Trump Encourages Republicans to Campaign on His Record Ahead of Midterms

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump on Wednesday urged Republican lawmakers facing challenging reelection campaigns to focus on his record during their campaigns, despite his declining popularity. He pledged to campaign in approximately three dozen contests that are likely to influence control of Congress. Voters' negative perceptions of the economy and the war in Iran have created difficulties for Republicans as the midterm election season approaches its conclusion. During a dinner in the Rose Garden, which he has renovated since returning to office last year, Trump told vulnerable lawmakers that they have a compelling narrative to present to voters. "All you have to do is talk about it, and you’re going to win and you’re going to win big," Trump stated, ahead of the party's midterm convention in Dallas. The audience of Republican lawmakers listened attentively, occasionally applauding as they enjoyed cocktails during dinner, which featured cheeseburgers. Trump discussed economic investments in the United States and lower drug prices, citing inflated figures, as well as a decrease in border crossings. He indicated that control of Congress would hinge on about 35 races and committed to campaigning vigorously in those battlegrounds over the next 30 days, recalling his extensive travel schedule prior to his own election victory two years ago. "I’m going to go to every one of those 35 places, and we’re going to see if we can get everyone elected," Trump remarked, emphasizing his focus on House and Senate races. He specifically mentioned Senate races in Alaska, where Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan is contesting against Democratic former Rep. Mary Peltola, and Texas, where Republican state Attorney General Ken Paxton is running against Democratic state Rep. James Talarico. Trump supported Paxton in the primary despite his controversial past but humorously commented on his appearance and campaign presence. "You might not love his look. You might not love his television interviews," Trump said. "But he was the best attorney general in the country, perhaps. He was one of the best in the entire country. And that speaks a lot louder than the suit he’s wearing that doesn’t look so great." Trump suggested that Republicans' midterm challenges are consistent with a trend faced by nearly all modern presidents. "Whether you’re a good president or a great president, you lose the midterms," he stated. "We’re going to turn that around because there’s no reason for it."