The Memo: Trump’s midterm convention presents GOP candidates with stark dilemma

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The Hill's Headlines (PM) - September 8, 2026

The Hill's Headlines (PM) - September 8, 2026

The Trump-centric Republican midterm convention that kicks off Wednesday in Dallas is putting GOP candidates in a tight spot.

On one hand, there are clear arguments in favor of attending the convention and wrapping themselves metaphorically in President Trump’s flag.

Most GOP candidates want Trump’s backing and his blessing. He said last week he is willing to spend between $400 million and $500 million from his political operation on the midterms. So, he plainly has the muscle to make a huge difference in tight races — or to decline to do so.

Trump also commands a far stronger allegiance than anyone else among the GOP’s base voters. Therefore, Republican candidates feeling antsy about turnout — and keenly aware of how fired up anti-Trump voters appear to be — are looking for a MAGA boost from the president and his convention.

But there is a wholly different case to be made. 

Many Republican candidates are expected to stay away from the Dallas event, albeit often citing scheduling conflicts rather than overt Trump skepticism.

The reality that underpins such calculations: Candidates who tie themselves closely to Trump risk a major downside when it comes to appealing to voters in the center ground.

Trump is roughly 20 points underwater in terms of his job approval in the polling averages. He fares even worse than that on key issues like........

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