AZ Political Podcast: Mike Noble reacts to the Arizona US Senate debate

PHOENIX — Did Kari Lake gain ground by grinding Ruben Gallego down? Did Gallego guard his lead over Lake?

On this week’s AZ Political Podcast, Mike Noble, the head of polling firm Noble Predictive Insights, helps me figure out if either Lake, the Republican candidate, or Gallego, the Democrat, won Arizona’s U.S. Senate debate.

Lake had the least to lose (she’s down seven points in polling to Gallego), which may explain her “take no prisoners” approach in the debate — with lots of interruptions and personal attacks.

Did Gallego let Lake’s strategy get to him?

Gallego went on the attack as well — and it was personal: He called Lake a liar several times… although, I must say that calling a politician a liar isn’t quite the insult it is when applied to other professions.

Finally, Mike Noble explains the how and why of Lake trailing Trump in the polls and the fact that Gallego outpaces Harris. (Hint: it’s mostly about personality.)

AZ Political Podcast is available at KTAR.com, the KTAR News app and everywhere you get your podcasts.

Related

Ruben Gallego, Kari Lake spar on border, abortion in Arizona US Senate debateAZ Political Podcast: Analyst breaks down Arizona’s post-primary general election mapAZ Political Podcast: Could Republican infighting reshape key 2026 primary races in Arizona?AZ Political Podcast: Andy Biggs talks about running for governor, what he’ll do if he winsAZ Political Podcast: Bipartisan push produces 13 new AZ laws to fix broken child welfare systemAZ Political Podcast: Marlene Galán-Woods says she is Democrats’ best hope to flip CD1