President Donald Trump has reportedly been in a “foul mood” as his once massive rallies are dwindling and Republicans in tough races distance themselves from his toxic poll numbers.
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The Washington Post reported Monday that an insider with knowledge of the president’s behavior said his mood has declined, contradicting an adviser who said he has been enjoying the travels and believes the campaign is going well.
The conflicting accounts on his mental state come as he faces smaller venues during his campaign and the massive rallies he once held appear to be a thing of the past. GOP strategists are tasked with figuring out how a historically unpopular president can help GOP candidates in tough districts without hurting their odds at the midterms.
Trump still has his devoted fans. The report cites Blake Marnell, who is a devoted rally-goer who drives up to 14 hours to make it to his rallies. One MAGA devotee was stunned at how empty one of the rallies was compared to the past, telling WaPO, “I’m surprised we’re still pretty empty right now.”
Mark Mitchell, an independent pollster who previously supported Trump, questioned the logic of his campaign because he is the “most unpopular president.” Mitchell also predicted this will be the last time he will be able to campaign in “full force.”
Trump’s advisers believe his rallies can energize loyal supporters and boost Republicans’ odds of winning. However, his campaign stops have been in safely red districts rather than competitive seats.
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In more competitive areas, some conservatives have begged Trump not to visit. In New York, where gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman is trailing behind by double digits in many polls, a conservative radio host Bob Lonsberry publicly urged Trump to skip the Empire State.
“Stay away, Mr. President,” Lonsberry wrote, adding: “The last thing Bruce Blakeman needs is a visit from you.”
The political stakes are very high. Of those who said they were extremely motivated to vote, Democrats led Republicans 59% to 35%, according to a Pew Research Center survey quoted by the Post.
Trump’s team hopes the rallies will help close that enthusiasm gap by engaging occasional voters and collecting their contact details to send election reminders later.
But the President’s influence is a conundrum for the Republican candidates. In the conservative heartlands, he can draw in the loyalists. In the more competitive districts, he may well turn off the voters that the GOP candidates need.
For Trump, the rallies are all about the crowds and the fun of it. For Republicans facing November, the question is whether those crowds will translate into votes.
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