Trump sets off on midterm blitz – are his trademark rallies a liability for Republicans?

A president’s signature campaign rallies, once a powerful tool for energizing supporters, now face growing skepticism within his own party as voter fatigue sets in. After a high-speed motorcade trek through foul weather—dismissing concerns with a blunt directive—he pressed ahead with a relentless 32-day midterm push to shore up congressional support. Yet strategists warn his relentless style may backfire, risking a backlash that undermines Republican hopes. The question looms: Can the rally model still deliver, or has it outstayed its welcome?

Rallies have been mainstay of president’s brand but even some in his own party fear voters are sick of the sight of him“Get your asses in that car.” That was Donald Trump’s order, he later recalled, to his motorcade after foul weather grounded Air Force One in Texas on Thursday. The 85-mile dash to Oklahoma at nearly 100mph was proof that nothing can keep Trump from a Trump rally.Which might not be the good news for Republicans it once was. As the US president embarked on a 32-day campaign blitz aimed at helping them defend narrow congressional majorities in next month’s midterms, some fear that he is driving them towards an electoral wipeout. Continue reading...