and how it’s used, but I would say that the campaign apologized promptly and I affirm that apology,” Brown said. “It’s unfortunate. I’m sorry it happened, and I apologize.”

Whitman, whose campaign has fueled the controversy over the last week, sought to push the issue further.

“So Jerry, it’s not just me. It’s the people of California who deserve better than slurs and personal attacks,” said Whitman, who just a few days earlier said she wanted to move onto more critical issues in the campaign. “That is not what California is about. It is not our better selves, and I think every Californian and especially women know exactly what’s going on here and that is a deeply offensive term to women.”

She and Brown then argued over whether Whitman should demand an apology from her campaign manager, former Gov. Pete Wilson, who used the term in 1995 in reference to what he felt was Congress’ role in helping public employee unions.

Wading into another controversy that dominated the previous debate, Brokaw asked Whitman how she could advocate for greater employer accountability in the hiring of illegal immigrants when she had hired an illegal immigrant as a maid for nine years.

The subject is an uncomfortable one for Whitman, who has sought to woo Latino voters with targeted Spanish campaign ads in an effort to erode Brown’s support among the traditionally Democratic voter bloc. She responded by calling for an improved federal system that allows employers to more accurately check worker documents, greater boarder security and a guest-worker program.

Brown pounced on Whitman’s refusal to help her former maid with her immigrant status after she fired her.

“After working for nine years, she didn’t even get her a lawyer. At least, I could tell you that could be done,” Brown said.

Whitman repeatedly accused Brown of being beholden to public employee unions, which have spent nearly $20 million boosting his candidacy.

Brown said Whitman has accepted about $30 million from outside interests, mostly from corporations and wealthy individuals.

___

Associated Press Writers Juliet Williams and Robin Hindery contributed to this report.

Comments (109)

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  • conservativeBC
    Posted on October 13, 2010 at 9:59am

    This is great news to start the day on

    ABANDONING ALL DIGNITY — ALLEN GRAYSON BEGS BLOGGERS FOR CAMPAIGN MONEY

    http://conservativeblogscentral.blogspot.com/2010/10/abandoning-all-dignity-allen-grayson.html

    Report Post » conservativeBC  
  • dirtytricksjusttowin
    Posted on October 13, 2010 at 9:57am

    I would vote for Brown because he is a traditional politician who will say anything just to win…even do dirty tricks. Stupid idea, isn’t it.

    What Californians need to do is to compare Jerry Brown’s performance as a Governor against what he promised. How can people still trust traditional politicians? Ideology?

    The smartest thing to do is to trash all traditional politicians and try business people to run the country, instead. That might get California out of the hole they are in.

    Report Post »  
  • HKS
    Posted on October 13, 2010 at 9:56am

    Brown looked like a rat on caffeine trapped in a corner, get a grip man.

    Report Post » HKS  
  • norcalart
    Posted on October 13, 2010 at 9:56am

    Many people would be leaving this state if they could sell their homes. This jerk was a lousy governor the first time. If the people of California elect him a second time, we have little hope of an economic turnaround. I used to be a democrat when america was important to them. Brown is an example of what has happened to the dems.

    Report Post »  
  • Eternal Lucy
    Posted on October 13, 2010 at 9:54am

    Jerry Brown is a sleaze.

    I’m APPALLED, absolutely APPALLED that he‘s managed to wiggle his way back into the running for California driver’s seat. How did this HAPPEN???

    Doesn’t he need to retire or something? Give someone else a chance. Just like dictators that you can’t shake.

    I find nothing wrong with Meg Whitman.

    Unfortunately I read somewhere that when women politicians are denegrated (and don’t fight back TOUGH ENOUGH), the public tends to join in on smashing them down. She needs to get ugly back at Jerry Brown, I’m afraid. It’s unfortunate, but it’s reality.

    I really, really hope Brown loses.

