The frustrating part of all debates, including the DeSantis-Newsom extravaganza, is that the politicians throw out phony stats. Newsom says Biden is doing a great job economically when working Americans are paying $12,000 a year more for essentials than they did under Trump. It's a stone fact, but Newsom will not acknowledge it.

Nothing anyone can do.

DeSantis is rightly outraged that the California Governor will not acknowledge that his state has lost more residents than any other state. Newsom's reply is that more Floridians have migrated to California than vice versa. Well, so what?

The Golden State has lost more than a million people since 2019. Florida has gained a half million.

DeSantis holds the higher ground on policy, but many liberals, including Newsom, will never cede that.

So, in the end, nothing much is accomplished.

One-on-one interviews are the only way to hold politicians accountable. Debating is entertaining at times but not illuminating.

Have a nice weekend. New column on Sunday.