California gubernatorial candidate Katie Porter has responded to criticism following her recent interview where she threatened to walk out. During an event on March 15, 2024, at the UC Student and Policy Center in Sacramento, Porter addressed concerns raised by students and community members regarding her conduct in media interactions.
The controversy intensified after Porter expressed dissatisfaction with a CBS interview where she felt the reporter asked too many follow-up questions. This incident was compounded by a resurfaced video from a 2021 interview in which she appeared to berate a staff member. Other Democratic candidates vying for the governorship have criticized her approach during these encounters.
“I could have definitely handled that situation better,” Porter acknowledged before the event. “I know that, and I think people deserve to hear me say that.” She expressed relief at having completed the CBS interview and emphasized that a candidate’s responsibility is to engage with questions effectively.
In her remarks to attendees, Porter outlined her vision for California, stating, “I’m ready to fight for California.” She underscored the need for a leader who is both tough and straightforward. As a professor at UC Irvine, she expressed enthusiasm for engaging with students and future voters.
Porter highlighted her commitment to addressing the pressing issues facing Californians, particularly in reducing living costs. “People need to know they have someone who will push hard to make life better for them and keep California growing,” she said.
Furthermore, Porter acknowledged her appreciation for her staff and conveyed her regret for her past behavior, stating she apologized “in real time” to the staffer involved in the 2021 incident. When asked about the media’s focus on these controversies, she maintained, “The media does its job, and I’m grateful for it, especially in this moment.”
As the campaign progresses, Porter aims to focus on the issues that matter most to Californians, while also addressing the lessons learned from her recent media interactions.