    Report Post » Eternal Lucy  
    • starman70
      Posted on October 13, 2010 at 11:25am

      Wasn’t it Jerry Brown that the voters of California recalled several years ago ane replaced with Arnold (Lots of promises, no action) Schwartznegger?

      Go ahead and elect Jerry again, then recall him again – - – you’ll heat the phrase “I’ll be baaaack”

      Report Post »  
    • Silver Fox
      Posted on October 13, 2010 at 12:07pm

      starman70, the Gov recalled was “Gray” Davis. Californians didn’t have the good sense to recall Jerry Brown. They should have, but didn’t. A second round with Moonbeam would truly be disastrous for California. The exodus of many of the “better minds” to more sensible states might leave us with a higher percentage of leftist idiots than previously. We’ll see if the conservatives have awakened or left…

      Report Post »  
    • starman70
      Posted on October 13, 2010 at 6:32pm

      Silverfox,

      Thanks for the correction. My memory was flawed on that one. Right you are about sensible and thinking people leaving CA for other states. Nobody could ever operate a business under the cloud of regulations, taxation and general harassment courtesy of Sacremento.

      Bet they re-elect Nancy, Henry and the rest of the liberal lefties. It seems that more and more voters in CA are on “Medicinal” marijuana.

      Report Post »  
  • IGRAMAF
    Posted on October 13, 2010 at 9:37am

    I lived in California when Jerry Brown was Governor the first time and the mess he made then, I remember than he went against the voters on an issue that We The People voted in by a land slide and his words were I don‘t care what the people want I don’t like it and I am not going to pass it. He was gone in the next election. How can they forget that. The most amazing thing is how the womens movements would back him after what he said or allowed to be said about Ms Whitmen. What’s wrong with people? I don’t get it.

    Report Post »  
    • Silver Fox
      Posted on October 13, 2010 at 11:58am

      Unfortunately, the “women’s movements” are Leftist stooges. Real women have more “cojones”!

      Report Post »  
  • TheyTookOurJOBS
    Posted on October 13, 2010 at 9:37am

    apparently no one watches movies. Its from 40 year old virgin. its funny.

    Report Post » TheyTookOurJOBS  
  • warner
    Posted on October 13, 2010 at 9:31am

    Briown is a joke! If Californians are that stupid that they would vote in a bafoon like Brown over Whitman that basically created and ran the largest company in the US – creating more jobs and income for people than any other politican in history. EBAY is huge and think abotu how many people make a living off of sellign goods on the site. Add it up and tell me that Brown has created or even has a clue as to create jobs in CA. This guys is a “Career Politican” that needs to retire. WAKE UP CA!

    Report Post »  
  • Nepenthe
    Posted on October 13, 2010 at 9:26am

    All I need to know about Meg Whitman is that she had on her staff Ed Jagels and, as head of Ebay, tried to throw people in jail for playing online poker. Not to say her oppenent is any better, but there is no way I would vote for her based on those two facts.

    Report Post » Nepenthe  
  • Jamestown
    Posted on October 13, 2010 at 9:18am

    That’s the answer ..not just to kentucky…LEAVE CALIFORNIA TAX PAYER…THE FEDS WILL BAIL THEM OUT NO MORE…TAXPAYERS LEAVE… MEXICANS FOLLOW

    Report Post » Jamestown  
  • Cog
    Posted on October 13, 2010 at 9:11am

    Every election in recent memory Democrats have brought out their latest version of WhoDaHo. I expect we will soon see the Hollywood left dragging us to HoDaVote concerts. These are the same people who turned Christmas into HoHoHo. Beware the HO. Remember, Hope is half HO. Obama Hussein (O.H.) is half of HO spelled backwards. :)

    Report Post »  
    • shadisadie
      Posted on October 13, 2010 at 1:55pm

      love it, but careful….you’re tippytoeing right on thr edge of truth

      Report Post »  
  • Jamestown
    Posted on October 13, 2010 at 9:09am

    Ca is illegal mexicans. .whitman did everything poSsible to insure she did not hire illegal ca. Issued the dl the ss # and there’s no way to put blame on whitman

    Mexicans and the pandering to them is the problem…none of us even here at the blaze name and boycott the people who issued the liar mexican for the lie……MEXICANS ARE MORE DANGEROUS THAN OBAMA…you who put up with mexican employees …you do it every day…then you blame others….if cheap work less labor was so profitable…why all the economici long ago refuse to purchase produce from ca…computers from silicon…its all up to the consumer… problems….

