L.A.’s Lose-Lose-Lose Primary
The mayoral race is a staging ground for three of the most unfortunate tendencies in American politics.
TL;DR
- Nithya Raman, a democratic socialist, is challenging incumbent Karen Bass for mayor of Los Angeles, focusing on housing affordability.
- Raman is criticized for her perceived lack of charisma, poor debate performance, and controversial past statements on defunding the police.
- Bass's homelessness program, 'Inside Safe,' is deemed ineffective and costly, with a low rate of successful permanent housing placements.
- Bass's housing policies have also faced criticism for failing to increase housing permits and for introducing loopholes that hinder development.
- Despite Raman's progressive policies, she has struggled to gain endorsements from key Democratic and union groups in Los Angeles.