Reactions to Presidential Remarks on Senator Husted
Ohio Republican officials and supporters responded to President Donald Trump’s recent comments about the physical appearance of Ohio Sen. Jon Husted during a gathering in western Ohio.
The reactions followed a rally in northern Kentucky where Trump offered an appraisal of Husted’s physique, specifically mentioning his "ass," shoulders, feet, hand, and jawline, according to CNN.
During that same event, Trump stated he had patted Husted on the shoulder and described the sensation as feeling like "a piece of steel." The comments drew attention from Ohio Republicans who were addressing a crowd at a Darke County GOP hog roast in Greenville, Ohio, later that day.
Laughter and Deflections at Greenville Event
At the Greenville gathering, Sen. Husted acknowledged Trump’s comments about him being a football player to laughing attendees, according to CNN.
Ohio GOP Senator Bernie Moreno addressed the president's remarks directly when speaking to the crowd. Moreno told attendees he would not comment on Husted’s anatomy but described him as a "really, really good senator," according to CNN.
Ohio State Auditor Keith Faber also alluded to Trump’s commentary during his address. Faber called Husted a "darn good athlete" and an "even better legislator," according to CNN.
Trump’s Comments on Other Candidates
The president’s focus on physical appearance extended beyond Husted during his recent campaign stops, according to CNN.
During a rally in Georgia, Trump compared the appearances of Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff and Republican challenger Mike Collins. Trump stated he thinks Collins is a good-looking man while doubting Ossoff is.
Trump also addressed the fashion choices of Texas Senate nominee Ken Paxton during the same period. He asked GOP voters to overlook Paxton’s fashion sense, though he noted that Paxton looked "very spiffy" in a blue suit at the GOP midterm convention in Dallas, according to CNN.