    Report Post » Jamestown  
  • SND97
    Posted on October 13, 2010 at 8:55am

    California is the laughing stock of the Untied States maybe the world. They are broke, they mock and ban smoking cigs yet promote Pot smoking. They promote free drug use, they…That state makes me want to vomit, I LOVE Kentucky now..I’m trying to get all my family to move away from that stupid state before ALL their money and property gets taxed

    Report Post »  
    • starman70
      Posted on October 13, 2010 at 10:27am

      YEP! Oprah and Al Gore have mansions in the state but they both have accountants to advise them how long they can stay there without being consided residents, thereby avoiding the payment of California income taxes. Any wonder why?

      Report Post »  
    • Prospero
      Posted on October 13, 2010 at 12:08pm

      “ban smoking cigs yet promote Pot smoking.”

      It behooves all of us to employ clarity in language. What California seeks is a decriminalization of Marijuana. That is not equivalent to promotion.

      Nobody is saying, “Use marijuana, it’s good for you, it’s a wonderful thing!” That would be promotion.

      No matter how bad recreational drugs are, no matter what inconvenience drug abusers inflict on society, the injury to our liberties from “The War on Drugs” and all the various, predictable side-effects of prohibition vastly outweigh them.

      The only problem, as I see it, with California’s initiatives is they keep advancing the laughably ludicrous notion that marijuana is some kind of medicine. Right. And my uncle Ernie always kept that half-pint flask of Scotch on his person….for medicinal reasons, you know…

      Fruitcake claims only serve to cloud this heinous scheme by the government to control via prohibition, wish California could take the reasoned road and discuss the things that are relevant instead of playing make-believe.

      Report Post » Prospero  
  • BobtheMoronsp
    Posted on October 13, 2010 at 8:51am

    You, sir, are an idiot.

     
  • gobluebuckeye
    Posted on October 13, 2010 at 8:48am

    You can ell Brown is really upset of the question, but he should be ashamed that he even said that about her, what loser. If you have the ball to play have the balls to be called out

    Report Post » gobluebuckeye  
  • Ozzie
    Posted on October 13, 2010 at 8:41am

    Does anyone find it funny that the Independent candidate got arrested for showing up to the debate? That’s why this country has no hope, at the end of the day the choice is still between two parties with a monopolistic control of politics, and we just go back and forth while nothing gets done, no fresh ideas, business as usual.

    Report Post » Ozzie  
  • huck555
    Posted on October 13, 2010 at 8:41am

    Years ago when I lived in Calif. I was invited to a small private screening of a film. Jerry Brown who had just ended his term as Gov (1983) came with a date. During the entirety of the film he and his date sat on the front row and passionately made out in a way that was on the edge of pornographic. (Lots of moans and groans) The, after the film gathering conversation I had with him lead me to believe he was a pathological adolescent. He did appear heterosexual though.

    Report Post » huck555  
  • chkiaar
    Posted on October 13, 2010 at 8:38am

    Brown needs to get a haircut and get a real job. Ooops, forget the haircut, Mother Nature took care of that. Jerry needs to open a medicinal pot stand.

    Report Post »  
  • MJ1025
    Posted on October 13, 2010 at 8:36am

    So if you hire a person who gives you false documentation, you go to the trouble to go through an agency, and you pay taxes on the the wages you pay her, you are responsible for getting that person a lawyer when she tells you after nine years that she lied.

