Trump says Republicans will defy midterm odds

In a pep rally in North Carolina, US President Donald Trump attempted to defy political odds by urging voters to support his favored Senate candidate, despite his approval rating being at record lows. The rally came as Trump embarked on a campaign blitz, traveling over 29,000 miles in the weeks leading up to the midterm elections to boost Republican candidates.

The North Carolina race for the Senate is seen as crucial in determining the balance of power in Washington, with polls showing former Democratic Governor Roy Cooper leading Republican Michael Whatley, a former senior party official. The seat is up for grabs to fill the position of retiring Republican Thom Tillis, who has distanced himself from Trump over his tax bill and defense policy.

Trump predicted that Whatley would defy expectations, stating, "I think you're gonna see some amazing results." Despite North Carolina being a state that Trump has won in each of his presidential campaigns, Democrats are optimistic about a breakthrough performance, with a majority of Americans dissatisfied with rising prices and the war in Iran.

Early voting in North Carolina has shown Democrats casting more ballots than Republicans by a two-to-one margin. Republicans hold 10 of the state's 14 House seats, but several districts are considered swing districts, attracting significant spending. In the state's mountainous west, outside groups have spent $14.5 million on the race between Democrat Jamie Ager and Republican Jennifer Balkcom.

Trump, who has seen his popularity plummet since his military strikes on Iran, touted new local investments and promised to give every US adult $5,000 if Republicans maintain control of Congress.