‘I’m Mad at Trump’: Even Trumpers Can’t Stand How Shoddy the Great American State Fair Is

Key Points:

• The Great American State Fair in Washington, DC, has drawn criticism for its underwhelming setup, including a small model of Trump's triumphal arch, broken air conditioning, and a mix of religious and conservative-themed exhibits promoting a skewed view of American values.
• Attendees encountered booths promoting Christian nationalism, conspiracy theories about COVID-19, and conservative organizations like AMAC, reflecting a broader conservative movement's ideological stance.
• Many states declined to participate fully in the fair, leading to makeshift exhibits and confusion, with some booths representing local trade interests rather than cultural or political showcases.
• Federal agencies had booths as well, including the Justice Department promoting prison guard recruitment and the State Department displaying a Trump-themed passport, which intrigued and confused visitors.
• In Alaska, a legal battle has allowed two Republican candidates named Dan Sullivan to appear on the Senate primary ballot, causing controversy and accusations of voter confusion tactics ahead of a critical midterm election.
• The Alaska Supreme Court ruled against removing challenger Dan J. Sullivan from the ballot despite allegations that his candidacy was intended to confuse voters and benefit Democrat Mary Peltola, who is polling competitively against incumbent Sen. Dan S. Sullivan.
• With the primary scheduled for August 18, the presence of two similarly named candidates complicates the race in a state seen as a key Democratic pickup opportunity in the upcoming midterms.