“Forget the Words I Said”: Kari Lake Criticized for Supporting Moderates She Once Called Names

Gabriel RomanNov 22, 2023

Minute Read

The former pro-Trump Arizona government nominee Kari Lake is now eyeing a Senate seat. In a notable shift, she’s attempting to mend fences within the Republican Party, particularly with the moderates she previously criticized. This strategic change comes amid a complex political landscape in Arizona, where winning requires broad party support.

Lake Reaches Out to Past Rivals

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In a strategic move, Kari Lake has reportedly initiated contact with her former rival, Karrin Taylor Robson. This outreach is an effort to bridge gaps within the Republican Party, particularly healing the rifts that emerged during their intensely competitive 2022 primary battle. Despite Lake’s previous harsh rhetoric, labeling Robson a “gold digger,” a “con artist,” and a “RINO who pretty much hates America,” she now seems to be extending an olive branch.

Importance of Party Unity

Lake’s recent actions underscore a critical political realization – the necessity of unifying the Republican Party, especially its moderate branch. A Republican strategist emphasized the sheer impossibility of Lake winning without the support of this group. This perspective clearly outlines the vital role moderate Republicans play in the electoral landscape.

Roberts’ Skepticism of Lake’s Strategy

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Laurie Roberts, a columnist for The Arizona Republic, voices strong skepticism regarding Kari Lake’s ability to retract her previously extreme positions. Roberts’ analysis explores the improbability of Lake’s success in softening her image after her passionate election denialism and attacks on “McCain Republicans.” This skepticism isn’t unfounded but rather rooted in understanding political language’s lasting impact.

Potential Three-Way Race Dynamics

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The dynamics of Arizona’s upcoming Senate race are set to become more intricate with the potential of a three-way contest. This race could see Democrat Ruben Gallego and independent Kyrsten Sinema vying for the same seat alongside Lake. Sinema’s targeted strategy to court Republican voters adds a layer of complexity to Lake’s campaign efforts.

Lake’s Difficulties in Retreating from Past Rhetoric

Roberts casts doubt on Kari Lake’s attempts to distance herself from her aggressive and divisive rhetoric of the past years. Roberts speculates that the damage might be too deep for Lake to retreat from the image she cultivated in 2022 and 2023. This perspective highlights the inherent difficulties in reversing the public’s perception.

Marson’s View on Lake’s PR Challenge

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Barrett Marson, a Republican strategist, expresses a candid assessment of Lake’s current PR dilemma. He doubts Lake’s ability to effectively counteract the repercussions of her past vitriolic statements. He claims it is impossible to ignore those comments directed against the moderate “McCain wing” of the Arizona Republican Party and independents.

Skepticism and Disapproval

Public reactions to Kari Lake’s recent shift in strategy have been predominantly negative. One commentator bluntly stated, “Too little too late. Too many bridges were burned.” This sentiment is echoed by others who believe her campaign is a waste of resources, doomed to fail. Many dismissed her sincerity and questioned her viability as a candidate.

The Unforgiving Nature of Politics

Critics have not forgotten Lake’s past criticisms of key Republican figures, especially her comments about John McCain. One reaction stated, “Insulting John McCain in AZ is not forgotten. She’s such a terrible specimen.” This disapproval illustrates the difficulty in overcoming a tarnished reputation within the political community.

The Futility of Lake’s Late Strategy Shift

Some see Lake’s recent strategy adjustments as a desperate, last-minute effort. One user compared them to “coming to the bargaining table when you have nothing left to bargain with.” This perception of futility reflects a broader distrust in her political intentions, suggesting her actions are too little, too late to make any significant impact.

The ‘Pretend Governor’ Critique

Lake has been mockingly labeled the “pretend governor of Arizona,” a nickname demonstrating the depth of opposition she faces. Comments urging voters to “Vote Blue 2024” imply that her political aspirations are viewed as unrealistic. This insult reflects a strong feeling against her, pushing for support of Democratic candidates in future elections.

The Accusations of Opportunistic Behavior

Accusations of opportunism plague Lake’s campaign, with critics asserting she tailors her message to audience whims. One comment described her as a “Total confused nut job,” suggesting she lacks genuine convictions. This perception of her as unpredictable and unreliable poses a substantial hurdle to her campaign’s credibility.

Doubts Over Lake’s Reconciliation Efforts

Skepticism surrounds Lake’s attempts to reconcile with moderate Republicans. Critics argue that simple outreach is insufficient. One user said, “Going to take a little more than wooing.” This doubt reflects the challenges she faces in mending rifts within the party, with many questioning the genuineness of her efforts.

Sarcastic Reactions to Lake’s Campaign

Responses to Lake’s campaign efforts are often tinged with sarcasm. One reaction sarcastically noted, “But (gosh, who could have foreseen this?!?) when cash, kind, and votes are needed – then it’s ‘forget the words I said.’” Some believe that her past harsh words are conveniently overlooked in her pursuit of support, highlighting perceived insincerity in her political shift.

Criticism of Lake’s Military Understanding

Lake faces sharp criticism for her lack of understanding or appreciation for military service. One particularly harsh comment suggested, “Lake needs two weeks of Vietnamese torture tactics inflicted on her to see what John McCain went through for five years.” Such critiques add a layer of complexity to the opposition she faces.

Continued Public Ire a Year After Election Loss

Even a year after her defeat in the election, Lake continues to face significant public opposition. Comments like “A year after she was crushed in the Governorship election, she is still babbling nonsense. Go away!” demonstrate the ongoing negative feelings she encounters. This enduring criticism is a formidable obstacle to her aspirations for a Senate seat.

The Challenge of Overcoming Past Statements

Lake’s previous statements continue to cast a shadow over her political ambitions. The lingering doubt about her ability to move past these remarks is a central challenge in her efforts to reshape her political identity. This challenge is demonstrated by the prevailing public doubt and the difficulty of erasing the impact of her past rhetoric.

Lake’s Perceived Disconnect with Voters

A significant challenge facing Kari Lake is the apparent disconnect between her political rhetoric and the priorities of the broader electorate. Critics suggest that her focus on divisive issues and extreme positions may have alienated many potential voters. They claim these voters are more concerned with everyday issues like the economy, healthcare, and education.

Public Doubts on Lake’s Sincerity and Strategy

The public and critics’ dominant sentiment is doubt and distrust towards Lake’s sincerity and overall political strategy. Her shifting positions and attempts at rebranding are met with skepticism. She is clearly dealing with many challenges in her bid for the Senate. This overarching doubt highlights the uphill battle Lake must face.