The 2024 election is already a contentious battle, and some political figures are encouraging their supporters to turn it into an all-out war zone. Kari Lake, the Arizona politician who has finally given up on convincing the public she actually won the election for Governor in 2022 — and has moved on to running for a Senate seat instead — is one of those. Now, California Governor Gavin Newsom is calling her out for it.
Lake’s type of rhetoric, claiming that the election was stolen, calling for “patriots” to “defend” elections, and of course, guns, guns, guns, has been so nonstop and so extreme in the right-wing politisphere over the years — particularly since Trump stepped onto the scene and lied about winning the popular vote in 2016 — that it’s almost becoming normalized.
It’s still dangerous rhetoric, it’s still potentially deadly, and it’s still a threat to democracy, but it’s no longer novel — or rare and unexpected. So, in a nation where voters have plenty of other things to worry about, it’s not getting the kind of attention it once did.
Now, Governor Newsom is expressing concern. He tweeted:
“Have we all become numb to these outright calls for violence heading into Election Day?”
He’s referring to Lake’s rhetoric at her recent campaign event, where she seemed to suggest that fans should arm themselves to prepare for the time between now and the election. NBC reports:
” And we need to strap on our — let’s see. What do we want to strap on?” Lake asked as some in the crowd chuckled. “We’re going to strap on our, our seat belt. We’re going to put on our helmet or your Kari Lake ball cap. We are going to put on the armor of God. And maybe strap on a Glock on the side of us just in case.””
The same event included a raffle to win an AR15-style rifle, and Lake’s campaign reportedly refused to confirm or deny whether she was advocating for political violence.
However, Lake did post a video clip of herself claiming that “the media” is just lying about her and labeling her as “divisive” and “extreme” when in reality (she claims) she’s fighting to save the country.
According to Kari, she’s “just talk[ing] common sense,” and anyone who has a problem with it is exhibiting “hysterics.”
Watch below.
The media calls me divisive.
They say I’m extreme when I just talk common sense
I'm on a mission to save this country.
I don't let their hysterics distract from that
So, they can call me whatever they want.
Just know they're going to call me Arizona’s Senator in November. pic.twitter.com/O0jFAagai6
— Kari Lake (@KariLake) April 17, 2024
In the world of reality, Lake’s extremist — if somewhat deniable — calls for violence are completely unacceptable. Kudos to Governor Newsom for pointing out the obvious that seems to have been ignored by too many people.
For clarifications, comments, & typos, email: editor@occupydemocrats.com.
