Chicago Mayoral Debate: Paul Vallas, Brandon Johnson Face Off in Chicago Election Forum

For the first time since they secured spots in the April 4 runoff election, Paul Vallas and Brandon Johnson will meet in a televised forum hosted by NBC 5 and Telemundo Chicago on Wednesday, March 8.

[@PJH-vd7ve]

Seriously, why are the moderators for local debates better than those hosting debates for state and federal elections?!!

[@mutantlabor]

Less corporate influence holding them back. The higher up you go, both the candidates and the people covering them are shackled down by all their donors and sponsors. You basically can't ask any difficult questions unless they're pre-approved by all parties and the response is already pre-written as well.

[@azmike3572]

@@mutantlabor Where can we research these rules?

[@idesofmarch1375]

Figure it out

[@Its_Santrio]

Shout out to NBC for asking the hard questions!

[@azmike3572]

I agree. But if politicians were honest in answering certain hard questions, they might want to say something like, "The problem (homelessness, rent costs, racial income divide, etc.) asked about is not something government should try to solve. In our accompanying quest for votes, we often make the problem worse. Let the market work." But of course that's not what voters and financial supporters want to hear.

[@amirraja1]

Moderator came with video evidence for both. Amazing

[@Elsith01]

I liked this style of questioning. Unexpected.

[@johnkelly879]

Paul Vallas talks about the city of Chicago. Brandon Johnson talks about Paul Vallas.

[@mutantlabor]

When you don't have a record of your own to talk about...

[@BillionaireBEDotCom]

This was a Horrible take! And the things he informed us all about Vallas was informative and not out of line. Beyond that he was well prepared for every question. And at the Very least Johnson has the leadership ability for people to trust that he will be on the front line and honest his entire term. And he’s NOT JUST ABOUT LOWERING CRIME and playing favoritism how Vallas is. Brandon is the only option for a better Chicago… proof in the pudding.

[@BillionaireBEDotCom]

@@mutantlabor He spoke on his own record… his record is he’s actually been on the front line and can relate to this community because he BEEN in this community… Vallas is just a puppet. Let’s stay focused guys, we don’t need some old, confused guy that’s been going all around the world to be an overseer and has failed everywhere. Like is anyone in these comments being Logical? Johnson is the only option. His plans are straightforward, pro-active. He’ll get things done quicker and still be on the frontline for CPD, CTU and business owners/ home owners and the community in total. “ You don’t ask someone to do their job and someone else’s “ 🤷🏾🫡

[@mutantlabor]

@@BillionaireBEDotCom You must have been watching a different video because Johnson avoided answering like half the questions he got. Go back and watch him flail around having to answer the head tax question. He's unprepared, has no record to speak of, and so he focuses all his attention on making wild and completely exaggerated accusations about Vallas. You must be a young voter.

[@PeteyDoe]

@@mutantlabordon’t mind him. he’s under every comment D riding brandon

[@Kev_773]

Vallas is definitely taking that W, even my Hispanic neighbors want him in , LETS GO!!

[@melvincraig3120]

The trains during rush hour either need more cars added to accommodate the influx in riders, or the CTA needs to alter schedules so that everyone can catch the train without having to wait train after train because they're all full.

[@BillionaireBEDotCom]

Can’t Vote for someone who doesn’t even ride the CTA… Vallas is a Puppet! Literally not one foot in this cities culture. Brandon Johnson the only option.

[@BillionaireBEDotCom]

@@Myas-Loyal-Fan Right it’s everything we can see it as. An outsider looking in! It’d be different if he had a successful history, but sense he doesn’t AND He’s not really in the city streets there’s no reason to even consider the stagnate plans he advocates for.

[@blanketyblank604]

@@Myas-Loyal-Fan They need two cars train every 5 minutes express from blue line to airport.

[@saulgood8229]

“I’m raising a family on the west side of Chicago.” “I come from a big family.” “I’m always gonna tell you the truth.” “Invest in people.” “Better, stronger, safer Chicago.” Brandon Johnson is like a human soundboard.

[@user-vk8pq7pm5g]

Johnson doesn’t need to introduce himself and repeat the problems; he needs to answer the question but he didn’t

[@SM-el7di]

Brandon is not really answering questions. I thought he might be good at first but not anymore. Shady

[@Surprised_Chicken]

Something people need to understand is the clearance rate is so low because we have an SA's office who doesn't wanna prosecute offenders. At the end of the day you could have a million cops on the street and lock up a million ppl it doesn't mean shit if you don't actually prosecute them

[@BillionaireBEDotCom]

Exactly, Brandon Johnson the only Option!

[@Surprised_Chicken]

@HOLDING THAT BAG RECORDINGS lol hell no. Dude is in WAY over his head and is a talking soundboard. Would rather have more cops locking ppl up for a few days then getting no le pros instead of what Johnson wants to do and that's let the criminals run wild

[@B_22_5]

@@BillionaireBEDotCom what? Brandon is in bed with Kim Foxx. He is a terrible choice for anyone that cares about safety.

[@Samuel-er5bf]

@@BillionaireBEDotCom 200 more detectives? That’s his plan?

[@Samuel-er5bf]

@@BillionaireBEDotCom so not crime deterrence, but h get more detectives to solve after the crime has been committed?

[@martinzugschwert2747]

I appreciate NBC asking the hard questions and being willing to call out clear non-answers and political word soup.

