Republicans put Trump at centre of midterm gamble
“US Republicans on Wednesday opened an unprecedented midterm convention in Dallas, placing President Donald Trump at the centre of their campaign in a high-stakes effort to avert projected losses in th…”
Dubbed "Trumpapalooza", the two-day gathering is designed to persuade Trump's supporters that the president is effectively on the ballot, even though he is not running. Republicans are fighting to retain control of the Senate and avoid losing their House majority.
Decision Desk HQ projects Democrats will win the House by 230 seats to 205 and take control of the Senate with a 51-49 majority, revising an earlier 50-50 forecast as the outlook has deteriorated for Republicans, with Trump's approval rating coming down to 33% in recent polls.
Trump is scheduled to address the convention on both nights at the American Airlines Center. His challenge is to mobilise voters personally loyal to him without further alienating independents already dissatisfied with his presidency amid inflation, gasoline prices above $4 a gallon and the continuing war with Iran.
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"Many Trump supporters only vote when he's on the ballot," Matthew Green, a politics professor at the Catholic University of America,, arguing that highlighting Trump could help drive turnout among voters who identify more strongly with him than with the Republican Party. The convention is the first Republican national gathering specifically organised for a midterm election.
No candidates will be nominated and no formal party business is planned. Instead, organisers have built a two-night televised rally featuring Trump's record and Republican candidates. More than 100 House members and candidates are expected, alongside over 50 speakers or presentations each night.
Vice President JD Vance, cabinet members, congressional leaders and candidates in closely contested races are also scheduled to appear. Several lawmakers facing competitive races have opted to remain in their districts rather than attend the convention, underscoring the dilemma facing Republicans as Election Day approaches.
Both convention nights coincide with the opening games of the NFL season, providing a formidable alternative for viewers. Republicans plan to highlight tax cuts, immigration enforcement, manufacturing and prescription drug prices while portraying Democrats as too far to the left.
Democrats meanwhile hold public events in Dallas, with prominent figures attacking Republicans over rising living costs, tariffs and the foreign policy.
Written by Sheheryar Munawar
Aman-e-Pakistan Senior Journalist & Bureau Reporter
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