Xavier Becerra reaches Day 9 since his last verified, in-person public campaign appearance.
The last qualifying appearance I can verify remains Friday, September 4, in Long Beach, where Becerra appeared with Mayor Rex Richardson, housing advocates and workers to promote his housing agenda and Proposition 1.
I searched specifically for Becerra campaign appearances on September 12 and this morning, September 13, and found no credible reporting confirming a newer public, in-person campaign stop. His campaign website also does not currently display a public-event calendar identifying his next campaign appearance. Social-media activity, campaign statements and private or virtual events do not reset our counter.
So the next firmly confirmed appearance remains a big one: September 30, when Becerra faces Republican Steve Hilton in their first one-on-one general-election debate. The hour-long CNN debate begins at 6 p.m. Pacific from CNN’s Los Angeles studios, moderated by Jake Tapper and Dana Bash.
Becerra previously told reporters there would be multiple debates. His campaign later characterized CNN as “the first debate we’ve confirmed.” I still find no second debate publicly confirmed. Hilton had pushed for multiple debates and responded to the CNN agreement by accusing Becerra of having spent “months in hiding.”
Today’s scoreboard: Becerra to the Basement — Day 9.
Last verified public campaign appearance: September 4, Long Beach.
Next confirmed major appearance: September 30, CNN debate.
That leaves 17 days until the debate — and, for now, the Basement clock keeps running.