[@antr7493]

"political word soup"

[@Conduit2Christ84]

Hahahahahahaha are you serious?

[@a_holy_cannoli]

Man, I think Johnson failed to capitalize on this. Avoiding questions, attacking the identity rather than attacking the issue. I'm 26 minutes into the debate and Johnson continues to say "Vallas this," or "Vallas that." Vallas answered the questions, he didn't find a roundabout way to bash his opponent.

[@johnreese4377]

Whoever wins must keep their promises of public safety, or they will lose public trust. Public safety is their job, not criminal justice reform.

[@audichicago]

Johnson is going to hire detectives? Never happened, never will, it's a promoted position from inside the police department.

[@raymondireland8103]

I don't want to see retired officers return.

[@angelsantin8721]

not ideal candidates but maybe it’s better than not having cops answer to calls. plus i’m sure they’d go through a reevaluation, hopefully lol

[@Golflegend410]

Mr. Johnson didn’t lay out more detailed plans. He didn’t mention where or what position he would look to for a police superintendent on his shortlist. That’s a red flag for me. He also said “we need mental health support for officers who are on the front line.” The people of Chicago want to know HOW you will provide that mental health support? Mr. Vallas was much more prepared for this debate

[@austinquinn476]

I'm not sure what you expect from this format. I'm not attacking Johnson or Vallas, but this is a TERRIBLE debate format for a nuanced discussion. I think this is just a fast "What do the candidates believe" round. Hopefully there will be more in-depth discussion in the future.

[@raymondireland8103]

Vallas gave no details about a new police superintendent either.

[@shemirama1408]

Vallas was the only one w/ talking facts n concrete plans, Johnson kept differing to attacking Vallas n mistrust about Vallas. It's clear.

[@GWIN3085]

@@raymondireland8103 Vallas probably has names while Johnson does not. Johnson is an anti police individual and has come out and said that his over goal was to defund the police. Vallas specifically said he did not want to say there names due to putting them on the spot when it is not the right place or time to do so.

[@raymondireland8103]

@George Huynh yeah, ok. I agree that this isn't the time to get specific about possible police superintendents. But that goes for Johnson as well. All Vallas said was that he would look within the Cpd. Not too specific. Johnson said he would consider more options basically. The moderator specifically asked for names. And I feel ppl tend to see and hear what they want and give the person they want the benefit of the doubt. Just as quickly as you say "Vallas probably has names", anyone can say the same about Johnson. Or He probably doesn't have names. But personally I don't like either for different reasons. I didn't vote for neither of them and still don't want to. If Vallas is being honest about what he wants I think he'll be a good mayor. But that's a big if.

[@benbrandsmeier9810]

Johnson "no one EXPECTED me here so I don't have an answer but I'll come up with one when you vote for me!" Lol Please NOOOOOOOO

[@climatecrisisdragon3628]

You didn't watch the debate.

[@laurenmeltzer7159]

@@climatecrisisdragon3628 they are all repeating these lines. Lol

[@climatecrisisdragon3628]

@@laurenmeltzer7159 they're a paid astroturf campaign by the FOP and a far right billionaire.

[@user-vx8pr8oj1v]

😂 he did horrible in this debate

[@BillionaireBEDotCom]

@@Myas-Loyal-Fan lol yes, but not nervous more so “Let’s get all this out in the open, so we don’t have to linger in the forthcoming weeks”.

[@alejandrosalgado8276]

Brandon seemed over his head and overwhelmed. Spent the whole night attacking....hoping to land that knockout blow. He did not.

[@jessecasas1006]

He never answers the question, same answered about his family growing up

[@climatecrisisdragon3628]

Vallas is a fascist

[@knucklehoagies]

his answers are all attacks on vallas and tired old virtue signalling bs

[@BillionaireBEDotCom]

Just being in the Run Off is a Knock out… Vallas is a Delusional with his crime tactic. At best I’d make Vallas the Super Intendant not a Mayor.

[@sugabearchiraq5755]

I’m tired of Johnson telling me Vallas record. Just stick to the issues. I’m tired of him throwing people under the bus. Issues only!!

[@B_22_5]

@@Myas-Loyal-Fan if we are talking track record than we have two terrible choices in front of us. Neither have the experience to run a city of this size.

[@sugabearchiraq5755]

@@Myas-Loyal-Fan I don’t need Johnson to tell me anything about Vallas. Because they both have a past. Vallas is sticking to issues, Johnson is trying a smear campaign.

[@natelove187]

I was thinking 💭 the same way

[@BillionaireBEDotCom]

He gave his answers! You must not have dissected his message accurately. And he’s speaking on Vallas because not everyone knows about his record. He’s the Billy Donovan of Politics.

[@caspernetherlands698]

The only thing brandon did in this debate was attacking Vallas for being a Republican and being backed by people he doesn’t have the same opinion with. Note how he doesn’t answer any of the questions but keeps attacking Vallas. Just like lightfoot …. He doesn’t have answers and keep mentioning my plan my plan my plan… excepts people to read his “plan” while you can clearly tell he’s not going to address crime, or fight to keep businesses safe, or the cta safe. I can sense he’s going to be worse than Lori…. Go Vallas, you’ll have my vote again!!!🎉

[@natelove187]

I know

[@shemirama1408]

Agreed

[@trongriffinproductions7159]

Paul Vallas has hosted a conservative radio talk show according to Politico.

