Republicans put Trump centre stage in US midterms gamble

Republican leaders gathered in Dallas on Wednesday for a two-day convention called "Trumpapalooza," aiming to leverage former President Donald Trump's presence to boost their chances in the upcoming midterm elections. The convention, set to take place over two nights at the American Airlines Centre, centers around Trump, who has a deeply unpopular approval rating of around 33 percent.

Despite this, Trump's loyal base believes that his continued presence on the ballot will motivate them to vote. Republicans hope that by focusing on Trump's record and presenting Republican candidates, they can counteract the negative perception of the party. However, political experts caution that Trump's approval ratings, coupled with economic challenges such as rising inflation, high gasoline prices, and ongoing conflicts, make it unlikely that this approach will turn the tide in their favor.

The convention, the first dedicated solely to a midterm election, features over 100 House members and candidates, with multiple speakers scheduled to address the audience. While Republicans highlight tax cuts, immigration enforcement, and manufacturing, they also paint Democrats as dangerously liberal. Nevertheless, some Republicans privately hope that Trump adheres to the established script and avoids personal grievances that could hurt his campaign.

The gathering coincides with the NFL season opener, adding another challenge as some lawmakers opt to campaign at home amidst the looming election.