President Trump held a rally in Durant, Oklahoma, during his first political event of a monthlong midterm campaign season. He dangled promises of cash, played news clips, introduced former basketball player Dennis Rodman, and presented infographics on his endorsement success rate. Trump warned the crowd about socialists, open borders, and rising crime if Democrats take control of Congress, while offering a $5,000 cash prize to every American adult if Republicans keep control.
The rally was largely preaching to his most faithful supporters, not the voters needed to win key races in states from Alaska to Maine. Trump acknowledged it's sort of about 35 races that will decide control of Congress this fall. Several Republican candidates have distanced themselves from Trump's policies on Iran and immigration, while Trump lashed out against the news media and sought to bar reporters from the White House.
His advisers say he hasn't needed rallies because there are no more races for him to run, but the political landscape looks challenging for Republicans in the midterms as Trump faces deepening unpopularity.
Source: New York Times Top Stories · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing