Photo: Alamy
Arizona Republican gubernatorial nominee Kari Lake gave the news media an epic response Wednesday after a reporter asked if she would consider running as President Donald Trump’s vice president in 2024.
Lake, whom the news media once tried to portray as a candidate lacking political skill and experience, has quickly risen to national prominence in the Republican Party. With Trump’s endorsement and support, Lake won every county in Arizona’s Republican primary race, according to Breitbart. Her sweeping victory catapulted her into the national spotlight and caused the media to shift tactics.
After a gubernatorial candidate forum with Lake and Democrat nominee Katie Hobbs, the news media bombarded Lake with questions. One of the questions the Republican nominee was asked was whether she would consider being Trump’s running mate in a future election.
Lake quickly denied any intention of pursuing a career in the nation’s capital. “First of all, I don’t like Washington D.C.,” she said, “especially don’t like it now.”
“It’s funny though that that question is asked because for so long many of you in the media have been trying to act like I don’t have the skill to run for governor,” Lake added, pointing out the hypocrisy of the news media. “Now apparently, I’m so skilled that you think I should be VP, so I take it as a compliment.”
After being asked by the media if she had discussed the idea with Trump, Lake said she talks to the 45th president “all the time,” but has not discussed that with him. Lake reminded the media that she is focused on winning the state of Arizona and fulfilling her duty to the people of Arizona.
“I am applying for the job of Arizona governor, and I’m reaching out to the people every single day,” she said.
Wednesday’s forum gave undecided voters an opportunity to hear directly from Lake and Hobbs about issues facing Arizonians and their differing visions for the state.
The candidates addressed the crowd separately because Hobbs has refused to participate in a debate with Lake. According to Fox 10 Phoenix, Lake had previously agreed to the traditional debate format used in Arizona and was willing to debate Hobbs “at any time.”
While Lake answered questions from the media and business owners after the forum, Hobbs was noticeably missing immediately following the event. Lake questioned Hobbs’ absence in her response to the media.
“Where is Katie Hobbs right now?” Lake asked. “She should be standing right here answering your questions. How often does she talk to you? If you’re MSNBC, maybe all the time, but if you want to ask her a pressing question, she cowers and she’s a coward.”
On the other hand, Lake explained she is committed to the people of Arizona. “I’m applying for the job, and the people of Arizona are the hiring manager, and they are my boss,” she said.
In a blistering conclusion to her response to the news media, Lake warned the media will have to get used to her style of leadership because she intends to be Arizona’s governor for eight years.
“I’m going to be here, much to the chagrin of some of you, not just four years as your governor, I’m going to be here eight years as your governor,” she said. “So have fun and get used to it, because we are going places, and we’re going to have the greatest state in the country.”