    Jerry Brown is an embicile.

    Report Post » MJ1025  
    • richierich
      Posted on October 13, 2010 at 8:51am

      Exactly.

      Obviously you haven’t spent a lot of time in Southern California. The term “personal responsibility” depends on what your politics are, what your definition of “personal” is, and what your definition of “responsibility” is.

      As a successful, conservative business person, its Meg Whitman’s responsibility to take over the “personal responsibility” of others.

      Report Post »  
    • BobtheMoronsp
      Posted on October 13, 2010 at 8:52am

      imbecile?

      Report Post »  
    • untameable-kate
      Posted on October 13, 2010 at 4:38pm

      It’s kind of like a moron Bob

      Report Post » Untameable-kate  
  • Ozzie
    Posted on October 13, 2010 at 8:36am

    Lookss like Whitman is “Politics as Usual.” Way to stay classy…why would anyone vote for her when she is just as moronic as her opponent.

    Let’s face it, California looks hopeless if this is the quality of the candidates.

    Report Post » Ozzie  
    • americanfirst
      Posted on October 13, 2010 at 1:18pm

      Because she is the better chice of the two and we hope she doesn’t sell out to liberal socialist or foriegn interest like your typical Democrat in office does. We need people willing to defend the American citizen exclusively and out of the two proven quantities – it’s CLEARLY NOT HIM!
      Any questions?

      Report Post »  
    • Restored One
      Posted on October 13, 2010 at 7:45pm

      California, we are screwed either way. I have not made my chocie yet. Do I blind fold myself and play pin the tail on the Ass, do I choose alphabetical, do I choose by gender. And then I have to pick for the Senate, that choice may be easier, I can eliminate by gender.

      Report Post »  
  • Gonzo
    Posted on October 13, 2010 at 8:35am

    Moron.

    Report Post » Gonzo  
  • dantom
    Posted on October 13, 2010 at 8:32am

    Brown don’t be a girly man sissy.

    Report Post »  
  • barrycooper
    Posted on October 13, 2010 at 8:30am

    Californians deserve this. They’ve been living beyond their means for years, and can’t get anyone to admit the whole system is broken. I‘m glad I don’t live there any longer. It’s a beautiful state, but so is the nation of Columbia. The difference is the people.

    How is Governor Moonbeam even on the ballot when the issues are serious? Was Jane Fonda not available? Get real, California, or give it up.

    Report Post »  
    • starman70
      Posted on October 13, 2010 at 9:56am

      Neither of the candidateswant to discuss real issues. Taxes, over zealous environmental regulation, the paperwork maze, environmental impact statements to be filed just to build a house no less a manufacturing facility and constant governmental prying into any employers business ane killing California. Employers are LEAVING in droves for states where they won’t be constantly harassed continually by the state.

      They won‘t discuss or provide a solution for the over the top public service union’s demands which are putting the state deeper and deeper in debt. It takes payments by 13 current firefighters just to cover the retirement of one retiree. What happens when those 13 retire? The same applies to State workers. Neither candidate seems to have the answer. The voters of California have been the ones who helped create the situation the state is in. It will be up to the voters of the state to demand and SUPPORT the necessary fixes to the problems. California, the rest of the country canot and will not bail you out of the mess you created for yourself and the same goes for every other state which has a bloated debt. CLEAN UP YOUR OWN MESS!

      Report Post »  
    • Prospero
      Posted on October 13, 2010 at 12:01pm

      “Neither of the candidateswant to discuss real issues.”

      That’s because anyone who could actually comprehend real issues already left California for the Pacific Northwest or points East a long, long time ago. Nothing is left in California but human-looking robots and a few prisoners.

      Report Post » Prospero  
  • WestOfThePecos
    Posted on October 13, 2010 at 8:30am

    Whoops! Brown won that exchange. Come on Whitman, let it go and stay with your talking points.

