Lake Crushes Gallego in First Debate

Kari Lake’s Senate race against Ruben Gallego starkly contrasts their willingness to engage directly with the voters. While Lake repeatedly called for debates to discuss critical issues facing Arizona, Gallego has been notably reluctant to engage. As a result, Lake has positioned herself as the more responsive of the two, while Gallego maintains a low profile. Lake hasn’t limited herself to debates—she’s blitzing the state, holding press conferences, and actively engaging with the public, while Gallego has largely avoided the spotlight.

A Senior Advisor to Lake told the Arizona Globe, “The first thing Kari said to me after stepping off the debate stage was, ‘I want to do that again.'”

Kari later took to social media, stating, “I’d love to do a second debate with @RubenGallego! Should he agree, I’ll even let him pick the moderators.”

I’d love to do a second debate with @RubenGallego! Should he agree, I’ll even let him pick the moderators.

— Kari Lake (@KariLake) October 10, 2024

For those counting, Lake has been offering to debate Gallego for over five months. On May 3, Lake held a press conference challenging Gallego to a debate on abortion, stating, “On the issue of abortion, we owe it to the people of this state, not just to state our policy but to defend our policies.”

Gallego almost immediately declined.

Last week, Lake participated in the previously scheduled Arizona PBS debate, with Gallego notably absent. On X/Twitter, Lake remarked, “Ruben refused to debate but sent his liberal PBS ‘moderator’ to take his place.” PBS host Ted Simons sparred with Lake, often seeming to forget he was supposed to interview her.

Unfortunately, last night’s Clean Elections Debate may be the only opportunity to see the two Senate contenders face off publicly. Gallego’s unwillingness to offer public visibility is a clear disservice to Arizonans, especially since many important issues were left unaddressed.

Lake told the Arizona Globe, “As I’ve said from the beginning, I will debate Ruben Gallego anywhere, anytime, and in any format. I have no problem whatsoever defending my policies again and giving Ruben a chance to redeem himself.”

Her debate performance garnered tremendous support from a wide swath of supporters posting on X:

Donald J Trump: “The Trump-endorsed Senate Candidate in Arizona, @KariLake, crushed her Liberal Democrat Opponent last night, Radical Ruben Gallego. Kari will help me Secure our Border, Stop Inflation, and MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! In-person and absentee voting has now started in Arizona, so get out and VOTE today!”

Caitlyn Jenner: “My friends in Arizona! Please consider supporting @KariLake for US Senate. Her opponent is a radical who has been on the job for 10 years. Time for change! Vote for an upstanding Arizonan, Kari!”

Cathi Herod: “We are seeing why Katie Hobbs would not debate Kari Lake in 2022.”

Wendy Rogers: “So well disciplined. Full of information. Confident. Did not take any of the bait. Polished. Warmhearted but determined. Completely knocked it out of the freakin’ park. I am impressed beyond measure. Not exaggerating.”

The post of the night came from podcaster and election analyst Seth Keshel, who wrote on X, “All indications are that Kari Lake is beating Ruben Gallego with a sock full of sh* at the debate tonight.”

The message from the Kari Lake campaign? “Tonight, Kari Lake introduced the state of Arizona to the REAL Ruben Gallego, and they didn’t like what they saw. She shined like never before…”

The race for Kyrsten Sinema’s seat is a dead heat, with most polls falling within the margin of error. Lake has gained significantly on Gallego in recent days. With early voting having already begun in Arizona, it remains unclear whether this debate, or any in the future, will further move the needle.