Trump Rally Underscores G.O.P. Tension Over How to Win in 2022

[brooklynite]

New York Times

FLORENCE, Ariz. — Former President Donald J. Trump returned on Saturday to Arizona, a cradle of his political movement, to headline a rally in the desert that was a striking testament to how he has elevated fringe beliefs and the politicians who spread them — even as other Republicans openly worry that voters will ultimately punish their party for it.

Mr. Trump’s favored candidate for governor, Kari Lake, is a first-time office seeker who has threatened to jail the state’s top elections official. His chosen candidate to replace that elections official, a Democrat, is a state legislator named Mark Finchem, who was with a group of demonstrators outside the Capitol on Jan. 6 as rioters tried to stop the certification of the 2020 election.

And one of his most unflinching defenders in Congress is Representative Paul Gosar, who was censured by his colleagues for posting an animated video online that depicted him killing a Democratic congresswoman and assaulting President Biden.

All three spoke at Mr. Trump’s rally in front of thousands of supporters on Saturday in the town of Florence, outside Phoenix. It was the first stadium-style political event he has held so far in this midterm election year in which he will try to deepen his imprint on Republicans running for office at all levels.

[musclecar6]

1. Ah yes

A would be totalitarian dictator keeping his loyal demented followers all fired up, just like Hitler and Mussalini were famous for. Hopefully enough voters are terrified of who he is and will vote for sane candidates going forward.

[Phoenix61]

2. That's some good news.

Wonder how it will play out in Florida. If Trump throws his weight behind a DeSatan challenger it will be interesting.

[RamblingRose]

3. Georgia on My Mind n/t

[tanyev]

4. Lots of giant superspreader events. That'll show us!!