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Trump can’t stop insulting Ken Paxton. Why?
CNN • • nation
Key Points:
- President Donald Trump has repeatedly insulted Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton's appearance and mannerisms while endorsing him over incumbent GOP Sen. John Cornyn, despite Paxton's controversial past.
- Trump’s unusual approach may stem from his personal emphasis on appearance, a strategy to distract from Paxton’s legal and personal scandals, or an attempt to highlight Paxton’s competence as attorney general.
- Another possible motive is that Trump is preemptively distancing himself from Paxton to avoid blame if Paxton loses the Senate race, which would mark a significant GOP defeat in Texas.
- Polls show a tight race between Paxton and Democratic challenger James Talarico, with no clear evidence that Trump’s insults have improved Paxton’s standing among voters.
- Trump’s unconventional endorsement style reflects his broader pattern of mixing criticism with support, but its effectiveness in shoring up Paxton’s campaign remains uncertain.
