Newly released video shows Katie Porter cuss out staffer amid a disastrous interview going viral

(FOX40.COM) — A newly released video obtained by POLITICO shows Katie Porter, who hopes to become California’s next governor, intensely swearing at a staffer during a recorded meeting.
• Video Above: How to track your ballot in California

“Get out of my F****** shot,” Porter said to the staffer in the video.

According to POLITICO, the video was filmed during a meeting that was being taped for the Biden Administration in 2021, when Porter was a representative for Congress (D-Calif). In the video, the staffer can be seen periodically walking around behind Porter.

After Porter screamed profane words at the female staffer, the staffer explained that she wanted to clarify information about the topic they were discussing at that point in the meeting, electric vehicles.

In response, Porter said, “You also were in my shot before that. Stay out of my shot,” Porter said.

After the exchange, Porter announces that she wants to restart that portion of the meeting. The final, published version of the meeting did not include Porter screaming at her staff. It was posted by the U.S Department of Energy.

Viral CBS Interview

The new footage was leaked one day after the gubernatorial candidate went viral for threatening to storm out of a CBS interview. Porter, who is a frontrunner in the race to be the next state governor, faces backlash for threatening to abruptly end an interview with a CBS News reporter in Sacramento on Tuesday. Things got heated when the interviewer, Julie Watts, mentioned people who support President Donald Trump.

“What do you say to the 40% of California voters who you’ll need in order to win, who voted for Trump?” Watts asked.

Porter responded with, “How would I need them in order to win, ma’am?”

She accused Watts of asking too many follow-up questions and being argumentative.

“I’m going to try to win every vote I can. I don’t want to keep doing this,” Porter said. “I’m going to call it. Thank you.”

Porter continued with the interview, but her defensive responses drew in criticism, especially from others who are vying to be California’s next governor.

“Katie Porter is a weak, self-destructive candidate unfit to lead California,” said former California State Controller Betty T. Yee. “The stakes are simply too high for her to stay in this race. It’s time for her to drop out of this race.”

Other governor hopefuls weighed in.

“The next Governor of California must be willing to answer tough questions,” said state superintendent Tony Thurmond. “During my conversation with Julie Watts, we spoke honestly and transparently about my vision for our state’s future — because Californians deserve nothing less.”

Former majority leader of the state assembly, Ian Calderon, who also interviewed with CBS, defended Watts’ questioning style.

“She’s tough, fair, and takes the job seriously,” Calderon said. “I respected her approach and really enjoyed our conversation.”

Republican candidate for governor, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco said he would not let Porter become governor after the contentious interview.

“Not if I have a say! We need a new way forward, not this unhinged behavior we have already had for the last eight years!” Bianco said.

Former Fox News commentator Steve Hilton said Porter’s behavior is “what you get” when one party rules for 15 years.

“They can’t withstand the most basic questions,” Hilton said about the Democratic Party. “They totally crumble. That’s why I’m running for governor. We’re going to change all this.”

Another candidate for California governor, Stephen J. Cloobeck, commented on the interview.

“If Katie can’t handle election results or reporters questions, how the heck can she handle California?” Cloobeck asked.

I’m not interested in excluding any vote. Every Californian deserves affordable health care, safe streets, a roof over their head and a living wage.

Former HHS secretary, CA attorney general, congressman, and assemblymember Xavier Becerra said he wasn’t interested in excluding any vote.

“Every Californian deserves affordable health care, safe streets, a roof over their head and a living wage,” Becerra said.

In response to Porter’s CBS Interview, Former state assembly speaker and Los Angeles mayor Antonio Villaraigosa said, “We need a leader who will solve hard problems and answer simple questions.”

Green Party governor candidate Butch Ware reposted Porter’s interview on X and said Porter “crashes out when tossed a softball.”