Kari Lake, the defeated Arizona gubernatorial candidate, used her platform at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) to reiterate unfounded claims of election interference in the 2022 midterms. Addressing a receptive audience, Lake stated that the 2024 election will be “our time” and didn’t concede that she had lost the governor’s race.
Lake’s speech echoed Donald Trump’s rhetoric, painting a picture of a stolen election. The Guardian reported that Lake told the CPAC attendees that the election was “corrupt” and “stolen” and that they must fight. She cited unsubstantiated claims of irregularities and malfeasance, despite numerous court challenges having been dismissed. These claims lack evidence and have been widely debunked.
Lake positioned herself as a victim of a rigged system and a champion of election integrity. She called on her supporters to remain vigilant and active in the political process, hinting at a potential future run for office. Lake’s ongoing focus on the 2022 election, coupled with her CPAC appearance, suggests she intends to remain a prominent figure within the Republican Party, regardless of her past defeat. It remains to be seen whether this strategy will resonate with a broader electorate or if her continued focus on debunked conspiracy theories will limit her political appeal. Her determination to push the boundaries of acceptable rhetoric raises concerns about the potential for further polarization and erosion of trust in democratic institutions.
