Trump's America First Agenda is Not Resonating

"The president's going to look right into the camera and say, 'I am on the ballot'."

"Because, even though his name isn't, his administration, his legacy, the America First agenda is."

"We have a real opportunity to defy history and win the midterms." 

House Speaker Mike Johnson 

 

"All of us are going to get the message out. It really has great timing from our standpoint, because now we can compare socialism, Marxism, communism with what Texas values are all about and American values: capitalism and free markets."

Rep. Roger Williams, R-Willow Park

 

"[The Republican convention is a] Billionaire Ball celebrating corrupt tariffs, billionaire tax breaks and a new forever war that are all driving grocery costs through the roof."

"Billionaire mega-donors and their puppet politicians will gather at a convention in Dallas to clink champagne glasses and toast their own corruption."

"We’ll be doing something different."

Democrat James Talarico 

The American Airlines Center, as preparations are underway for the Republican National Midterm Convention in Dallas, Texas, Sept. 7, 2026. Photo by Jessica Koscielniak/Reuters

 

Dallas was chosen as the venue for the two-day Republican convention to convince voters that although he doesn't appear on the ballot in the November vote, he is in essence, on the ballot and for voters to keep that in mind when regarding a president whose unpopularity is becoming a party liability.  The name given the convention is a whopper: 'Trumpapalooza', at a time when many voters who would normally vote Republican may be musing that the name should be changed to 'Trumpaloozer', for the condition of the slumping economy -- America's loss of  global prestige, and in states set to begin suffering over the president's trade war with Canada -- make his administration anything but admirable.

 

To take place on Wednesday and Thursday, the convention purposes to ensure that the midterm elections will rally voters as they present the Trump administration's record as a resounding success, not the least bit resembling the failure that threatens grim election results for Republicans. Democrats are projected by Decision Desk HQ to win the House of Representatives by 229 seats to 206, and the Senate likely to reflect a 50/50 vote outcome. 

 

Still from video ... PBS News

 

The President is scheduled  to appear at the American Airlines Center in Dallas for both days of the conference; delivering closing remarks on the second day, following his headline speech the day previous. The conference organizers plan to focus on the tax cuts, immigration policies, along with other assumed priority accomplishments, while trumpeting the 'extreme' behaviour of their rival Democrats. This, for a president with a diminished approval rating sunk to the low 30s, reflecting inflation, high fuel prices, an unpopular Iran war, as well as a business-trade uncoupling dispute with Canada. 

 

 According to a Politico survey, of 70 lawmakers and candidates tracked, most either planned not to attend or had yet to commit; dozens have declined to disclose how they will respond. Campaign commitments have been cited by some, or debates or family obligations. Others complain quietly having been asked to contribute a minimum of $25,000 to attend. Still, Mike Johnson insists that most will appear at this signal event which is an opportunity to air the party's record in front a national television audience.

 

Then there is the inconvenience of bad timing, since the opening games of the National Football League season take place at the very same time as the convention. Which hasn't stopped the organizers from arguing their convention will energize activists, raise money and present valuable national exposure to the candidates, in front of tens of thousands cheering, committed attendees. A major fundraising effort is linked to the convention. 'Opportunities' such as a photograph with Trump can be had for $88,600 and access to a presidential roundtable at $250,000. 

 

President Donald Trump, seen at campaign rally for Sen. Darline Graham at Myrtle Beach Convention Center in Myrtle Beach, S.C. on Aug. 21, 2026, will speak in primetime Wednesday and Thursday at the GOP's midterm convention. (SAUL LOEB / AFP via Getty Images)

  

"Some candidates will continue to embrace Trump, while other battleground campaigns are weighing how closely to identify with him amid inflation concerns, the Iran war and his weak approval ratings."

"Bottom line, Republicans can't break with Trump because Democrats and the media won't let them."

"But they can work to focus on local issues and priorities, and paint opponent Democrats as radial extremists." 

Republican political consultant Matt Klink