Why is Kari Lake giving Ron DeSantis unsolicited political advice?
Christopher Tremoglie
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Former Arizona gubernatorial nominee Kari Lake has doggedly supported former President Donald Trump ever since she broke onto the political scene. She’s been an avid MAGA enthusiast and echoed many of Trump’s political points during her campaign for governor of Arizona. As a result, rumors have swirled that Lake could be a possible running mate for Trump. So it’s only natural that she has jumped on the bandwagon against Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL), commenting on his potential candidacy during a recent podcast interview with former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani.
But when you hear her speak, it’s worth remembering something. DeSantis won his election in 2022 overwhelmingly. She lost hers despite widespread expectations that she would win.
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“I think DeSantis’s political career is in trouble if he doesn’t get smart. He has been an effective governor — there is no doubt about it. He has been effective. The people just voted him in. Can you imagine if you were just voted in for your second term as mayor of New York and, within weeks, you were already plotting and planning your next [venture]?” Lake asked during the podcast.
As such, some of Trump’s supporters, especially many seemingly unhinged grifters on social media, have amped up the attacks on the Florida governor. Lake is sticking with that strategy. Nevertheless, it was a silly statement by her, and it completely lacked self-awareness. Again, DeSantis won his state’s gubernatorial election twice, over the strongest available opposition each time, and the first time as a clear underdog. Lake, in contrast, was favored to win, yet she lost to a disastrous Democratic candidate who even drew fire from the media for hiding from debates.
Obviously, this statement is all part of political theater to pressure DeSantis into not campaigning against Trump. No matter what they state, the Trump campaign fears a DeSantis candidacy. They know he likely represents the most significant obstacle preventing Trump from winning the Republican nomination. Yet, to any normal rational person, having the gall to say such a thing is nonsensical.
Much of this rhetoric comes off as cultish and jealous. But from an objective standpoint, it is arrogant for Lake to be offering DeSantis unsolicited advice about his political career and stating he needed to get smart. That’s like the Philadelphia Eagles lecturing the Kansas City Chiefs on how to win the Super Bowl.
I like Lake and wanted her to win the Arizona gubernatorial election. I think she is assertive, fearless, ambitious, and champions political ideals and values that many Republicans support. None of that changes the fact that someone who has yet to win an election should be giving advice to someone who has won multiple times.