The latest from The Washington Post reveals that Donald Trump is likely passing over Kari Lake as a potential running mate, despite previous speculation. Trump seems to have cooled off on Lake, a staunch MAGA supporter, for reasons that are quintessentially Trumpian.
Initially, I was intrigued by the possibility that Trump's change of heart might relate to Lake's wavering stance on Arizona's strict abortion law. Both Trump and Lake opposed the law when the state Supreme Court upheld it, but Lake's recent statements suggest she may now support it. However, the WaPo article doesn't delve into this potential issue. Instead, it suggests that Trump's main concern is Lake's viability as a Senate candidate in Arizona. Apparently, Trump feels she's spending too much time at his Mar-a-Lago resort and not enough time campaigning in Arizona.
According to WaPo sources, Trump has been skeptical about Lake's chances in Arizona, a state crucial to his 2024 presidential aspirations. He's reportedly irritated by her frequent visits to Mar-a-Lago and has hinted that she should spend more time in Arizona. Trump has even questioned whether Lake can win in Arizona and if her candidacy might hurt his own chances in the state.
The article also highlights Republican frustration with Lake's absence from Arizona. Her opponent, Rep. Ruben Gallego, has visited the border more times than Lake, raising concerns that she may not be focused enough on immigration, a key issue for Republicans. Additionally, Trump may be put off by a past incident involving a recording of a conversation between Lake and a Republican official urging her to stay out of the Senate race. This incident, where Trump was surprised to learn that she records conversations, might have contributed to his decision to distance himself from her.
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