'When would you put a stop to protests?' | Wheeler, Iannarone answer viewer questions in debate

Incumbent Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler and challenger Sarah Iannarone make their cases to voters in a debate hosted by KGW and The Oregonian.

The candidates appeared Wednesday night from remote locations to ensure the debate was as safe as possible. Wheeler was at the offices of the local firefighters union, while Iannarone appeared from the office of a supporter in Southeast Portland. The debate was taped in advance to minimize the risk of any technical difficulties that would distract from the candidates' messages.

The candidates faced questions both from KGW anchor Laural Porter and Oregonian reporter Everton Bailey, as well as questions Portland-area residents sent in via video.

The first viewer question:

"When do peaceful protests, under our First Amendment, become unlawful, dangerous and violent, and when would you put a stop to this, making sure we go back to peaceful protests and not allowing our city to burn night after night?"

Iannarone:
"The answer to addressing the issue that’s happening in our streets is standing alongside the young Black Lives Matter leaders, meeting with them, talking with them, working with them on these issues and making progress toward real reform. I condemn violence in all forms, I always have. But we must know that the answer to protests about police brutality cannot be increased police brutality."

Wheeler:
"Tens of thousands of Portlanders have taken to the streets, joining millions of people around the country, and we should support this. This is an important movement, it’s an important time and I certainly embrace it. On the other hand there are people who've been engaged in nightly violence and criminal destruction, and leaders should say unequivocally that violence will not be condoned."

[AZVOICE]

Omg Portland is this the best you have?!? What a joke!

[zacharyglatt]

So the answer from both of them is apparently "violent groups are okay if they're on the left."

[andrewstevenjo]

Will vote for Ted just to keep the police department out of the hands of Jo Anne Hardesty.

[DarkArterialGore]

She reminds me of the Heaven's Gate suicide cult members, there's sinister vibes behind her creepy smile.

[cidsddb]

Are there any other people running for mayor?

[neskorock]

Who decided to have these two as mayor candidates? Serious question. I am sure Portland do not want to vote for these two.

[melodyann]

Omg. Im moving out of Oregon. This lady is crazy.

[mjames]

How much more "global warming" or whatever until Oregon sinks???
Also, how can we make it happen much sooner?

[KudistosMegistos]

Did she say that she opposes "ANTI-fascism"? Was that a Freudian slip?

[bcool]

Did she say "menstrual..." She is CRAZY!!! It is scary to see someone like this running for a political office!

[slnds]

Portland used to be such a great city. Sending ❤️and 🙏your way.

[AbaGootu]

I’m ready for a conservative to run Portland

[merylburke]

OMG I don't know whether to laugh or cry! Is this the two candidates that my beautiful rose city has to choose from? Absolutely maniacal. Portland is really in deep if either of these two are the leaders.

I’m voting for Trump and Wheeler on the same ballot. Crazy times. 🤣

[DD-wifb]

Wait a minute. A moderator that equally asks tough questions to both candidates??? Can we please have her moderate the next presidential debate?

[liamwinter]

Its like watching Himmler defend his brown shirts.

[mjames]

Uhhh....
Isn't "white supremacy" also _just an idea?_

[williamkelly]

i condemn violence BUT, 什么的

there is no room for a BUT there

[donaldpalmer]

BS they will never quit unless they are made to quit

[cidsddb]

Just had an idea, you might be able to pull one of those homeless people out of the tent and make them mayor. It be better than These two