Republican Gov. Doug Ducey of Arizona will not take the stage tomorrow when Trump speaks in Phoenix. Previously, when candidate Trump visited Arizona, the Koch Boys’ favorite elected official was usually on hand to welcome him, along with Sheriff Joe Arpaio.
There was a time a presidential visit would also attract the state’s U.S. senators, especially if they’re of the same party. Nah, not this time. McCain isn’t hero enough and Flake’s got a book to sell. Plus, Trump will probably use the occasion to campaign for Flake’s far-right primary challenger, “Chemtrail Kelli” Ward, Alex Jones’s favorite politician.
Criminal lawman Joe Arpaio will probably be there, hoping the orange shitstain will grant him a pardon from his contempt of court guilty verdict. If Trump does nullify the federal conviction, it’s possible state lawmakers will find or invent another infraction that the president cannot pardon. As Democrat Sen. Martin Quezada said about a possible Arpaio pardon, “We can’t stand by and let that happen!”
So while Ducey’s been fellating Trump’s immigration and healthcare policies, in a state where Trumpcare would’ve kicked 700,000 to the curb, he’s decided to skip the unpopular president’s big circus. Still, he will greet Trump beforehand on the airport tarmac—a nod to the state’s far-right crazy base that still adores the Supremacist in Chief (and fondly remembers Jan Brewer’s presidential tarmac performance, right-wing sponge-worthy shit).
Ducey wants to have it both ways: appear with Trump for an early photo-op when it’s so noisy no one can hear the president, but not appear with Trump when he slithers into his racist gutter, in a state that will soon be majority minority.
Gov. Ducey’s spokesperson said the ice cream man has a good excuse: The Guv will be working with law enforcement Tuesday to make sure everything stays peaceful.
"Gov. Ducey's focus has been working with law enforcement toward a safe event in downtown Phoenix for all those involved and in the area. That will continue to be his priority during the event and afterwards."
Got that? Gov. Ducey will be too busy spearheading the policing of downtown in order to appear onstage with the president. What a guy—looking out for us! I feel safer already. I guess next week we’ll see Gov. Ducey working as a crossing guard at the baseball game.