Republican Midterm Convention Highlights Trump as Both Asset and Liability
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The two-day GOP convention in Dallas underscored Donald Trump’s central role in mobilizing the base while exposing internal divisions and policy-focused messaging challenges ahead of the November elections.
Dallas – The Republican Party concluded its midterm convention at the American Airlines Center with a stage appearance by President Donald Trump, who closed the event with a performance of Puccini’s aria "Nessun dorma" and a pledge to give $5,000 to each adult American if Republicans retain control of Congress.
Organizers framed the November election as a choice between "common sense" and "crazy," but analysts note that Trump’s low approval ratings, the ongoing conflict in Iran, rising fuel costs and the historical tendency for the party in power to lose midterms pose significant hurdles for GOP candidates.
Speakers repeatedly urged Trump supporters to vote for other Republicans, with the former president telling the crowd, "I'm asking you to pretend that I'm on the ballot. You know what happens if you don't vote? You go to hell."
Attendance gaps were evident, as many upper-level seats remained empty despite claims that the arena was "packed" and that additional supporters were waiting outside. While some candidates, such as Rep. Brandon Gill and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, received enthusiastic responses, others like Senate nominee Michael Whatley and Senator John Husted attracted less applause.
The convention’s rhetoric focused heavily on personal attacks against Democratic opponents, labeling them as extreme left, communists or socialists, and emphasizing past Republican achievements in tax cuts and executive actions. Few speakers addressed the war in Iran or its impact on gas prices, aside from Vice President-elect JD Vance urging voters not to discard the administration’s record over policy disagreements.
Potential 2028 presidential contenders, including JD Vance, Marco Rubio, Ted Cruz and Donald Trump Jr., also addressed the crowd, though no formal succession plan was announced.
Current polls show Republicans trailing in both chambers, with Democratic candidates outspending and out-raising many GOP rivals. Nevertheless, the party’s national committees and Trump-aligned super PACs retain substantial cash reserves that could be deployed in the final weeks before the election.