Kari Lake railed towards Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs for laughing whereas taking the oath of workplace on Monday.
Hobbs, a Democrat, narrowly defeated Lake, a Republican, within the extremely watched gubernatorial race throughout November’s midterms. Hobbs gained by lower than a proportion level, however Lake has not but conceded, saying that voter machine issues on the day of the election unjustly disenfranchised day-of voters, who sometimes skew Republican.
In a video that has unfold throughout social media, Hobbs was seen laughing throughout her oath of workplace when requested to repeat, “I will support the Constitution.” Following a short second of laughter, Hobbs continued with the oath and have become governor.
Several Republicans took difficulty along with her laughter, criticizing it as a violation of decorum and the seriousness of the event. Lake amplified the criticism by retweeting the video on her “Kari Lake War Room” account on Twitter.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images; John Moore/Getty Images
“During her swearing-in ceremony, @katiehobbs laughed and giggled throughout what was supposed to be a dignified process, and refused to say that she would support our constitution,” Lake tweeted. “Everyone enjoy your Banana Republic. And pray that a brave judge puts an end to this charade.”
In a separate tweet, Lake wrote: “Criminals traditionally have a feeling of euphoria when they think they’ve gotten away with a crime.”
This is among the darkest moments within the historical past of Arizona.
An illegitimate ‘Governor’ laughing within the face of our structure.
But it is at all times darkest earlier than the daybreak.
We will expose this fraud for the world to see.
Justice is coming.@katiehobbs will not be laughing then. https://t.co/q8MzZQxbXu
— Kari Lake War Room (@KariLakeWarRoom) January 2, 2023
Lake additionally wrote that it’s “one of the darkest moments in the history of Arizona,” including: “We will expose this fraud for the world to see. Justice is coming.”
However, others got here to Hobbs’ protection, saying that her laughing was taken out of context.
“This is not a fair characterization. If you watch the whole video you can see that Gov. Hobbs was feeling emotional & made a little joke to her mother (holding the Bible) about how they were both getting choked up,” tweeted Timothy Sandefur, vp for authorized affairs on the Goldwater Institute.
Sandefur mentioned: “In fact, it’s a bit touching. I’m sure I’d get choked up under such circumstances myself.”
So far, Lake has unsuccessfully fought her election loss in court docket. Last month, Maricopa County Superior Judge Peter Thompson rejected her lawsuit, which initially introduced 10 counts aimed toward stopping Hobbs from taking workplace. He dominated that Lake’s legal professionals didn’t present “clear and convincing” proof of misconduct by election officers.
She has since appealed that call, however authorized consultants have solid doubt on whether or not this transfer will probably be profitable.
On Saturday, Lake known as for a hand recount of ballots. She has mentioned, with out offering proof, that she believes she gained the election by 400,000 to 500,000 votes, relatively than dropping by about 17,000 votes.
Newsweek reached out to Hobbs’ workplace for remark.