Trump-a-palooza: why are Republicans avoiding the president’s convention?
Donald Trump has thrown a convention to amp up the Republican base ahead of the midterm elections, but not everyone is thrilled about it. Dozens of officials running for re-election have stayed away, choosing instead to campaign locally. Are they worried about Trump’s current unpopularity weighing down their ticket?This week Jenna Amatulli is in for Jonathan Freedland and speaks to Guardian US politics correspondent Rachel Leingang
TL;DR
- Donald Trump is holding a convention to boost the Republican base before the midterm elections.
- Many incumbent Republican officials are not attending the convention.
- These officials are prioritizing local campaigning over attending the convention.
- There is speculation that officials are concerned about Trump's unpopularity affecting their re-election prospects.