Despite being a key asset to Republican Ken Paxton's U.S. Senate bid, President Donald Trump has repeatedly mocked his appearance and speaking style during the campaign.
Trump's endorsement of Paxton in May was a key part of hoisting the attorney general to victory
over outgoing U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas. But now he faces a tough battle against state Rep. James Talarico, who continues to surge in the polls and put up record-breaking fundraising numbers.The most recent Trump jab occurred during the Republican National Committee's Midterm Convention in Dallas, where the president spoke Wednesday, Sept. 10.
During his speech, Trump critiqued Paxton's speaking style, saying people "may not like the way he talks." He followed up on the comment
the next day, saying to Paxton, "I don't like the way you talk."
In the same speech, Trump said that Paxton "may not be the best-looking guy I've ever seen" and reiterated his dislike of the way Paxton dresses, while still urging Texans to cast their ballots for him.
The convention speech was only the latest record of Trump's slights against Paxton. Here are some other notable jabs.
White House Rose Garden event
During an event at the White House on Sept. 2, while endorsing Paxton, Trump again mocked his clothing, saying people "might not like the way he dresses."
At the same event, Trump also said, "You might not like the way he looks," and "You may not love his television interviews."
Trump then praised Paxton, calling him "the best attorney general in the country, perhaps." He later added that Paxton's work as attorney general "speaks a lot louder than the suit he's wearing that doesn't look good."
Dan Patrick podcast
On the same day, Trump appeared on Dan Patrick's podcast and commented on Paxton's interview style, saying, "Some people, I'll be honest, don't like an interview that he'll do or something."
Trump then praised Paxton's tenure as attorney general, saying, "The bottom line is, he was a phenomenal attorney general."
He also said Paxton "may have been the best attorney general in [the] whole country, without question."
"We got to get him elected," Trump added. "He's a good man."
Adam Powell covers government and politics for the El Paso Times and can be reached via email at apowell@elpasotimes.com.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Trump critiques Ken Paxton's looks, style while endorsing Senate bid
