Republicans worry Trump’s midterms convention will flop

Key Points:

• President Donald Trump is promoting a unique midterm convention aimed at energizing Republican voters and improving the party’s prospects ahead of the midterm elections, but some Republicans privately question its timing and tone amid economic concerns and competing events.
• Concerns include expensive entrance fees for lawmakers, logistical challenges of gathering in Dallas, and the event’s overlap with the NFL season and 9/11 commemorations, which could dilute voter attention and enthusiasm.
• The convention, conceived last year to mobilize the GOP base without Trump on the ballot, now faces skepticism due to shifting political dynamics, though some see value in the national platform and fundraising opportunities it provides candidates.
• Republicans plan to use the event to highlight their achievements under Trump, attack Democrats as “socialists,” and transition into a general election focus, despite worries that the convention will center heavily on Trump himself.
• GOP officials acknowledge that Trump’s presence is unavoidable and intertwined with vulnerable candidates’ campaigns, with many believing his involvement is essential to motivate the base despite potential risks.