President Donald Trump has made personal comments about male politicians a recurring part of recent campaign appearances, bringing physical descriptions into the mix as Republicans prepare for the Nov. 3 midterm elections.
At a rally in Youngstown, Ohio, on Oct. 12, Trump said he had learned Ohio Sen. Jon Husted played college football. “I started examining his body,” Trump said, before commenting on Husted’s build and hands. At an Oct. 17 rally in Northern Kentucky, Trump again discussed Husted’s shoulders, feet and jawline while the senator was absent, according to the event transcript.
The remarks also involved other races. The Associated Press reported that Trump complimented Kentucky congressional candidate Ed Gallrein, Georgia Senate candidate Mike Collins and Georgia gubernatorial candidate Rick Jackson. At an Oct. 16 rally in Dalton, Georgia, Trump compared Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff to Pee-wee Herman, according to the event transcript.
Trump’s criticism of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s appearance came at the Republican midterm convention, according to the convention transcript. That episode took place at the convention, not at one of the rallies.
The examples span Senate, congressional and gubernatorial contests, with remarks ranging from praise to ridicule. The Guardian said it was unclear whether the remarks were a campaign strategy or a personal habit, and whether they would help Republicans. The Nov. 3 midterms will decide whether Republicans retain control of Congress.