[@BillionaireBEDotCom]

When we’re you ever looked to for your senses? Because your speaking nonsense. He spoke fluently and informed us of the Dried up old hag. He didn’t only speak on Vallas the heck is in Yall ear? It seems like majority of people are hearing his skin color more than his progressiveness! Vallas is just a Band-aid… and that’s not what this city deserves. And from what I seen for Lori she actually did good things. During the pandemic she declined to have to Coast guards come in the city which would’ve led to people being shot down. She also wanted to put a casino in the city, gave grants and home loans to city workers. My uncle had a $30,000 check delivered to add to his down payment on his home. Johnson is the only option. There’s going to be crime with Vallas. No way around it. His plan is a Fallacy. We don’t want retired cops, we don’t need more cops. As he stated it’s 40% of mental health crisis calling 911… we don’t need policing for that. He wants to keep police on police work and Keep them focused with less duties to civilians and more on the criminals. I’m only the overseer! “You don’t ask someone to do their job and someone else’s” 🔥

[@caspernetherlands698]

@@BillionaireBEDotCom this is everything that’s wrong with Chicago and left liberals of our country. Even you as a supporter pulled off the race card in this youtube comment. Unbelievable… imagine what johnson is going to do if elected mayor… is going to drive Chicago in more deep shit and complain how people are racist to him, pull off the race card and blame others for his actions. We’ve seen this happened with all progressive leaders around the country. And facts are that progressiveness is throwing societies to regression … your woke, progressive ideologies ruin great cities like Chicago!!!

[@eduardobenitez752]

Paul Vallas all the way! I trust him

[@demam41]

While I do like some of the answers Brandon gave, at the same time, I have a suspicion in the back of my head that he would not do much in terms of cracking down on crime as mayor, I honestly feel like he would be very similar to Lightfoot: all talk no action

[@brownrose1387]

Absolutely HE iS! He standing there giving staged answers. Bad news

[@Chicago_Conservative]

What the hell does it matter if its a democrat or republican ? Whoever does a better job should get the job

[@BillionaireBEDotCom]

Exactly. I haven’t heard of Johnson before a month ago and he’s very spot on to where this cities direction should be. He’s the obvious fit for Change.

[@luisguzman2598]

Because politics in these times it’s about tribalism

[@PrazMaster]

Chicago hasn’t had a Republican mayor elected since 1927. There hasn’t been a partisan election for Mayor of Chicago in which a Republican has been the runner up since 1983. Nobody can openly run as a Republican in Chicago and expect to win.

[@BillionaireBEDotCom]

@@PrazMaster Dudes Confused!!!! He don’t know what he is 😂 I’m good on the Delusional 🔂🤷🏾

[@Puppetkon46]

Actually, it matters quite a bit if we're going by what sort of moral beliefs we can assume. Anyone still willing to call themselves a Republican under a Trump presidency tells you a lot about what they value.

[@seanl3895]

Like many of you, I came here to be a better educated voter and to listen to specific, ACTIONABLE plans from both, but Brandon Johnson keeps talking about Paul 'Republican' Vallas, big family and he lives in the West Side instead. It's 2023, why do some candidates still treat voters like they're idiots and keep spamming identity phrases... It's like the presidential debate where 50% of it is spent saying the term 'the A-M-E-R-I-C-A-N PEOPLE'. We got serious problems in Chicago that need urgent triage. I'm searching for what Brandon Johnson will actually do for CTA safety like it's the holy grail. I've googled, listened to the interviews, watched him debate and turned up nothing. Why should I vote for someone without a plan. For us Chicagoans these things matter. It shouldn't be this difficult to hear a one lil bit of a plan. Doesn't he want us to vote for him?

[@Elsith01]

I'm glad Vallas gave a real answer about the Bears; they are not worth billions, and they're better off getting their own stadium. Johnson's answer sounded like he was guessing what the voters wanted to hear.

[@BillionaireBEDotCom]

@@BlackFemaleAnd50 he didn’t say he would do anything. He stated he has the level headedness to court them the best way to keep them there and with that perspective he actually understands their history and values them as a landmark of Chicago culture. Having someone who can see eye to eye with you is big to have and that’s why Johnson is the best option.

[@Mifamilia99]

Black folks ? Is this city all black? Why does Johnson keep making this about color

[@ajseeingred]

Which color is mostly killing and dying in the city?

[@pumpkins69]

Brandon is feeling the heat. I'm getting the Obama voice pauses and humor and the famous "look" to answer questions. This is not the time to get cute Brandon. We need a plan to get Chicago back on track

[@pumpkins69]

@@Myas-Loyal-Fan I agree. I actually like Brandon. Zero issues. He seems like a very nice gentleman. Whoever gets elected, they can't do it themselves. We need to restore confidence to the everyday Chicagoan. Confidence that we're safe, protected and have an opportunity to make a difference. I honestly believe Chicago is at it's best when we're not walking on egg shells and have a voice on what WE know the city needs best. Love the moderator as well. Hard nose and not falling for the BS

[@cynthiajubiter6889]

Villas is feeling the heat.

[@shemirama1408]

When you have nothing to back up you smile, attack n do talking points. Vallas stuck to the issues. Voting Vallas.

[@greenhornet5186]

@@shemirama1408 Me too.

[@trongriffinproductions7159]

@@cynthiajubiter6889 Yeah,Politico just broke the story of Vallas insulting former President Barack Obama and his wife. Tribune just broke the story of him liking the comments calling Chicago a Hellhole a Shitcago.

