Spencer Pratt Is Why Mayor Karen Bass Needs a Second Chance
Karen Bass with Danny Bakewell, Sr. in the background during the Brotherhood Crusade gala. Photo by Gloria Zuurveen
Vote Early
The Southern Truth
By Dr. Gloria Zuurveen
Lord knows I hope my readers — predominantly Black and all others who for more than 31 years have heard my words — understand this moment clearly. Too often we are told not to rally behind someone simply because they “look like us.” But when it comes to Karen Bass, I must beg to differ with the noise and confusion being pushed across social media and reality television politics.
And specifically, I must address Spencer Pratt.
LOS ANGELES, CA – JUNE 6, 2016 – Democratic U.S. Representative Karen Bass at a Get Out The Vote rally.
Wikipedia describes Pratt as a reality television personality who became famous through The Hills and celebrity drama. Yet today, somehow, he believes he is qualified to mock and diminish the first Black woman mayor of Los Angeles — a woman who has spent decades in community organizing, public service, Congress, and now leading one of the most difficult cities in America.
Then I came across words written by journalist Jim Newton for CalMatters, and I must admit, it hit me.
That line alone says plenty.
Because this is not reality television.
This is not a scripted reunion special.
This is Los Angeles.
Lto R) Cynthia Mitchell-Heard, President and CEO, Los Angeles Urban League (LAUL), Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, Sarah Harris, CEO, BBA and Arlan Hamilton, Founder Backstage Capital & Runner, Author, Venture Catalyst during the BBA Salute to Black Women affair at the Sheraton Gateway Hotel in Los Angeles. Photo by Gloria Zuurveen
Karen Bass and Hilda Solis Welcome Black Mayors Conference Delegates at Care First Program in Downtown Los Angeles. Photo by Gloria Zuurveen
And from reading Newton’s observations, another thought crossed my mind: the book tour. What better time to promote a memoir than during a crowded election season where celebrity gossip, controversy, and outrage generate attention, clicks, interviews, and money? Everyone says they love Los Angeles — its glamour, culture, energy, and influence — yet suddenly the city becomes a backdrop for nonstop rants, sensationalism, and attacks aimed at the first Black woman mayor of one of the most recognized cities in the world.
Newton further observed that in Pratt’s world, Mayor Bass becomes “Karen Basura,” Councilmember Nithya Raman is labeled “crazy,” and reporters become “media sickos.” Newton described it as “a shrill argument for someone hoping to lead California’s largest metropolis.”
And that matters.
Words matter.
Character matters.
Temperament matters.
Mayor Karen Bass and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson. Photo by Gloria Zuurveen
Because governing Los Angeles is not about who can insult people the loudest online. It is not about who can go viral. It is not about who can turn politics into entertainment. This is not a storybook where people read a fairy tale, close the cover, and drift off to sleep.
This is real life.
Homelessness is real.
Immigration fears are real.
Public safety concerns are real.
Economic hardship is real.
And Mayor Bass knows it.
Housing and Homelessness Press Briefing led by Karen Bass (seated at head of table wearing mask) on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, at Los Angeles City Hall. The third-floor roundtable discussion brought together members of the media from across Los Angeles for an update on housing and homelessness initiatives since Mayor Bass took office. Photo by Gloria Zuurveen
She works methodically because she understands the weight of governing a city of millions. Having watched her for years, I have seen consistency in her organizing, discipline in her leadership, and persistence even while under relentless public criticism. The homelessness crisis did not begin with her. The infrastructure problems did not begin with her. The inequalities of Los Angeles did not begin with her. Yet she inherited all of it and still chose to step into the fire.
Meanwhile, Newton wrote that the Pratt revealed in his own memoir comes across as “selfish, undisciplined and unprincipled,” adding that Pratt “deflects blame, squanders fortunes and complains. A lot.”
Those are not qualities voters should casually dismiss when choosing who governs one of the most important cities in America.
And what troubles me even more is the silence.
President Joe Biden leads a meeting Friday on the federal response to the Los Angeles wildfires. On screen are Federal Emergency Management Agency chief Deanne Criswell, top left, California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. (Demetrius Freeman/The Washington Post)
There was a time when the disrespect shown toward a Black woman leader would have sparked outrage across this city. Today, people sit back consuming degrading clips and political mockery as entertainment while the first Black woman mayor of Los Angeles is publicly ridiculed in ways many would never dare attempt against others.
That silence speaks volumes.
Which is why this election matters.
This is why early voting matters.
Mayor Karen Bass speaks at the podium during a press conference on Thursday regarding preparation for this weekend’s traffic due to the Dodger playing in the World Series beginning on Friday at Dodger Stadium and surrounding activities. Photo by Gloria Zuurveen
This is why Black churches, community leaders, working families, and every voter who believes experience still matters must rise and stand together. Mayor Bass did not come from privilege. She came from community organizing. She fought through systems designed to shut voices like hers out. And even now, while carrying the pressure of leading a global city through crisis after crisis, she continues standing.
That matters.
Leadership is not measured by who trends online for the day. Leadership is measured by endurance, judgment, discipline, and the ability to keep moving a city forward even while under attack.
The race is crowded. The noise is loud. But elections are not won through internet spectacle.
They are won with ballots.
So take a neighbor. Take a friend. Take your family. And vote.
June 2, 2026, is not simply another election date. It is a decision about whether Los Angeles values tested leadership over celebrity politics and manufactured outrage.
Mayor Bass has earned the right to ask this city for a second chance.
Vote early. Vote strong. And let your voice be heard.
