Before we did our first Substack Live together last month, I had not met California’s Attorney General, Rob Bonta. But I knew that he was highly regarded by his Democratic colleagues in other states. He did not disappoint, offering a precise explanation of the confusing Live Nation/Ticket Master antitrust case and the twists in the story of the Justice Department’s abandonment of the bipartisan coalition of states that wanted to break up the monopoly. I came away understanding what was at stake and what the states were trying to do, which had eluded me until I heard the explanation from an insider.
I was delighted when he offered to do Five Questions with us tonight. As those of you who heard of live or watched the video know, AG Bonta believes state leaders have to step up to protect Americans in this moment where Washington is failing us. He shares his views on emergent issues like gerrymandering and mifepristone with us.
Bonta is the first person of Filipino descent to serve as California’s Attorney General. He was born in Quezon City, Philippines and immigrated to California with his family as an infant. That gives him perspective on the immigration issues that the Trump administration is trying to use to drive a wedge between Americans. Bonta credits his parents with lighting “a fire inside him to stand up for those who are taken advantage of or hurt.” His official bio says that’s why he decided to become an attorney. But you only find out at the very bottom of that bio that Bonta is a graduate of Yale undergraduate and Yale law school, which he worked his way through in order to afford. It’s impossible to avoid the comparison to that other Yale Law School graduate and the different choices they’ve made about who to serve and how. Bonta is a thoughtful public servant, and he answers some of the most pressing questions our country is struggling with at the moment, without any effort at deflection—restoring faith that dedicated public service is still possible.
“Five Questions” is a periodic feature for paid subscribers, my way of thanking those who are able to support this work so that I can devote the necessary time and resources to it. Whether you’re a paid subscriber or not, I’m happy to have you here. I appreciate everyone who reads the newsletter and works to stay informed in this pivotal moment. Free subscriptions, with access to all of the other nightly posts, will always be available, so please sign up.