[@charlesturnage]

Vallas actually talked about plans and strategy, he actually had legit points to bring to the table. He was strategic and had legit thoughts on policy. Brandon was just throwing shots which is more political BS that I don’t want to hear… I liked Brandon in the earlier debates but his stance again on public safety is WEAK!! Also mental health facilities is not a fix all. I think Vallas is the only legit way to go. I’m not going to just vote for Brandon because he is black an he from Austin area where I’m from.. We actually need to stop this crime and focus on the city as a whole.

[@climatecrisisdragon3628]

@@BlackFemaleAnd50 vallas isn't even a moderate republican he's a fascist.

[@Btree33]

lol

[@user-vx8pr8oj1v]

I agree! Vallas broke down all of his policies with details a lot more often than Johnson did. Also, Vallas did not attack Johnson once! Lastly, I feel like Johnson just wants to be the next black mayor..

[@knucklehoagies]

seems like Chicagoans are finally waking up to the fact that just because someone looks like you, it does not automatically mean they always have your best interests. Vote for ISSUES not skin color.

[@unpopularopinionpodcast24]

@@climatecrisisdragon3628oh please. Go read the definition and tell me how

[@liyuhe5250]

Johnson has been attacking the whole night while Vallas was just answering the question. I hate how Johnson cling to the claim that Vallas is a republican! Attack his idea, not his identity!

[@benbrandsmeier9810]

No identity politics is how we run America now. Just talk about your feelings and not plans or facts. Listen to his Chicago bears answers. Paul is straight to facts and Johnson emotional.

[@liyuhe5250]

@@benbrandsmeier9810 Johnson did said he wanted to talk to Bear, but yeah, Vallas was more straightforward.

[@climatecrisisdragon3628]

We don't want fascism in Chicago. This is like a number 1 issue. Go to florida if you support fascsim

[@user-vx8pr8oj1v]

Also republicans in 2009 were really fucking different from republicans in 2023 let’s be real

[@Jackholiday1025]

During their speeches when they made the run off, Johnson used his time to attack and demonize Vallas while Vallas didn’t. Johnson seems like such a punk and he’s a corny bastard too he really said “ I gotta say it ... HERES BRANDON HEHEHE “

[@GlennAndrewPeters19]

Paul Vallas has my vote

[@BillionaireBEDotCom]

I’m sure any person who promoted staying in a Loop and Delusional crime tactics would get your vote. Vallas is a Puppet… and your front row 🤷🏾

[@jaymaddox8858]

I'm waiting for Johnson's response to how will he make the trains clean and safe? He totally incompleted that question.

[@natelove187]

He won’t. Look at his track record as alderman. Nasty neighborhood

[@HisShadowX]

He did see 40:10 the way to make the CTA better to create bus only lanes 😂 Forget about the homeless who a urinating on the trains and seats on the train or the crime in the train we need more bus lanes 😂

[@natelove187]

@@Myas-Loyal-Fan like what

[@natelove187]

@@Myas-Loyal-Fan Some is not enough Ms. Mac. Like Willy Wilson said , “If you can’t get crime under control, then businesses will leave or close”. The money first must go back downtown then the wealth gets spread abroad. The parents need to get their kids under control. That means no more violent video games and honoring thug culture. Going back to church for morality teachings. Take a page from the Japanese culture with hardly 3% crime

[@charlesturnage]

Seems like his public safety plan is only about investing in mental health facilities which we herd all that before. I can’t rock with that

[@williamdyckman3483]

Paul Vallas answers are soooo much more substantial than Johnson’s

[@ksmooth2671]

HEY BRANDON JOHNSON: WHAT DOES THE NUMBER OF BATHROOMS IN YOUR CHILDHOOD HOME HAVE TO DO WITH THE NEW CHICAGO POLICE CHIEF???? STOP TRYING TO GET PITY VOTES AND TRY COMING UP WITH SOME ACTUAL GOOD IDEAS!!!!

[@user-li2ir5ss5p]

Brandon Johnson is not very mayoral, he seems in over his head. He’s stumbling around to answer direct questions from the moderator, on several occasions she’s had to admonish him to please answer the questions. He’s so busy attacking Vallas, he can’t communicate what he’s going to do to help the City of Chicago. I didn’t hear Vallas constantly attacking Johnson, Vallas merely stated how he would run the city. I get tired of all of this political negativity. Lightfoot ran her campaign on negativity and look where it got her.

[@BillionaireBEDotCom]

It got her in office! Johnson is being informative on Vallas beach everyone doesn’t know. And she only interrupted him twice. That’s not SEVERAL TIMES… his responses are relative for the average neighbor and fluent with Analysis and Numbers to back up his statements. Not one time was he delusional about where this city can be and how it can be to be a safer Chicago. On the other hand Vallas thinks more police is an answer… so he has no answer! I’m only the overseer… Johnson is the only option.

