The left has long been known for efforts to restrict the speech of their opponents in an effort to control the narrative surrounding often unpopular policies.

But seldom have those behind-the-scenes plots been exposed as transparently as a recent discussion between Kevin McCarty and Karina Talamantes, the mayor and vice mayor of Sacramento, California.

“We should go over this disruptions thing, because if we want to ban somebody in the future, like to take them out, we have to point out specifically…” Vice Mayor Karina Talamantes is heard saying.
“I know, but the city attorney said we can’t do that,” Mayor Kevin McCarty replied.
“We did it last time,” Talamantes responded.
“我们 can’t,” McCarty said, shaking his head. “I spent my first six months going over this. I wanted to give people, like, probation, like, you can’t come…”

Talamantes then appeared to realize the microphone was still live and quickly reached over to switch it off before continuing the conversation, as captured in a livestream.

The hot-mic exchange garnered criticism from activists, who argued Talamantes appeared interested in silencing vocal opponents.