Exclusive: GOP plans socialism telethon at midterm convention
Republicans plan to use their first-ever midterm convention in Dallas next month to mount a sweeping, made-for-prime-time case that Democrats have become captive to their activist left, Axios has learned. Why it matters: With President Trump's approval rating in the 30s and his war in Iran weighing on the economy, Republicans don't want the Nov. 3 midterms to be just a referendum on his…
The Republican Party is set to host its inaugural midterm convention in Dallas next month, aiming to make a compelling case that Democrats have succumbed to the far-left, according to insiders. This strategic move stems from President Trump's sagging approval ratings in the low 30s and his involvement in the Iran conflict, which is affecting the economy.
Rather than treating the midterms as a direct referendum on the president's leadership, Republicans are preparing a "But they're worse" campaign targeting the surge of progressive Democrats and socialism.
Throughout the Sept. 9-10 convention at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, progressives and activists will be recurring characters, with GOP operatives meticulously gathering footage of Democratic figures like Hasan Piker and James Talarico. These visuals will be used to portray Democrats as being outside the mainstream. A convention source revealed that the GOP has an "endless" video archive to support their narrative.
The convention will center on Democratic nominees who support socialist policies like Medicare for All, such as Abdul El-Sayed, the Michigan Senate candidate. Trump has labeled El-Sayed a "communist" and "hater of Israel," despite his stance as a capitalist critical of Israel's actions. GOP strategists believe that this approach will resonate with everyday Americans, focusing on Trump's domestic achievements, such as tax cuts, reduced prescription drug costs, and enhanced border security.
The GOP will also highlight Trump's tax exemption for tips, crime-focused urban policies, and the new child investment accounts. Vice President Kamala Harris and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s MAHA movement are additional points of emphasis. The administration's war in Iran will be addressed by asserting that Trump has taken steps to protect Americans.
Other notable figures, including Senate Majority Mike Vance, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and several administration officials, will have prominent speaking roles during the event. Unlike the 2024 convention, where donors and delegates dominated the floor, the Dallas event will primarily feature MAGA activists. The convention will also mark the first anniversary of the assassination of Charlie Kirk, a significant event for GOP operatives Justin Caporale and Tony Sayegh, who played key roles in prior conventions.
Written by urgent.news from Axios's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
