Republicans look to rally base at ‘Trump-a-palooza’ midterm convention

Key Points:

• Democrats aim to flip the House and gain Senate majority by running strong campaigns in GOP areas, hoping to check President Trump’s power and rebuild their party’s image ahead of the next presidential election.
• Trump’s involvement in the midterms, despite low approval ratings, energizes Democrats and causes some Republicans in competitive districts to reconsider their association with him.
• Rising oil prices due to intensified conflict with Iran are worsening the US cost-of-living crisis, a key voter concern, with Trump predicting Iran will cease hostilities only after the midterms.
• Some Republican candidates in tight races are skipping the GOP midterm convention, concerned about tone and distraction, while Trump insists attendance is limited to those in close races and claims broad enthusiasm for the event.
• The GOP midterm convention aims to energize the Republican base and boost fundraising, with Trump planning a nationwide campaign blitz targeting key races to defend the party’s narrow congressional majority.