Republican Ohio Senate candidate Jon Husted has responded to recent remarks from Donald Trump in which the president praised the candidate’s physique during campaign rallies.
Appearing on , Husted was asked about his reaction to Trump publicly commenting on his physical appearance during recent events in North Carolina and Ohio. Trump had drawn attention during the rallies by describing Husted’s physique in graphic terms, telling crowds that the senator was built like a “monster” and comparing his build to a “piece of steel.”
Reacting to the headlines generated by the remarks, Husted adopted a lighthearted tone during his television appearance. He told host Aishah Hasnie that upon hearing what Trump had said, he immediately spoke to his spouse about stepping up his fitness routine to maintain the reputation described by the president. Husted noted that he comes from an athletic background, having played college football, while his wife is a marathon runner.
Trump’s remarks quickly drew widespread media attention and commentary. On CNN, anchor Anderson Cooper broadcast a montage of instances where the president had discussed the physical appearance of various male political figures, including Georgia Republican lieutenant gubernatorial nominee Greg Dolezal, whom Trump had described as a good-looking candidate.
Cooper also noted the contrast between Husted’s physique and his current standing in the polls as he challenges Democratic incumbent Sherrod Brown in a competitive Ohio race. Recent polling data from the Cook Political Report indicated Brown leading Husted 49 percent to 43 percent.
