September 27, 2010 (San Diego) – The first of three televised debates between California gubernatorial candidates Jerry Brown and Meg Whitman will be aired Tuesday night at 6 p.m. on Channel 7/39 KNSD locally.
Whitman, former CEO of E-Bay, has spent over $119 million of her own money, breaking the nation’s record for most funds poured into a race by any candidate. Brown, California’s former Governor and current Attorney General, has relied on grassroots support but has been outspent by his wealthy opponent.
Now voters will have an opportunity to hear directly from both candidates—without the filtering of political advisors or scripted TV ads. The Sacramento Bee has provided a pre-debate analysis of each candidate’s strengths and weaknesses.
Brown, a veteran debater, has in-depth knowledge of state government. Whitman lacks government experience but is a skilled public speaker. Whitman “must show she is gubernatorial—something more than a billionaire, self-funded candidate” while Brown needs to “demonstrate he is modern, his ideas relevant today,” according to the Bee’s analysis.
The debate will be held at the University of California, Davis.