Brown is a master of political spin and lies. He is not to be underestimated.
In 1999-2000, the SF Examiner, a Hearst paper did not support Willie Brown and his political machine. Also, during 1999 and 2000, Willie Brown then mayor of San Francisco opposed the take over by the Hearst Newspaper organization in its attempts to monopolize the newspaper media in town. After discussions with the Hearst local people (who kept Hearst Headquarters informed) a "horsetrading" deal struck that Willie would not oppose the Hearst monopolization endeavors in San Francisco and, in return, the Hearst Organization newspapers would support him in his reelection endeavors. A lawsuit by a interested third party ensued and the transcript of the case is very revealing. Ultimately the Hearst Corporation took over the SF Examiner and the SF Chronicle. The front man in the negotiations, Tim White, the publisher, resigned and reportedly received a $6 million separation package after the civil trial.
Incidentally, Nancy Pelosi and Nancy F. had some meetings with the local Hearst organization people while Brown/White negotiations were underway, giving Aid & Comfort to the Brown pressure on Hearst.