Wednesday night brought exciting new programming to the fall television schedule. I am, of course, referring to the NFL’s season opener, a Super Bowl rematch between the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks.
The first night of the Republican Party’s midterm convention in Texas, on the other hand, lacked memorable moments. There were some surprises, to be sure. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, for instance, chose not to attend the convention — a decision more understandable after the mention of his name drew boos from the crowd. And Sen. John Fetterman’s video introduction for his fellow Pennsylvania Sen. David McCormick reignited Democrats’ fears that Fetterman may change parties. Fetterman put out a statement saying he will remain a Democrat, but that will hardly quiet his party’s concerns.
When Trump finally came out in the 9 p.m. hour, he spoke for more than 90 minutes. Like a tired old lounge singer, he tried to belt out the old hits.
The made-for-TV event was, in fact, largely of a rerun. “Trumpapalooza,” as some Republicans are calling it, may serve better as a funeral for Republican majorities in the House and possibly the Senate. With less than two months to go, Republicans are down in enthusiasm and down in the polls. Trump’s reverse alchemy has even turned ruby-red Texas into a purple amethyst.
When Trump finally came out in the 9 p.m. hour, he spoke for more than 90 minutes. Like a tired old lounge singer, he tried to belt out the old hits. He blamed “Sleepy Joe Biden” for “the worst inflation in American history.” He warned of voter fraud and “men in women’s sports.” He promised a $5,000 dividend to every citizen if Republicans retain Congress, though he never delivered his promised $5,000 “DOGE dividend” or $2,000 “tariff dividend. He accused Democrats of being controlled by “a small and dangerous group of extremists.”
But the classics just don’t hit the same way when the average price of gas is well above $4. It is safe to say the meandering and meaningless speech did not win over any voters, and it is unclear if it motivated anyone who was not already motivated.
Trump fatigue is real, even among the base. A series of broken campaign promises and government failures, most of all the failure to bring down prices, have been compounded by a war with Iran that is unpopular, divisive and difficult to see an end. As a three-time Trump voter in New Hampshire told me over Labor Day weekend, “Trump was always an asshole, but he was our asshole. Now he is just an asshole.”
While the aim of the convention was to charge up the base, most Americans care more about their lives, their family, their friends and futures than the fate of a politician.
The whole notion of a midterm conference seems to have developed on a whim of the president, similar to his Madison Square Garden rally at the close of the 2024 campaign. But it cannot change the fact that the president and his team are yet to find a message, much less even a detailed agenda, especially for the economy and affordability. It is hard for him to highlight any tangible results for the public. Americans continue to see the costs, conflict and corruption that have defined Trump’s second term.
The GOP does have some advantages going for them: gerrymandered maps, a massive money edge and plenty of mudslinging of accusations from communism and socialism. Some material for the latter has been handed to them by Democratic Socialists of America candidates and surrogates, who have made eye-popping statements on everything from Thanksgiving to 9/11. If the GOP has nothing left but to try and paint all Democrats as crazy, some of the fringe elements are guilty of handing them the paintbrush and can.
And Trump’s super PAC is finally beginning to spend its hundreds of millions of dollars, while Elon Musk has reportedly committed at least $100 million toward Republican victories. Money cannot stop a wave election, but it can mitigate one.
While the aim of the convention was to charge up the base, most Americans care more about their lives, their family, their friends and futures than the fate of a politician. They pray someone will alleviate the brutal challenges of housing, healthcare, groceries, gas and education.
For any Americans who missed Wednesday’s show, fear not. Thursday evening will be the same show. Just like it has been every day in this administration. The problems in our country and economy are difficult to address, and it is all the more difficult when you prefer to focus on ballrooms, fountains and arches.
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