Republicans put Trump center stage in US midterms gamble

Donald Trump, the current US President, is scheduled to be the star of a unique Republican convention called "Trumpapalooza" on Wednesday. The two-day event, taking place in Dallas, Texas, aims to boost voter enthusiasm before the midterm elections in November. However, unlike traditional party conventions, "Trumpapalooza" will not involve voting or candidate selection.

Instead, it will resemble a Trump rally, with the President taking the spotlight on both days. Trump will deliver his keynote address on Wednesday and return to close the event on Thursday after Vice President JD Vance's speech. RNC Chairman Joe Gruters expressed excitement about having Trump at the event, describing him as the "best showman that's ever existed in politics."

The convention is meant to rally Republican voters and promote Trump's agenda as the party grapples with historical midterm election losses and Trump's current low approval ratings. Speakers at the Dallas event include Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr, former White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, and Trump's eldest son, Donald Trump Jr. They are expected to contrast Republican policies with what they see as the Democratic Party's leftward shift on issues like immigration, trade, and foreign policy.

Four Democratic politicians are set to attend as part of the Democrats' counter-programming effort. However, several Republican candidates facing competitive re-election races have declined to attend, preferring to focus on their home-state campaigns. Democratic National Committee Chairman Ken Martin criticized the convention, calling it a reminder of how out of touch Republicans are with the American people.

Many Republican candidates have also expressed concerns about attending the event, citing prior engagements, family events, or travel, leading to ridicule on social media.