[@user-li2ir5ss5p]

@@BillionaireBEDotCom I guess you didn’t see where the moderator admonishes Johnson for the third time at the end of the debate? In the early 1980’s, I worked on Harold Washington’s “Chicago’s Best Mayor“ first campaign for mayor. I also retired from Cook County Government after working for the Court system for 30 years. We keep electing the same ol’ a**holes and nothing gets better. People are afraid to walk the streets for fear of getting robbed, carjacked or shot. What has Lori Lightfoot, Toni Preckwinkle and Kim Fox ect…. done but destroy the City of Chicago? Brandon Johnson is just another version of Lightfoot. He has no experience managing multi-million dollar budgets. He wants to de-fund the police and impose a 3.5% City Tax on the residents of Chicago. He’s a puppet for “Soda Tax Queen” Toni Preckwinkle and the Chicago Teachers Union. As for Preckwinkle, she’s a machine politician disguised as a progressive. Be honest, you actually believe the City is in better shape under the leadership of Lightfoot, Preckwinkle and Fox? I’ve lived in Chicago my entire life, the city has never been in worse shape than it is now. I’ve never seen it this bad and now you want to add Brandon “Know Nothing” Johnson? I never thought I’d see the day when I would say this, but Rahm Emanuel and the Daley’s were better leaders than what we have now. If you think the City of Chicago is moving in the right direction under the Preckwinkle/Johnson leadership you’re delusional! Chicago’s going to hell in a handbasket fast and you know it!!!

[@stansmith8206]

I'm from Vermont and new to Chicago. This seems like a boxing match. Is this way it's always been? I'm not understanding the bell ringing?

[@gerryzink3176]

It has always been this way in Chicago.

[@GRANOLA77]

The bell ringing is so they don't go over the alloted response time.

[@mutantlabor]

Chicago is a city of spirited and aggressive politics. The "windy" city isn't about our weather, it's about the force with which we debate.

[@_1000.]

It's always a fight between common sense and utter ignorance. Ignorance wins more often here

[@emu5088]

It's just a bell to indicate their time is up. Nothing weird about it.

[@Mifamilia99]

Brandon Johnson just proved he doesn’t care about CPS students.: he completely avoided the answer on how to improve student scores

[@natelove187]

Brandon can’t raise your kids

[@perpetualcollapse]

@@natelove187 Like a plant, kids need structure and support while they grow and they will collapse if there isn’t anything to help them. If your approach is to give parents full control of a child’s life then may I recommend home schooling?

[@BillionaireBEDotCom]

@@natelove187 Facts. raising these kids off social media and video games is the real reason!

[@pchuck1439]

As a Teacher, Brandon barely gave homework or gave out Fs when warranted. He failed students and he'll fail Chicago.

[@Mifamilia99]

We don’t have middle school in CPS !! Johnson is talking about the suburban school system

[@EvilTwin_Sister]

Really? I went to a CPS middle school 😅 unless they don’t now?

[@DLL8252]

Michelle Clark on the west side of Chicago is a middle school, get your facts straight then speak.

[@desjay8977]

There are still many CPS middle schools. My sister goes to one.

[@shemirama1408]

"What will you do day one?" Vallas clearly articulated public Safety, police n holding SA Kim Foxx accountable. Didn't need to hear anything else, *LOVE IT!* Johnson has to be asked 3x n all he could muster was young ppl jobs .. HUH?! I'm voting Vallas!

[@BillionaireBEDotCom]

You didn’t need to hear anything else? We’ll your vote is shit then. There’s more to this city than that. He doesn’t need to be mayor to do that. The heck is wrong with you… Vallas is focused on bring workers in who DONT WANT TO SERVICE US. He’s delusional and your voting for Delusion. One guy wants to House 65,000 the other wants to house 15,000… 😂 how you top that? You can’t… Vallas is a Puppet… crime will never stop it don’t matter if Vallas is in office because he wants to FORCE Violence down… the killers are killers you not forcing anyone away from crime unless you give them a reason TO NOT HAVE TO DO CRIME… and That is the difference. Johnson is the only option!

[@JukeHighwalker]

@@BillionaireBEDotCom Okay, groomer...

[@alexts94]

I really want to support Brandon given that he's the more progressive of the two, but he really doesn't sound like he has a coordinated plan on anything...

[@musicman8539]

He is disgusting

[@crazy4beatles]

Yup that’s how I’m feeling. Chicago is not an easy city to manage and particularly now there’s a whole lot of work that needs to be done. Brandon may very well be up to the task but he sure hasn’t communicated it.

[@HisShadowX]

40:10 We don’t need more bus lanes we need to get the homeless and criminals out of the CTA

[@sentidocomun2304]

I COULDN'T AGREE MORE...!

[@dkdatiger]

I literally loled when he said we need more bus lanes

[@natelove187]

I was thinking 🤔 the same way

[@BillionaireBEDotCom]

That statement is an ADDITION of things… why are we zooming in on pieces of the puzzle instead of the full puzzle… Yall contradicting y’all self… He’s going to provide shelter for the 65,000 homeless, he going to be front line for safety effectively and efficiently…. Vallas isn’t equipped to do anything. He’s talking about having officers come back to Chicago and do what they don’t want to… he’s Delusional and that says enough! If anything he should just be the Super Intendant.

[@HisShadowX]

@@BillionaireBEDotCom Willie Wilson was the only one worth anything here both Vallas and Johnson are like choosing between a Turd and Turd Sandwich but Johnson would essentially like Lightfoot keep us on track towards turning into Detroit. Johnson is the worst of the two. His new taxes and adding a Chicago Income Tax to every working employee to take more out from their check is not going to help. Essentially Johnson’s ideas are more for the rich yuppies from California and New York who want more bike and bus lanes well letting the rest of the city rot. Again Vallas is not great but a way better choice. Also what you mentioning in what Johnson is going to do is reminding me of when Obama won and the hood celebrated that they would not have to pay rent or anything anymore.

