Portland mayoral debate: Ted Wheeler, Sarah Iannarone on protests, police reform and COVID-19

In a Portland mayoral debate hosted by KGW and the Oregonian, incumbent Ted Wheeler tried to make his case to voters to let him lead the city for four more years, while challenger Sarah Iannarone pushed for progressive policies and a fresh start in local government.

Both candidates appeared 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. We taped the debate in advance to minimize the risk of any technical difficulties that would distract from the messages from the candidates.

The debate was moderated by KGW's Laural Porter and the Oregonian's Everton Bailey, and the candidates discussed everything from nightly protests, climate change, to homelessness, the COVID-19 pandemic and economic recovery.

[portlandtoor]

Wow, Portlandia Season 14 has really jumped the shark.

[BestOfDays]

Literally there’s almost no difference in the two RIP Portland, vote Trump this November it’s your only chance for help

[tomservopresident]

I'm not even from Portland and stumbled on this debate. Portland I feel sorry for you. This is not fair to them.

[errolflynn]

I can’t believe anyone would want this job, especially Wheeler, the mob chased him out of his home.

[keithmammen]

Portland has a population over 650, 000 and these are the best 2 you could find? God help Portland! It used to be a beautiful city.

[Luxeley]

I have $195 in my wallet plus some more $$$ in the bank. I'll save it for 2024 and then go buy some really really really really really really cheap real estate in Portland, OR.

[drewbeedoobedo]

moved from HAPPY I did. Who would have thought TED WHEELER would be more cow

[mikew]

Portland choices of mayors insane and insaner

[je]

Lol she accidentally said she strongly opposed to anti fascism.

[Vorgaloth]

Absolutely flabbergasted that these two are Portland's choices. I heard enough about Wheeler from my friends in Portland and Bret Weinstein's Dark Horse podcast. Then I learned about Sarah. Jeezus! Today I saw a picture of her wearing a long skirt with Mao's face all over it. Both of these idiots espouse Critical Race Theory. My heart goes out to all the sane people of Portland.

[Grateful_loaf]

Her last name is more like “I am a moron”

[JM-jcys]

Portland is so screwed with these two choices LOL

[FinancialGame]

These are the people of Portland only option? Yeah, they are doomed for sure.

[crybully]

Question: why aren’t violent rioters held **accountable** for the terror and destruction they bring into Portland ?

[mikecardon]

TED WHEELER LET THE MOB KICK HIM OUT OF HIS OWN HOUSE!

[mikew]

If Joe Biden wins this would be our future one-party system that's what the Democrats want.

[djy]

Portland police department. Your skills can be taken ANYWHERE in the country. There is no need for you to stay where you are not wanted, or abused, or needlessly worrying about flack your kids may get because you are a police officer. You are loved and appreciated. Let that city reap what it has sown.

[nateb]

No Ted, YOU need to stop the violence and clean up the streets. I am so fucking mad these are my two options!
Question: where do you draw the line with protesters? S.I. answer: I as the mayor cannot control what any individual protester does"
As the mayor and police commissioner not only can you control violent "protesters" but it's your job description and responsibility. Listening to her and knowing him, I think I'm going to be sick

[paulaguilar]

😂😂😂 holy crud! These are the “choices”?!! You’ve got vanilla left and molotov left, later PDX, you’re screwed.

[dongskongs]

My pray for the people in Portland in the coming years.