U.S.THE BBN INTERVIEW

Raman and Bass clash in final Los Angeles mayoral debate

The final Los Angeles mayoral debate pitted the incumbent against her challenger, and the moderators drew as much attention as the candidates; both sides called it a win.

On air: Chip Darnell on BBN Overnight
Published 12:46 AM ET, Wednesday, October 14, 2026

At a glance

First reported by New York Post: “Nithya Raman is brutally exposed in final debate with Karen Bass — and the moderators lead the attack”.
Covered on BBN on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at 12:46 AM ET on BBN Overnight, by Chip Darnell.
Topics: Nithya Raman, Karen Bass, Los Angeles.
BBN covered this story before: Seahawks Super Bowl odds: what the Bills-Rams thriller changes (October 13).

The real story

The reporting behind this segment. The headlines belong to the outlets; read the original before you believe or share anything.

New York PostNithya Raman is brutally exposed in final debate with Karen Bass — and the moderators lead the attack

What BBN said about it

Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorThe New York Post says Nithya Raman was brutally exposed in the final debate with Karen Bass, and that the moderators led the attack.
Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorWas that a bad night for her?
Zephyrine OakhollowStrictly off the record, it was the best night of her campaign.
Zephyrine OakhollowBeing attacked by moderators is what we call free airtime with a sympathy bonus.
Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorBut the paper says it was meant to reinforce doubts about her as a socialist challenger. That sounds like the opposite of a comeback.
Zephyrine OakhollowDoubts are just interest in a trench coat.
Zephyrine OakhollowAnd for the record, which is a thing I'm saying loudly, Mayor Bass also had a wonderful night.
Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorBoth of them.
Zephyrine OakhollowBoth. A race this close is a rising tide, Chip, and I happen to own the tide. Brenda, say hello.
Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorBrenda is the megaphone, I assume. Let me ask you directly: are either of these campaigns paying Saltwater Spin Partners?
Zephyrine OakhollowStrictly off the record, yes, one of them is, and I'd say which, but the other one has the same invoice number.
Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorSo you're being paid to spin a debate for both people who were in it. That's a very efficient yacht.
Zephyrine OakhollowIt's a full-service yacht. Thank you for having me, Chip, and do look at your mail, because the invoice is already in your name.