TL/DR –
Kari Lake, a conservative former newscaster and current U.S. Senate candidate, has been hosting an online talk show for America First News, a company started by a controversial former evangelical. The show has provided a platform for far-right rhetoric and interviews with conservative figures, with topics often dwelling on election denialism, loyalty to former President Donald Trump, and corruption allegations involving President Joe Biden and his son. Despite hopes from GOP leaders for her to focus on broader issues, Lake’s alignment with America First News and its founder, Joshua Feuerstein, a far-right evangelical pastor known for his controversial views, has further established her credentials with the far right.
Senate Candidate Kari Lake Hosts Online Talk Show on Conservative Platform
Before launching her anticipated run for the U.S. Senate, conservative ex-newscaster Kari Lake commenced hosting an online talk show. The show is broadcast through a company founded by a former evangelical from Fountain Hills, who publicly stated Christians need to be capable of “extreme violence”.
“The Kari Lake Show”, as it’s named, is a platform for Lake’s far-right rhetoric. Some suggest she is now moderating her political messaging or focusing it in her Senate race.
The show, aired on America First News, features interviews with conservative figures. Topics often include election denialism, loyalty to ex-President Donald Trump, and corruption allegations against President Joe Biden and his son. Lake also highlights her political differences with the late Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz.
These interviews have further established Lake’s credentials with the far-right. However, GOP leaders have expressed hope that she would focus her campaign on issues resonating more with the broader public in Arizona. After her defeat in last year’s gubernatorial contest, top Republicans have privately encouraged her to move beyond election denialism.
Lake Interviews Prominent MAGA Figures
Lake is seeking the Republican nomination for the Senate seat currently held by Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, I-Ariz. While she is favored for her party’s nomination over Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb, her fate in a three-way general election is less certain. Rep. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., is the only prominent Democrat in the race. Sinema has not officially announced whether she will seek a second term, but her campaign spending indicates she is likely running.
During Lake’s first episode, she interviewed Garrett Ziegler, a former aide to Trump’s former trade czar Peter Navarro. She also conducted interviews with Roseanne Barr, the former sitcom star, Eric Trump, and Roger Stone, a former Trump political adviser convicted of lying under oath and threatening a witness.
The Controversial America First News
America First News Corporation was founded by Joshua Feuerstein. He gained national attention in 2015 by protesting generic holiday cups from Starbucks and has openly criticized Islam, gay marriage, and abortion rights. He is now running for a seat in the Texas Legislature.
Lake’s Show Propagates Denialism, Conspiracy Theories
Lake’s disdain for “the media” and support for conspiracy theories is evident in her shows. She has mentioned election denialism at least 27 times. Despite warnings from key Republicans, Lake seems slow to let go of the subject completely. She has also entertained conspiracy theories about John F. Kennedy Jr.’s fatal 1999 plane crash, claiming it was part of a plot involving the Clintons.
Right-Wing Bias in AFN’s Other Programs
AFN is known for its torrent of conspiracy theories and anti-Democrat rhetoric. In addition to Lake’s show, the company also hosts Mike Crispi, who has propagated unfounded claims about former President Barack Obama and current President Joe Biden.
Kari Lake’s Sponsor: The Wellness Company
Lake’s show is sponsored by the Wellness Company, an organization selling supplements and vaccine exemption letters. The company, created by a team of doctors who allegedly lost their jobs for speaking up about vaccines, sells a medical emergency kit including prescription drugs intended to treat conditions ranging from COVID-19 to syphilis.
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