In brief
- US Republicans are holding a conventions this week dubbed "Trumpapalooza" in an effort to energise their voting base.
- The expensive televised event could be a political gamble as Trump drops in public opinion polls.
Republicans are gathering in Texas this week for an unusual two-day convention aimed at convincing voters to support United States President Donald Trump in the upcoming midterm elections.
The two-day gathering in Dallas, dubbed "Trumpapalooza" by organisers, is an effort to rally the Republican base around Trump's record as the party faces increasingly grim forecasts for elections.
The Democrats need to gain four seats to secure a majority in the House of Representatives, and analysts are largely predicting they will do so.
A Republican Party loss would hamstring Trump and his agenda, as Democrats would be able to block his spending and further scrutinise his policies.
Republican leaders have nevertheless settled on a straightforward strategy to win hearts and minds: more Trump, not less.
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
But the event comes with a significant political risk: the deeply unpopular president could prove as much of a liability for vulnerable Republican candidates as he is an asset.
Why are Republicans holding a convention for Trump?
The convention is designed to put Trump's record at the centre of the Republican campaign.
Trump is scheduled to appear on both days at Dallas's American Airlines Center, headlining the first night before returning on Thursday for closing remarks following Vice President JD Vance's keynote address.
Trump has promoted the event as a celebration of what he describes as his administration's "tremendous victories" and of Republican candidates.
House speaker Mike Johnson has told supporters that Trump will make the case directly to voters that, while his name will not appear on the November ballot, his administration and political agenda will be.
Trump faces an uphill battle as the sitting president.
Midterms take place halfway through a president's term, and typically the majority party loses seats to its opposition.
But some Republicans remain optimistic.
"We have a real opportunity to defy history and win the midterms," Johnson said in a video promoting the gathering.
Organisers hope to showcase policies including tax cuts and immigration measures while portraying Democrats as increasingly extreme.
Some Republicans don't even want to attend
The reluctance of some Republican candidates to embrace the convention is perhaps the clearest indication of the dilemma facing the party.
A Politico survey of more than 70 Republican politicians and candidates found that most either did not plan to attend or had not yet committed. Dozens more declined to say whether they would participate.
Some vulnerable Republicans have cited campaign commitments, debates, or family obligations.
Others have reportedly complained privately about being asked to contribute at least US$25,000 ($34,700) to attend.
Can anyone beat American football for viewers?
Even the size of the television audience is uncertain.
Both nights of the convention coincide with the opening games of the National Football League season, putting Trump's prime-time appearances up against one of the biggest draws on the US television calendar.
Republican organisers reject the idea that the timing is a problem.
They argue the gathering will energise activists, raise money and give candidates national exposure, with tens of thousands of people expected to attend.
The convention is also being used as a major fundraising exercise.
Donors have reportedly been offered a photograph with Trump for $88,600 ($123,000), while access to a roundtable with the president costs $250,000 ($347,000).
Trump's popularity is becoming a problem
Trump's approval rating has fallen into the low-to-mid 30s, amid voter concerns about inflation, high fuel prices, the war with Iran and an expensive trade dispute with Canada.
That presents a particular problem for Republican candidates in competitive districts and states.
Veteran Republican political consultant Matt Klink said the president could help or hurt candidates depending on where they are running.
"Some candidates will continue to embrace Trump, while other battleground campaigns are weighing how closely to identify with him amid inflation concerns, the Iran war and his weak approval ratings," he said.
"Bottom line, Republicans can't break with Trump because Democrats and the media won't let them. But they can work to focus on local issues and priorities, and paint opponent Democrats as radical extremists."
— With additional reporting by Agence France-Presse.
For the latest from SBS News, download our app and subscribe to our newsletter.