[@aragorn318]

Vallas all the way!! Absolute socialism and the elimination of the middle class in Chicago otherwise.

[@franciscogarfias371]

The moderator is asking some real good questions too.

[@unpopularopinionpodcast24]

Brandon couldn’t answer one question directly. 🙄

[@saulgood8229]

He never does lol. I’ve seen other interviews and forums where he has to be asked questions multiple times cause he’ll just beat around the bush.

[@HisShadowX]

He told us the way to fix the CTA was more bus lanes not cracking down on the homeless and crime on the CTA 😂 40:10

[@BoatSpeedman]

"latine" ? wtf is that?

[@Intrepid_Crusader1096]

He's trying to say latinx but is catching himself before he says it.

[@christopherallison3665]

If you take one thing away from this debate, Brandon Johnson’s political goal is to defund the police, and we can’t risk someone with that rhetoric becoming mayor.

[@wuzittooya]

Agreed; just wish it wasn’t Vallas as the only other option. Garbage choices across the board.

[@ederdelgado3140]

Lori tried investing in police, new academy, more officers, bigger budget. police funding has increased over the years but so has crime. More money doesn’t equal less crime. The social science behind that doesn’t work. There needs to be direct answers to core problems that cause crime. The rhetoric is trying the same strategy with a new face.

[@B_22_5]

@@ederdelgado3140 it’s about the whole system, we need a DA that cares about doing her job and charging people. Once we do that and slap people with long sentences for having guns, that’s how you fix things. Bigger jails, longer sentences.

[@charlesturnage]

@@ederdelgado3140 the actual budget is the problem it’s will they actually have a plan in place for officers to get back to work and trust leadership

[@BillionaireBEDotCom]

If we’re funding police and crime is high thennnnn what’s the problem? We have 5 police cars on every traffic stop… yes defund them zoom in on their supervision… THE HECK! 40% of 911 calls are Mental the heck we need officers reporting to heal minds 😂 yall don’t get it… Vallas is a Puppet and y’all entertaining it.

[@Chicago_Clout]

Paul Vallas..I am Proud to support him. He can answer the questions. Brandon seems nice but desperate. I am proud of Paul Vallas..

[@BillionaireBEDotCom]

This city is Desperate!!!! And your relying on some old outdated Fart to come in and use the methods that never ever in life worked? Yea sure . Crime will increase and Home vacancies will increase as well! Johnson is the only option

[@closgreen70]

Vallas!

[@franciscogarfias371]

Go Vallas!

[@chicagolandbrokersrobertno3553]

Vallas can unite the city and get us on the right track. Tired of Chicago being in the news for crime. A vote for Johnson is a vote for the same politics of Lori Lightfoot.

[@climatecrisisdragon3628]

Vallas is a fascist.

[@biggb3921]

"Unite the city" good luck with that in the most segregated city in the country. Vallas is just going to unleash police violence and corruption. That's not solving crime, it's creating it. Johnson sucks too, though. A lot of empty slogans and bad ideas with good intentions.

[@chicagolandbrokersrobertno3553]

@@biggb3921 CPD is thousands of officers short and they are overworked with overtime. Thousands of 911 calls are not getting dispatched. The city needs to keep officers and fill these positions to respond to and solve crimes. The gang activity such as drug dealing may never stop, but the gun crimes on innocent people need to stop. The robberies and carjackings in the DePaul and Michigan Ave. area are ruining our city. Ruining tourism and scaring college students from coming here to study. Sending businesses and residents to other states. A vote for Johnson is a continuation of the failed policies of Lightfoot. If this continues Chicago will be like Mexico with innocent people gunned down and left at the side of the road.

[@kevinpoole4323]

Public Safety

[@vincentpalmeri703]

Brandon Johnson has an excuse for everything and he blames Vallas for Chicago. Johnson must think we are dumb.

[@unpopularopinionpodcast24]

He does!!!! All activist/leftist think everyone is stupid

[@jsperez240]

The only thing you can count on Johnson to do is always mention he lives in the Austin neighborhood, how he’s the wealthiest person in his family, how his father was BOTH a carpenter and a preacher, and that he’ll be lightfoot 2.0

[@terrancefuller951]

And he'll always tell you the truth and keep it 100😂

[@jsperez240]

@@terrancefuller951 don’t know about that one buddy… don’t know about that one…

[@bluejayloyal2293]

Johnson just don't like the police.

[@Mifamilia99]

Paul Vallas didn’t do anything.. Daley ordered the pension holidays lol

[@Shawndra]

Can anyone tell me what side of the city Brandon Johnson lives on?

[@eatakulls]

West side. Austin

[@raymondireland8103]

He told you. He literally said it about 7 minutes in

[@eatakulls]

@@raymondireland8103 chill bruh

[@raymondireland8103]

@eatakulls just saying. Lol

[@eatakulls]

@@raymondireland8103 lol all good brotherrrr

[@franciscogarfias371]

Johnson is quite literally a copy and paste of LightFoot.

[@mauricemcclain5253]

Brandon is so bad at this. I want him to win but geez he is not good at debating....

[@ismaeltapia7238]

No to defunding the police. No to bran Johnson. Paul Vallas all the way

[@DLL8252]

Vallas is friends with trump??? Say less. #VOTINGJOHNSON

[@JukeHighwalker]

Good luck with that, loser. Hahahahahahahaha! Okay, groomer....

