Republicans were over the moon about Kari Lake’s performance during Wednesday’s debate, with Lake herself declaring her “clear victory.”

Indeed, it was a polished performance that her most ardent MAGA supporters will cheer. She was aggressive on the border, evasive on abortion, and she attacked Ruben Gallego’s parentage with her trademark gusto.

As a MAGA rallying point, Lake’s performance was an 11 on a 10-point scale.

But for those moderate Republican and independent voters who will decide this race?

The ones for whom facts — and basic rules of decorum — matter?

Yikes.

There’s a reason Lake is trailing Gallego in every credible poll, and Wednesday’s performance offered a showcase as to why.

This was vintage Lake, a junkyard dog in heels.

Nearly half of the hour-long debate was devoted to the U.S.-Mexico border — an issue squarely in Lake’s wheelhouse, given the tide of asylum seekers that have flooded the border since Joe Biden took office.

But she turns off moderate voters with her factually challenged fear mongering and “invasion” talk.

“Ruben Gallego has supported every step of the way Kamala Harris, the border czar, and Joe........

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