<p>Democrats are employing a mixed approach to counter the Republican National Committee’s midterm convention scheduled for next week, according to conversations with the Washington Examiner.</p>
<p>Unlike presidential election-year conventions where Democrats typically engage in counterprogramming, or following the State of the Union address when multiple Democrats usually rebut the president’s speech, Democrats are planning a coordinated partywide response to the midterm event.</p>
<p>Some Democrats are opting for a hands-off strategy, while others are organizing protests aimed at mobilizing voters for the upcoming elections in November.</p>
<p>For instance, the Tarrant County Democratic Party in Texas is not planning to acknowledge the event in neighboring Dallas. Chairwoman Allison Campolo stated there are no plans for a press conference to critique the event or to fund billboards targeting President Donald Trump and Republicans. “It is not a good use of our time or money,” she said, describing the event as an “extremely desperate ploy for attention.”</p>
<p>Instead, she emphasized that the local party would focus its efforts on engaging voters and ensuring they participate on Election Day.</p>
<p>In contrast, Dallas County Democrats are hosting a “We the People” rally on the same night that Trump is scheduled to speak. A spokesperson indicated that the event aims to unite those opposing Trump and his policies.</p>
<p>Both Trump and the Dallas County Democrats will face competition from the NFL, which is scheduled to host a game between the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers that night, streaming on Netflix at 8:35 p.m. Eastern. Additionally, Maryland Governor Wes Moore, a potential 2028 Democratic candidate, is not expected to provide a rebuttal or protest the convention, as he will be occupied with his duties at the National Governors Association and other responsibilities.</p>
<p>Moore's focus will be on his work and leisure activities, as noted by a source familiar with his schedule. Similarly, former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg is not planning to counterprogram the convention but will be campaigning with Democratic candidates in New Mexico the Sunday after the convention.</p>
<p>Staff members for other potential 2028 Democratic candidates reported no major plans in place, although they acknowledged that this could change as the event approaches.</p>
<p>A Democratic operative indicated that party members plan to criticize Trump and the GOP regarding the high cost of living and the president’s declining approval ratings. This strategy will involve using surrogates, grassroots organizing, and a robust social media presence to respond to the convention. However, as the event approaches, there has been little public communication regarding specific plans.</p>
<p>Polls suggest that the convention is unlikely to significantly influence Republican support before the elections in November, even in Texas, where the event will occur. A recent poll from Overton Insights and the Texas Public Policy Foundation indicated that 55.4% of likely Texas voters believe the convention will have some impact on the midterm elections, while nearly 45% feel it will have little to no effect.</p>
<p>The Democratic National Committee is not organizing its own midterm convention prior to November. However, a DNC spokeswoman criticized the GOP event, stating, “While everyday Americans struggle to pay their bills, fill up their tanks, or put food on the table, Republicans are hosting a multi-million dollar celebration to satisfy an aging and erratic Trump and tie vulnerable Republican candidates closer to his failed agenda.” She added that Democrats are actively engaging with voters about the issues that matter most and are committed to organizing for electoral success.</p>