Former President Bill Clinton's appearance at a Democratic campaign event in Phoenix turned heads when he made remarks about Republican Senate candidate Kari Lake's physical appearance.
According to Daily Mail, Clinton made the comments while stumping for Democratic candidate Reuben Gallego on Wednesday evening, drawing attention away from the intended political messaging of the event.
The 78-year-old former president's remarks came as he attempted to draw parallels between the Arizona Senate race and Vice President Kamala Harris's presidential campaign, comparing the candidates' backgrounds and approaches to politics.
Clinton described Lake, a former television news anchor, as someone who views politics as performance art. He specifically referenced her physical appearance while critiquing her political approach.
During his speech, Clinton said:
This is like a beautiful microcosm of the campaign that Kamala Harris is running for president. You got a person that grew up under sometimes challenging circumstances, who made something of his life running against someone who is physically attractive but believes that politics is a performance Art, and where, like J.D. Vance, she has to be prostate before the master.
The comment has drawn particular scrutiny given Clinton's historical reputation regarding interactions with women and his use of personal appearance in political discourse.
Recent polling data shows Gallego, a Marine veteran and 10-year Congress member, maintaining a lead over Lake in the race for the Senate seat previously held by Kyrsten Sinema.
Six different polls from the past week indicate Gallego is averaging 50 percent support compared to Lake's 43 percent, suggesting a seven-point advantage for the Democratic candidate.
Lake, who gained prominence as a television news anchor in Phoenix, has been working to appeal to moderate voters while maintaining her connection to former President Donald Trump's base following her narrow loss in the 2022 gubernatorial race.
The Arizona Senate contest represents the latest in a string of Democratic victories in the state, following three consecutive Senate race wins since 2018.
The seat became available after Senator Kyrsten Sinema's party switch from Democrat to Independent, creating an open race that has drawn national attention and high-profile campaign surrogates.
Democrats have maintained their momentum in Arizona's federal races, though Lake has managed to narrow the gap in recent weeks as she adjusts her campaign message.
The Arizona Senate race has become a focal point of national politics, with both parties viewing it as crucial for control of the Senate. Lake's evolution from a Trump-aligned candidate to one seeking broader appeal has characterized the race, while Gallego has emphasized his military service and congressional experience. As polling data continues to show a competitive race, both campaigns are intensifying their efforts to secure victory in this key swing state contest.