[@unstoppablecro]

Oprah once said - when people say and show who they are - believe them. Brandon just told you he will raise the crime rate by reducing police funding. Just think about that.

[@knucklehoagies]

Vallas just simply answering the questions while Johnson is avoiding them and just mudslinging. It's clear who has the better intentions for the city.

[@terrancefuller951]

It's like he's taking a page out of ctu's stacy Davis gates's playbook

[@BillionaireBEDotCom]

Lol Your perspective is so flat. Like a old Pepsi 😂 Nobody knows all of the Failures of Vallas. And Johnson didn’t only speak on him. He spoke fluently and related his conversation! Many people don’t know Johnson so he has to welcome voters with the Difference. And he still answered the questions fluently. Vallas has no answer… no one with his beliefs ever do! Brandon the only option. I’m only the overseer!

[@ropo772]

KEEP VOTING BLUE....YOULL GET WHAT YOUR GETTING!

[@unpopularopinionpodcast24]

The chicago mayors race is non partisan so it should t matter if he is a republican.

[@SpoofedTVadmin]

"Black families who make $100,000 a year or more live in less safe communities than white families that make less $30,000 a year" - Brandon Johnson, Chicago Mayor Candidate. Think about that statement. THINK PEOPLE THINK!!!!!!

[@RM360CR]

100K is not alot of money for a family of 4 or 5 you are barely middle class, could that be because you allow your communities to crumble into lawleness you can make a bizillion load of excuses but there other groups who dont even speak english and their standards of living dont drop to such level why is that....?

[@SpoofedTVadmin]

@@RM360CR exactly 💯 👏

[@peaceandfreedomeconomics8984]

Vallas is the only sane option

[@Mifamilia99]

Why is it only about black history mr Johnson? What about American Indian history

[@BillionaireBEDotCom]

Indian history… your really think he’s not for American Indians? Most black people are American Indians so don’t go there! He’s for all races. This statement wasn’t progress for people looking for fuller point of views.

[@ricardosalazar5743]

@@BillionaireBEDotCom I agree Most Black might have Native but, but most Native don't have black blood. Make it optional if you want to learn about black history, it not important and won't help anyone who not black financially which is more important to learn.

[@Poppi_Weasel]

can't stand liars

[@BillionaireBEDotCom]

Vallas will lie and cheat and Republic his way as much as we let him… Johnson is the Only option.

[@DLL8252]

Then you can't stand yourself and no one living😅😅

[@Eddie_Schantz]

I hope Paul Vallas gets elected. Brandon Johnson doesn't seem like he will do any more than Lori Lightweight did.

[@closgreen70]

Exactly

[@herbiecactus6687]

Any news on whether Trump is going to endorse Vallas?

[@annfrierson6325]

“When someone tells you who they are, believe them “. … Paul valles!

[@jayemitsmyright7504]

Lol he definitely showed us Already reason I’m not voting for him 🤣

[@shemirama1408]

That's why I'm voting for Vallas!

[@BillionaireBEDotCom]

@@jayemitsmyright7504 😂 The Guy is Delusional, but that’s an Old Fart for ya! Literally out dated with where this cities direction needs to be… all he speaking is crime and budget… two things that have no upfront benefits for anyone. Beyond that it’s nothing there! Johnson wants to fix all… Vallas wants to band-aid some and leave everything else policed.

[@JuniorA9727]

@@jayemitsmyright7504 Yeah vote for Lightfoot 2.0 instead.

[@brian782]

Vallas is far higher quality

[@kip24u]

Quality of what?

[@waynekitchen7134]

Can anyone on Social Media tell me who's telling the truth ?

[@user-vx8pr8oj1v]

Overall, Johnson is an idealist and I think he should stick to pushing his agenda as a private citizen but in this debate Johnson lost and I don’t believe he would be a good leader. He did a lot of blaming and not once did he specify anything in his agenda with numbers which is surprising because he mentioned investment would be his angle. He talked A LOT about himself and not much of about the details in his policies. Lastly his reaction to the last question was a little confusing? question: What would you do first day on the job (Johnson)? Johnson: *chuckles to himself*?? What?

[@BillionaireBEDotCom]

He has to make people familiar with him. I literally only heard of him a month ago. His Analytics are spot on and he’s level head from where he’s coming and where this city can progress to. That’s why he’s the only option. Vallas is a puppet.

[@benbrandsmeier9810]

Paul doesn't want black history? How can one say this and not know the facts? Paul tells him he has increased black history when he ran CPS. Lol

[@sharonjones6005]

Does Taxin' Brandon ever give an actual, direct answer to questions? #VoteVallas

[@Cravz69]

Sure he did. He lives on the west side, had siblings, shared one bathroom, it’s all Paul Vallas’ fault, yada yada yada! Vague answers at best.

[@evanoc]

Where does Paul think he's gonna get the money to pay for his 2000 new cops? It won't come out of thin air

[@SKYF0XX3000]

@@evanoc you realize Lori lightfoot alone has about 200+ cops protecting her/ her home at any given moment right? Why did you never ask where she was getting the money for that?

[@evanoc]

​@@SKYF0XX3000 I never supported Lori and I did ask that question all the time.

