The University of Southern California (USC) canceled its planned Tuesday gubernatorial debate after facing criticism for excluding all prominent candidates of color. According to Los Angeles Times, the university called off the event less than 24 hours before it was scheduled, citing concerns that the selection criteria had created a 'significant distraction from the issues that matter to voters.' The debate was co-organized with KABC-TV and Univision.
Key Takeaways
USC canceled its planned gubernatorial debate after criticism over excluding candidates of color. The university faced backlash for using a selection process that favored wealthy candidates with mega donors. Prominent Democrats who were excluded protested, leading to the cancellation less than 24 hours before the event. Polls show two Republicans leading in the race.
The invited candidates were Democrats Rep. Eric Swalwell, former Orange County Rep. Katie Porter, San José Mayor Matt Mahan, billionaire Tom Steyer; along with Republicans conservative commentator Steve Hilton and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco.
According to CBS News, the selection process used a 'data-driven candidate viability formula' developed by USC Professor Christian Grose. The formula weighted polling percentages at 65% and fundraising at 35%. However, this methodology was criticized for favoring wealthy candidates and those with mega donors.
The exclusion of former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, state Supt. of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, and former state Controller Betty Yee sparked outrage. According to Los Angeles Times, these candidates had protested their exclusion and formed an informal pact not to participate in any debate that did not include all of them.
Becerra penned an open letter to USC President Beong-Soo Kim, questioning the validity of the selection process. He argued that the formula penalized candidates who entered the race early and raised funds through small-dollar donations. According to Fox News, Becerra likened the exclusion to 'the days when his father would encounter signs posted outside establishments that read ‘No Dogs, Negroes or Mexicans Allowed.’'
The cancellation came amid a growing possibility that Democrats could be shut out of the general election under California's top-two primary system. According to Los Angeles Times, a poll released Tuesday by the California Democratic Party showed two Republican candidates leading the field, with Hilton at 16% and Bianco at 14%. Democrats Swalwell, Porter, and Steyer were tied at 10%, while other Democrats polled in the low single digits.
According to Fox News, USC defended Professor Christian Grose's data-driven selection process, stating it was based on extensive research and enjoyed broad academic support. However, advocates criticized the process as racist and rigged. Becerra claimed that the process disqualified all candidates of color while inviting a white candidate who had never polled higher than some of the excluded candidates.
USC scholars defended the process, stating that Professor Grose faced baseless allegations of election-rigging, inconsistency, bias, and data manipulation. They argued that these attacks diminished academic freedom and chilled scholarly willingness to add their voices to the public square. Despite this defense, USC ultimately canceled the debate.
The cancellation has left USC in a difficult position, as it was criticized for both defending and then yielding to the cancel campaign. The university's decision has sparked further debate about affirmative action and racial criteria in admissions and political processes.
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