Haaland stumbles through remarks at campaign stop as debate pressure builds

A recent campaign stop by Democratic gubernatorial candidate Deb Haaland in Santa Fe is drawing attention online after video showed the former Interior secretary stumbling through prepared remarks while speaking to a group of educators near Paseo de Peralta.

During the event, Haaland appeared to struggle while attempting to deliver a series of education-related talking points, at one point acknowledging difficulty reading from bullet points.

“…for my child and I want that for every single New Mexico child and I think we can get there. So, um, early readers, supportive teachers, and, or, successful families, sorry, I’m terrible at these, you know, bullet points,” Haaland said during the incoherent remarks.

The moment quickly circulated on social media, where critics and commenters questioned her speaking performance and preparedness on the campaign trail.

Some social media users were blunt in their criticism. One commenter wrote, “She couldn’t even answer simple questions from the Senate as interior secretary. A total embarrassment to our state.” Another wrote, “The fact that she is even on the card should make every educated person question how.” Others questioned her qualifications and called for debates in the gubernatorial primary.

The video is resurfacing at the same time Haaland’s primary opponent, Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman, continues to criticize her for declining multiple debate invitations ahead of the June primary.

According to a Feb. 28 report from the Santa Fe New Mexican, Bregman has been publicly tracking the number of days since he challenged Haaland to debate, saying voters deserve a direct comparison between the candidates before early voting begins. The Haaland campaign has said she plans to participate in a May forum hosted by Dukes Up and New Mexico PBS but has declined other debate invitations.

“In my line of work, when you’re confident in your case, you welcome trial,” Bregman said in a statement reported by the Santa Fe New Mexican. “You don’t get to run from questions and then ask to run this state.”

The debate issue has become a central point of tension in the Democrat primary, with Bregman’s campaign arguing that refusing debates limits voter access to information about the candidates’ positions on major issues including public safety, education and the economy.

The Haaland campaign has pushed back, saying she has been traveling the state and speaking directly to voters at campaign events and community gatherings.

Still, the recent Santa Fe campaign stop video has added new fuel to the debate issue, with critics arguing that unscripted debates would give voters a clearer picture of each candidate’s ability to think on their feet and communicate policy positions.

The Democrat primary for governor will take place June 2, with early voting beginning May 1. Haaland remains the frontrunner in the race, but Bregman has been working to close the gap, and his campaign has increasingly focused on debates, public appearances and what they describe as accountability and transparency.

The Republicans who are running for governor include Rio Rancho Mayor Greggory Hull, small business owner Doug Turner, and Ultra Health businessman Duke Rodriguez.

With more campaign stops, forums and public events expected in the coming weeks, the primary contest between Haaland and Bregman appears likely to intensify as voters begin paying closer attention ahead of early voting.