Arizona Veterans Denounce Kari Lake's Alleged Support for Foreign Dictators

Photo byArizona Democratic Party

Phoenix, AZ - In a fiery press conference in Phoenix, a group of Arizona veterans and military families voiced strong opposition to Kari Lake, accusing the Senate candidate of prioritizing foreign authoritarian leaders over American democracy. The veterans expressed concern over Lake’s praise for figures like Vladimir Putin and Viktor Orbán, warning that her actions and rhetoric pose a threat to the democratic values they have fought to protect.

Veterans Criticize Lake's Allegiance to Authoritarians

Aaron Marquez, an Army veteran who served two combat tours in Afghanistan, was among those who spoke out against Lake. Marquez criticized Lake for her alleged admiration of authoritarian regimes, arguing that her stance is in direct opposition to the democratic principles upheld by the U.S. military.

“What shocks me the most about Kari Lake is her disregard for the sacrifice we as veterans have made to protect the country and ideals we love and hold in such high esteem,” Marquez said. “Arizonans cannot trust Kari Lake to protect democracy because she praises authoritarians like Vladimir Putin and Viktor Orbán who oppose it. And not only that but she undermines democracy here at home by pushing election conspiracy theories and claiming she won in 2022 when we all know she did not.”

Accusations of Undermining American Values

Marine veteran Gladys Vargas echoed Marquez’s sentiments, highlighting Lake’s reported support for controversial international leaders. Vargas referenced Lake’s comments praising Orbán’s undemocratic electoral policies as a positive development, calling such endorsements a betrayal of American values.

“Right here in Arizona, our values are also being challenged by people like Kari Lake, who has repeatedly defended both Viktor Orbán and Vladimir Putin,” Vargas stated. “We will not betray our values. And we will not elect Kari Lake to the Senate – a person who vows to slash veterans’ benefits, cozies up to dictators internationally, and even seeks to free the January 6th insurrectionists.”

Concerns Over Threats to Democracy

Paloma Greenwald, a military spouse and mother, emphasized the broader dangers she believes Lake poses to American democracy. Greenwald’s family has a long history of military service, including her husband’s 30-year tenure in the Air Force and her son’s recent commissioning. She expressed concern that Lake’s actions undermine the values that her family and many others have served to protect.

“Kari Lake has a documented, public record of backing foreign adversaries and authoritarians over American interests and American ideals like freedom and democracy,” Greenwald asserted. “We as Arizonans cannot trust Kari Lake to protect any freedoms but her own. We as Arizonans cannot trust Kari Lake to serve any interest but her own. She continues to undermine American democracy, to the delight of autocrats globally and insurrectionists domestically.”

Veterans’ Message to Arizona Voters

The veterans concluded their statements with a clear message to Arizona voters: rejecting Kari Lake’s Senate bid is essential to preserving American democratic values. They urged voters to consider Lake’s record and rhetoric when heading to the polls.

Aaron Marquez summed up the group’s stance, saying, “Kari Lake’s self-serving character and anti-democratic actions are an affront to families like mine who have dedicated our lives to service before self.”

Public Reaction and Next Steps

As the Arizona Senate race heats up, these veterans’ voices add to the growing debate over Kari Lake’s suitability for office. The allegations of her alignment with foreign dictators and undermining of American democracy could play a significant role in shaping public opinion and voter turnout.

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