    Report Post » WestOfThePecos  
    • Silver Fox
      Posted on October 13, 2010 at 11:52am

      “Talking points?” What a joke! I’d take her “talking points” way before I’d take his idiocy. He’s made a career of leftist mud-slinging and incompetence. Moonbeam would be worse than Arnie, But then, with the IQ of a brussel sprout, what can you expect? God save California from the Left. We’ve had enough of their destructive ways!

      Report Post »  
    • angrymob
      Posted on October 13, 2010 at 12:51pm

      Lol! Did you watch the same debate?

      angrymob  
    • Leslie_Benedict
      Posted on October 13, 2010 at 5:19pm

      If the people of California are ignorant enough to vote for Brown – and to be complacent being the largest entitlement state in the country – then they deserve him.

      Report Post » Leslie_Benedict  
  • LLATPOH
    Posted on October 13, 2010 at 8:29am

    Two politicians going after each other’s throats? Say it ain’t so!

    I’m surprised that this is news yet. Almost every campaign starts up with the mantra of “we’re gonna run the cleanest campaign ever” and then slowly escalates their attacks up until election day.

    Not that I’m complacent to it, mind you… It just doesn’t shock me anymore that seemingly good people can get really ugly when their goals are hindered by another.

    Report Post »  
    • Egad
      Posted on October 13, 2010 at 10:05am

      We the people need a new campaign bill
      Stating politicians can’t lie at will

      Smearing your opponent shows a great flaw
      Campaigns like this should be against the law

      They portray each other as low-down weasels
      Forcing voters, to choose between two evils

      Looming issues, is what they need to discuss
      Instead of trying to confuse us

      Politicians caught lying, would lose their nod
      The truth and nothing but the truth, so help us God.

      Report Post »  
    • walkwithme1966
      Posted on October 13, 2010 at 10:41am

      For some reason I am stupid enough at the start of every election season to believe that there will be no mud throwing at each other – and every time I am disappointed. I live in Texas and that is all they do – throw mud, throw anything – it doesn’t even have to be true – to throw anything and see if something sticks. I am really so disappointed in most debates because of this reason – no debating just throwing mud at each other. http://wp.me/pYLB7-ec

      Report Post » walkwithme1966  
    • angrymob
      Posted on October 13, 2010 at 12:49pm

      @ Llatpoh
      Jerry Brown‘s been doing the attacking Meg Whitman and Meg Whitman’s been showing telling us facts concerning Jerry Brown’s record. Sorry if it’s not a good record…but that’s his own doing. I hardly believe the two are the same.

      Chris Christie for Prez 2012
      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Evtt-R7Rmdw

      Report Post » angrymob  
    • LLATPOH
      Posted on October 13, 2010 at 2:02pm

      @Angrymob

      No doubt in my mind that Whitman is the better candidate. Just pointing out the cyclical motion of every campaign I see. It starts with a “clean campaign” that only “focuses on the issues”, and in the end each candidate is basically saying that the other kills puppies for fun. (Exaggeration, but only slight.)

      That being said, I’d agree that Brown is doing more of the “attacking” here. However the story even mentions that some of Whitman‘s claims regarding the economy during Brown’s previous term as governor are “unfounded.”

      So, while I won’t say that Whitman is being as vicious as Brown is (not even close, and in so doing you could say I’m partially retracting my first statement, a bit), she’s still getting her punches in there every now and then that may not necessarily need to be thrown.

      Report Post »  
    • american1st
      Posted on October 13, 2010 at 3:29pm

      @ llatpoh it didn’t start that clean this time, meg jumped out with attack adds in the primary first and hardest,
      i am not saying don’t vote for her! we have no choice but to vote for her she is clearly the lesser of to evils candidate, but i wont have much faith in her turning out to be anything more than the kind of low down dirty politician her campaign has shown her to be,

      voting meg — wishing i had a better option…

      Report Post » american1st  
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