{
  "id": 6377830,
  "title": "Midterms: Trump's Republicans want to turn the tide at party convention",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/09/midterms-trumps-republikaner-wollen-auf-parteitag-das-ruder-rumrei-en",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-09-09T03:00:19.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Handelsblatt",
    "slug": "handelsblatt",
    "url": "https://www.handelsblatt.com/politik/international/midterms-trumps-republikaner-wollen-auf-parteitag-das-ruder-rumreissen/100253093.html"
  },
  "original_language": "de",
  "account": "With less than two months remaining before the United States congressional elections, Republicans are aiming to regain momentum with their party convention. The opposition is formidable: President Donald Trump's popularity is at an all-time low, and the unpopular Iran war is driving up gas prices to their highest levels in years. The significance of this two-day party convention, taking place today in Dallas, Texas, is underscored by its timing. Typically, parties hold such events before presidential elections, but this is the Republican Party's first midterms convention. Can Trump's party turn the tide? And can the President himself be of assistance? The convention offers Republicans an opportunity to sharpen the message for the midterms, mobilize their base, and find a common content line. Recent months have seen Republicans focusing on perceived widespread fraud in the healthcare system, primarily in democratically governed states, as well as hardline immigration policies, a fight against high drug prices, and campaigns against democratic opponents who portray them as radical leftists. These topics will all be addressed at the convention. Republicans are striving to convey that they take voters' concerns about high living costs seriously. However, Trump himself remains a focal point, with his controversial tariff policies, enthusiasm for construction projects in the US capital, and the Iran war he launched with Israel still drawing attention. Unlike initially suggested by the US President, the conflict has now dragged on for over half a year, resulting in the deaths of 18 US soldiers and causing gas prices to soar, including in the United States. Trump has been working to reassure his constituents that the war will soon be over. In a recent interview at the White House, he reiterated this stance and then pivoted to the midterms, stating, \"I am not affected by the election. I am not running, but my party is, and I will help my party.\" Midterms are significant for Trump's continued tenure. In the November 3rd elections, roughly a third of Senate seats and the entire House of Representatives will be up for grabs. Traditionally, the President's party tends to lose seats. It is crucial for Republicans to defend their slim majorities in both congressional chambers. If Democrats manage to win control of either chamber, they can block Trump's legislative initiatives and subject them to investigations by committees. Alongside the congressional elections, gubernatorial and other state elections will take place in early November. Recently, Trump announced he intends to travel across the country to support his Republican candidates ahead of the elections: \"I will be in each of your states, in your cities, wherever you are running.\" Despite his unfavorable poll numbers, Trump is prominently scheduled to attend the Republican convention in Dallas. However, according to former Republican advisor George W. Bush's Karl Rove, Trump's support may be more beneficial if kept in the background. Otherwise, Democrats could use Trump's image to connect with Republican candidates, which would not be advantageous. Political scientist Brandon Rottinghaus notes that Trump is both the party's biggest mobilizer and its greatest risk. He remains highly effective at getting Republican voters to the polls, but he can also motivate Democrats and deter independents. The question is not whether Republicans want Trump – \"the party is essentially his party\" – but whether the candidates can benefit from his charisma without being tarnished by what Trump's actions politically expose them to. The Texas stronghold, where things are going awry for the Republicans, is evident in the chosen location for the convention: Dallas, Texas. What used to be a Republican stronghold is now a key battleground for control of the Senate. Recent polls show Democrat James Talarico and Republican incumbent Ken Paxton in a tight race. A Democratic senator from Texas would be a historic first, as none have represented the state in over three decades.",
  "summary": "Unpopular war, unpopular president: Before the midterm elections, Republicans want to sharpen their profile and focus on successes. The question is: Will Trump help or hurt them in this effort?",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}