[@SKYF0XX3000]

@@evanoc the crappy part is, that is a service she will continue to have being an ex-politician. Wasted resources and money imo

[@chuckblubbs7040]

Don’t let the slew of comments mislead you, if you actually take the time to watch the WHOLE debate, you’ll see Brandon Johnson articulate a powerful case. Johnson is a step forward, Vallas is a continuation of the white, racist, and straight-culture ideologies that have gotten us to where we are now.

[@liyuhe5250]

Johnson’s answer to the Latino community question was so freaking empty and generic! 0 homework done! Extremely disappointed at that!

[@chicagolandbrokersrobertno3553]

Johnson only cares about his own people

[@jgap2667]

And refers to the Latino community as “Latine” he’s trying to pander to us with that nonsense. We don’t refer to ourselves as “Latine” just more progressive gibberish!

[@user-vx8pr8oj1v]

Yeaaaaah that was cringe

[@user-vx8pr8oj1v]

@@chicagolandbrokersrobertno3553 and his people Don’t even care about themselves

[@knucklehoagies]

@@jgap2667 Yeah, I'm pretty left leaning myself but the woke virtue signaling is so cringe and im so over it. It's all fluff.

[@BubbleGaming]

Rooting for Paul Vallas from Los Angeles!

[@brownrose1387]

I see he worked around that defund the police question

[@musicman8539]

He is for Defunding Police Chicago is screwed if Johnson gets in

[@le2dao]

Brandon Johnson is Lightfoot 2.0.

[@kip24u]

Strange if that's how you vote, but do you.

[@nas927]

3.0

[@millymilly8097]

Exactly!!

[@laurenmeltzer7159]

If anything Vallas is Lightfoot 2.0. Lightfoot cowtowed to the police.

[@ederdelgado3140]

Light foot and Johnson both ran on a progressive platform but Lori didn’t act as a progressive mayor. Her policies and actions were more (neo)liberal more than progressive. So no, not the same

[@nalanwaters3365]

LMAO 'let's look at the evidence of you saying you were a Republican, what do you have to say for yourself!?' who the hell makes this crap up? And for the other man, here's a clip discrediting you where you talk about police, how do you respond? Is this a debate or a trial?

[@jayteepodcast]

Talk about the wrong raids that have been going on. The fact is that both are unfit

[@michealklee8844]

The problem with housing is Wall Street now owns them and not labor of housing code the code is there because someone died for it to be put in place

[@angelsantin8721]

brandon just kept saying cute buzz words lol

[@musicman8539]

Johnson is worse for Chicago

[@mr.regenold6572]

Tell me just what is happening here ?

[@sentidocomun2304]

I'M HISPANIC, AND I SUPPORT VALLAS!!! UNLIKE VALLAS, BRANDON, FOR THE MOST PART, TALKED A LOT AND SAID NOTHING....

[@jgap2667]

Hispanic myself and fully support vallas as well !!

[@user-vx8pr8oj1v]

Yup. I’m liberal and Latino but Johnson doesn’t make me feel confident. He failed in this debate.

[@laurenmeltzer7159]

@@user-vx8pr8oj1v if you are liberal I don’t understand how you are supporting Vallas. Lol

[@kip24u]

@@laurenmeltzer7159 That's because they're Vallas paid trolls.

[@sentidocomun2304]

@@laurenmeltzer7159 Yeah.... You don't understand...

[@pk7ghalm23]

How long before the race card is pulled?

[@Mifamilia99]

What’s a Latinin community?

[@Intrepid_Crusader1096]

He so desperately wants to say LatinX but keeps catching himself cause he knows latinos hate the term.

[@brownrose1387]

God help us with this man as mayor. Ugh.

[@OGutzVentura]

I haven't even finished watching the debate and I already made my pic. Brandon ; good heart but his race card and uses "right wing extremist ' talking points, slandering us as a hate group...Vallas has my vote!

[@rochellereif8421]

quote from Democrat 2024 everybody go out and vote for 2024

[@musicman8539]

Vote Vallas

[@crazy4beatles]

Sincerely don’t like either and can’t pick who to vote for.

[@spenserbower1178]

Didn’t think either did very well….

[@mariedigi]

Start asking if they will support ending city residency restriction

[@chriswhitcomb8675]

Watching from the UK. Can someone tell me when the runoff election is please.

[@sarahmeier1811]

April 4th

[@chriswhitcomb8675]

@@sarahmeier1811 Thanks Sarah.

[@prettysavage87]

Brandon was absolutely horrid in this forum. 25:30 Terrible. He spent the whole night attacking Vallas. He does not give concrete answers or plans. His constant rhetoric will ultimately destroy his chance of being elected.

[@climatecrisisdragon3628]

The plans are literally onhis website

[@1988Wolverines]

@@climatecrisisdragon3628 Then why couldn’t he articulate them here?

[@Btree33]

like him or not its gonna be an easy win..i dont care for him persoanlly but the lightfoot garcia voters and the rest are not switching to vallas

[@climatecrisisdragon3628]

@@1988Wolverines because then the debate would last forever.

[@1988Wolverines]

@@climatecrisisdragon3628 Would it? Vallas seemed to have no problem articulating his plans and ideas. Isn’t that what a debate is intended for? To articulate your plans and ideas for the job you’re applying for.

[@benbrandsmeier9810]

Budgetary schemes of Paul vallas is the reason the budget issue not Lori...you don't actually know what you are talking about Johnson. He is lost and over his head. Come on wake up people!!