Raman dodges LAPD chief timeline in LA mayor debate

Summarised from 2 outlets · 3 reports · Updated 15 Oct, 19:32 · Archive

Mayoral candidate Nithya Raman refused to commit to a timeline for firing LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell during a debate with incumbent Karen Bass.

During a mayoral debate on Tuesday night in Universal City, Nithya Raman refused to commit to a specific timeline for firing LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell, despite this being a key campaign pledge. When pressed directly by reporters and challenged by incumbent Mayor Karen Bass, Raman repeatedly hedged, saying the decision would depend on other city bodies including the Police Commission and City Council.

Bass and her supporters attacked Raman's position. City Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez, speaking on Bass's behalf, said Raman was contradicting herself: on one hand promising to replace the chief, on the other suggesting his term expires in 2030 and she might act by then. Rodriguez accused Raman of intentionally misleading the public. Bass herself argued that firing the chief was within the mayor's power and warned that leadership disruption could hamper preparations for the 2028 Olympics. Raman countered that Bass had been absent during the city's crises, including homelessness and housing costs.

After the debate, Raman told NBC4 she had been in a 'fugue state' and did not remember much of the exchange. Bass appeared confident throughout, taking only prepared questions while Raman took just two questions from reporters afterwards.

How it is being reported

• Spooked LA lawmaker voting for Karen Bass to be re-elected mayor even though she dislikes her... because woke alternative Nithya Raman is far worseCity Councilwoman Traci Park said she has 'deep concerns' about Bass's leadership but that things 'can actually get worse' for Los Angeles if Raman is elected mayor.Daily Mail · 15 Oct, 19:21
• Wannabe LA mayor Nithya Raman claims she suffered rare psychiatric moment during Karen Bass debate"Oh, you know, to be honest with you, I'm so sorry but I was in fugue state and I don't remember very much of it at all," mayoral candidate Nithya Raman said.New York Post · 14 Oct, 19:56
• Nithya Raman dodges LAPD chief deadline as Karen Bass blasts rival’s flip-flops in fiery LA mayor debateNithya Raman was back in the hot seat Tuesday night over her pledge to fire LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell, refusing to say when she’d pull the trigger as a top ally of Mayor Karen Bass blasted her for misleading voters.New York Post · 14 Oct, 05:43

In this story: Nithya Raman · Karen Bass · Jim McDonnell · Monica Rodriguez · Los Angeles

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