Trump's Unprecedented Midterm Convention Nears

Campaigning for the November midterms traditionally kicks into a higher gear after Labor Day, and this year will see a first-of-its-kind event: a midterm convention for the GOP organized by President Trump, reports USA Today. The Republican National Committee will host the two-day rally in Dallas on Sept. 9-10, with Vice President JD Vance speaking the first night and Trump himself on the second. One GOP strategist in Texas, Brendan Steinhauser, calls it "Trump-a-looza" and predicts it will "be a big event for the whole ticket," per the Hill. But coverage is also taking note of grumbling from within the GOP.

For one thing, the midweek convention will compete with the NFL opener between the Patriots and Seahawks on its first night, and with a game between the 49ers and Rams on the second. It's also not yet clear how much coverage the major networks will give the event. Axios notes that organizers are well aware and have invited social media influencers to attend, with the idea that key moments may resonate online rather than in live coverage. Another factor in the grumbling: It costs at least $25,000 a head to attend, reports Puck, with higher-tier tickets going for $100,000. Trump's "shrinking" approval rating also isn't helping the mood among potential attendees in tight races, according to the Hill.