Trump Mocks Ken Paxton While Pushing for Senate Support at Dallas Convention

In a surprising twist at a Republican convention in Dallas, President Donald Trump took aim at Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, despite having endorsed him for the Senate. The event, intended to rally support for GOP candidates ahead of the midterm elections, saw Trump humorously critique Paxton's appearance and speech delivery.

Trump's Playful Jabs

During his keynote address on Wednesday night, Trump quipped about Paxton's style, stating, "Some may not like the way he dresses. I don’t, although tonight he looked very spiffy in his blue suit.” He acknowledged that many might find Paxton’s manner of speaking unappealing, much like his own communication style, but insisted that Paxton deserved to win against his opponent, Democrat James Talarico.

An Apology Wrapped in Praise

Trump went on to assert, “He may not dress right… but he’s the greatest Attorney General in America,” before lightheartedly apologizing to Paxton, saying, “He’ll never speak to me again, but that’s okay.” The president highlighted Paxton’s efforts in advocating for the southern border wall, praising him as a staunch supporter of Republican values.

The Tight Senate Race

Paxton, who addressed the audience earlier in the day, referred to Talarico as “the most radical Democrat in Texas history,” urging the crowd for their votes and prayers. Polls indicate a close race, with Talarico leading Paxton by a narrow margin of three percentage points, signaling a competitive battle for the Senate seat. As Trump aims to bolster GOP support amidst his own declining approval ratings, many Republican candidates are opting out of the convention, citing prior commitments and steep ticket prices.

Source: www.independent.co.uk