What to watch as Republicans gather in Dallas for Trump’s unusual midterm convention
PBS News Hour – Politics — 2026-09-08 18:49:00 — www.pbs.org
Trump Urges Voters to “Pretend” He’s on the Ballot as Republicans Gather for Unprecedented Midterm Convention
President Donald Trump is taking center stage at a first-of-its-kind Republican midterm convention in Dallas, a spectacle he personally envisioned to energize his supporters ahead of this year’s elections. Trump, who has long floated the idea of a midterm convention, told voters in South Carolina to “Pretend, please, that I’m on the ballot. Just come and vote.” This direct appeal highlights his strategy to make the midterms a referendum on his presidency, despite not being a candidate himself.
A Convention Built Around Trump
Unlike traditional presidential nominating conventions, this event will not select a nominee but instead aims to boost turnout and enthusiasm among Trump’s base. Trump has insisted that running on his record will give Republicans their best shot at winning, even as his poll numbers have declined. The convention is designed to showcase the first two years of Trump’s term and to spotlight his policy agenda, including his actions on immigration, prescription drug prices, tax cuts, and tariffs.
Trump’s Influence on the Party
Trump’s influence is evident in the speaker lineup and the focus of the event. He will deliver keynote addresses on both nights, and the program features a long list of his allies and Cabinet members. Trump has also thrown his support behind controversial Texas Senate candidate Ken Paxton, despite Paxton’s history of scandals. Trump described Paxton as “a good man” and made his election a central focus of the Texas gathering, underscoring his willingness to override party establishment preferences.
Aggressive Rhetoric and Partisan Attacks
Much of the convention’s messaging is expected to echo Trump’s attack lines, with speakers likely to portray Democrats as “communists.” This language continues Trump’s pattern of using inflammatory rhetoric to energize his supporters and disparage political opponents.
Conclusion
The Dallas convention marks an unprecedented effort by Trump to keep himself at the center of Republican politics, urging voters to treat the midterms as a personal referendum. By shaping the event around his persona and agenda, Trump is betting that his continued dominance of the party will translate into electoral success, even as he faces sagging poll numbers and ongoing controversies. The convention’s tone and focus serve as a reminder of Trump’s enduring influence—and the divisive tactics he employs to maintain it.