Trump Pledges to Campaign in 35 Battlegrounds for Republicans/ TezzBuzz/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ President Donald Trump urged vulnerable Republican lawmakers to campaign on his White House record despite voter concerns about the economy and the Iran war. Trump promised to visit approximately 35 battlegrounds expected to determine control of the House and Senate. He argued that Republicans can defy the historic pattern of a president’s party losing ground in midterm elections.
Quick Look
- Trump addressed vulnerable Republican lawmakers at a White House dinner.
- He encouraged candidates to promote his administration’s record.
- About 35 races could determine control of Congress.
- Trump promised to campaign in every major battleground.
- He plans an intensive travel schedule during the final 30 days.
- Republicans face voter dissatisfaction over the economy and Iran war.
- Trump highlighted domestic investment, drug prices and border crossings.
- Some of the economic figures he cited were significantly inflated.
- He singled out competitive Senate races in Alaska and Texas.
- Republicans will hold a midterm convention in Dallas next week.
Deep Look
Trump Promises a Midterm Campaign Blitz
President Donald Trump has promised to campaign aggressively for Republican candidates during the final month before the November midterm elections, pledging to visit roughly three dozen battlegrounds that could determine control of Congress.
Speaking to some of the party’s most vulnerable lawmakers, Trump encouraged Republicans to build their campaigns around his record in the White House despite his declining approval ratings.
“All you have to do is talk about it, and you’re going to win and you’re going to win big,” Trump said.
His remarks came one week before Republicans are scheduled to gather in Dallas for an unusual midterm convention intended to rally the party for the closing phase of the campaign.
Economy and Iran War Challenge Republicans
Republican candidates are entering the final stretch of the election season amid voter dissatisfaction with the economy and the continuing U.S. war with Iran.
Those concerns have created political difficulties for the party as it seeks to retain its congressional majorities. Trump nevertheless told lawmakers they have a successful record to present to voters.
During his remarks, the president highlighted economic investment in the United States, prescription drug prices and the decline in border crossings. Some of the figures Trump cited about his economic record were significantly inflated.
The audience listened quietly through much of the speech, occasionally applauding while attending an “end of summer BBQ” in the White House Rose Garden.
About 35 Races Could Decide Congress
Trump estimated that control of the House and Senate would be decided by approximately 35 competitive races.
He promised to spend the final 30 days before the election campaigning in those battlegrounds, drawing a comparison to his intensive travel schedule before winning the White House two years earlier.
“I’m going to go to every one of those 35 places, and we’re going to see if we can get everyone elected,” Trump said.
The president said his efforts would include both House and Senate contests.
Trump’s commitment comes as some Republicans have expressed concern about whether his political operation will deploy enough of its substantial financial resources to help candidates facing difficult races.
Trump Highlights Alaska and Texas Senate Races
Trump specifically mentioned competitive Senate campaigns in Alaska and Texas.
In Alaska, Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan is running against former Democratic Rep. Mary Peltola.
In Texas, Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton faces Democratic state Rep. James Talarico. Trump supported Paxton in the Republican primary despite the attorney general’s history of political and personal controversies.
The president defended Paxton’s performance while making fun of his clothing and television appearances.
“You might not love his look. You might not love his television interviews,” Trump said. “But he was the best attorney general in the country, perhaps. He was one of the best in the entire country. And that speaks a lot louder than the suit he’s wearing that doesn’t look so great.”
Trump Seeks to Defy Midterm History
The party holding the White House typically loses congressional seats during midterm elections, a pattern that has affected presidents from both parties.
Trump acknowledged that history but argued that Republicans could overcome it by emphasizing his administration’s record and mobilizing his political base.
“Whether you’re a good president or a great president, you lose the midterms,” Trump said. “We’re going to turn that around because there’s no reason for it.”
His ability to motivate loyal supporters could be important in close races, particularly among voters who are less likely to participate when the presidency is not on the ballot.
At the same time, Trump’s low approval ratings and public frustration over economic conditions could complicate efforts by Republican candidates to make his administration the centerpiece of their campaigns.
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