The Most Important Comment in the CA Governor Debate Didn’t Come from the Candidates

The first California governor “debate” was held last night, and the most important comment was from the final audience questioner. After introducing himself, he looked at the panel of contestants and said simply, “Well, that was kinda a mess….”

Not surprisingly, he was referring to the rude shouting match amongst several of the male candidates. (And, of course, “not all men…” There were a few who didn’t engage.) But, I don’t think anyone is surprised to learn a policy “debate” deteriorated into a frat-boy mud slinging competition about who was the “stronger” leader. Ugh….

Katie Porter, the lone woman on stage – even in California in 2026 – knew better than to get involved, or god forbid, interrupt. (We all know women are not permitted to interrupt men for any reason whatsoever.) However, Katie was keen to read her GenZ audience when she turned to them and said, “I feel like I’m at home with my teenagers…” There was enough laughter to overtake the sound of ruckus, but not enough to quell it. And, like the young man who followed, she was also right: Their behavior was juvenile, it’s a mess, and we’re collectively sick of it.

Being called out by a 20-something GenZer (who was better dressed and better mannered than the majority of these “leaders”) in front of millions isn’t just embarrassing, it’s a harbinger of things to come.

What GenZ is saying is clear: We want good. We’ve been raised with good parents, good teachers, good coaches. We want good food, a good education, and good jobs. We want a government of good ethics, good manners, good behavior. We’re tired of entitled old men behaving badly. We’re tired of bad bosses, bad companies, and bad political policy. Your bad behavior tells me everything I need to know about you. It tells me that you’re not good.

California has always been on the bleeding edge of American culture. Pay attention: You’re either going to bring good, or you’re going to be left behind.

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