JIM SHARPE

Arizona US Senate candidate Kari Lake wants you to do what?!?

Apr 17, 2024, 12:00 PM

Before I point out the uncomfortable thing Republican U.S. Senate candidate Kari Lake just said, I have to point out something that may make me sound a little like an uncomfortable bigot who’s trying to deny his prejudice: I have lots of friends who are… Kari Lake supporters. 

Friends of a sound mind who support Lake because of a genuine belief that her economic policies will be better than the alternative’s. 

But since there are also people who I refer to as “Kari Kooks” (who are NOT of a sound mind) — I’m wondering if it was smart of Lake to suggest one particular thing her supporters can do to prepare for the long election season ahead. 

Folks might’ve wondered where Lake was going when, during a Lake Havasu rally, she said, “The next six months will be intense and we need to strap on our… uh… let’s see… what do we want to strap on?” 

No, she didn’t go there — but Lake did suggest some things that all Arizonans may feel they’ll need to survive the 2024 election season: “We’re gonna strap on our seat belt… we’re gonna put on our helmet.”

She then followed that up with something I find patronizing: “We are going to put on the armor of God.” 

Patronizing because I don’t think God has any interest in fighting for a politician’s selfish dreams. 

But I’d still rather hear Lake suggest followers “strap-on” patronizing things instead of dangerous things like: “…maybe strap on a Glock on the side of us just in case… you can put one on the back and one on the front. Whatever you guys decide.” 

I’m not against wearing a Glock pistol — in fact, I bought my first Glock from my brother-in-law a couple of years ago and I wear it a lot — after years of only carrying KelTec. 

I support the Second Amendment, concealed carry and gun ownership for every adult who hasn’t been convicted of a crime — if they are of a sound mind. That qualifier is why I think Lake suggesting her supporters need to strap-on a Glock or two — on top of God’s armor — is dangerous. It suggests to those who might not be completely stable that they need to be ready to fight Kari’s enemies — because they are also God’s enemies. 

And that, in their minds, may include anybody who runs an election that Lake may lose. 

The (albeit small) subgroup of Lake supporters I’ve dubbed “Kari’s Kooks” — people Lake also knows exist — are the people who believe that it is impossible for Kari to lose. The same people who believe Lake didn’t lose the last election. And they are the people who may believe that they can’t let another election get stolen — even if it means taking out a few people with their strap-on.

…uh… I mean the weapon Lake told ‘em to strap on. 

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Comments

Comment guidelines: No name-calling, personal attacks, profanity, or insults. Please keep the conversation civil and help us moderate comments by reporting abuse.
comments powered by Disqus

Jim Sharpe

Thomas Galvin AZ Political Podcast...

Jim Sharpe

AZ Political Podcast: Thomas Galvin on public funding for sports teams, speed of election results

On this week's edition of AZ Political Podcast, Thomas Galvin discusses public funding for sports teams and how election results can be sped up.

5 days ago

Matt Kenney AZ Political Podcast...

Jim Sharpe

AZ Political Podcast: Matt Kenney on veterans issues and working with Pete Hegseth

Matt Kenney joins AZ Political Podcast to discuss what a grant freeze would mean for veterans and talks about his time working with Pete Hegseth.

12 days ago

Donald Trump at the border in Arizona...

Jim Sharpe

Buckle up for a bumpy border ride on Donald Air

If the first week of the second Trump administration is any indication, KTAR News host Jim Sharpe says to expect a bumpy border ride.

16 days ago

AZ Political Podcast Matt Salmon...

Jim Sharpe

AZ Political Podcast: Matt Salmon on the 1st week of the 2nd Trump presidency

On this week's AZ Political Podcast, Matt Salmon joins Jim Sharpe to discuss Donald Trump's first week of his second term and more.

19 days ago

AZ Political Podcast...

Jim Sharpe

AZ Political Podcast: Bill Gates on new teaching gig, election fraud

On this week's edition of AZ Political Podcast, former Maricopa County Supervisor Bill Gates dishes on his new teaching gig, election fraud.

26 days ago

Follow @JimSharpe...

Sponsored Content by Bright Wealth Management

How updating your estate plan is crucial in saving money

As you map out your estate plan, mapping out beneficiaries and keeping it up to date is key in order for the most funds possible to be passed down with ease.

Sponsored Articles

...

Bright Wealth Management

How IRAs are a helpful tool in retirement planning

When it comes to retirement planning, individual retirement accounts (IRAs) can be a great tool for income growth.

...

Bright Wealth Management

How to start your retirement planning early and avoid costly mistakes

Retirement planning can feel overwhelming, but with the right guidance, you can avoid costly pitfalls.

...

Fiesta Bowl Foundation

Join us for the 52nd annual Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Parade

The 52nd annual Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Parade presented by Lerner & Rowe returns on Saturday, December 28, at 10 a.m.

Arizona US Senate candidate Kari Lake wants you to do what?!?