Republican strategist Karl Rove says he’s ‘a little bit nervous’ about the Republican Party’s unprecedented midterm convention in Texas
Karl Rove says the Republican Party may have waited too long to schedule its midterm convention.
The veteran GOP strategist said he was “a little bit nervous” about the timing of the Dallas event, noting that Republicans are running out of time before Election Day.
During an interview with Fox News anchor Dana Perino on America’s Newsroom, Rove questioned whether the convention could actually help Republicans in November.
‘Little bit nervous’
“I’m a little bit nervous about it because, look, we’re in the final stages of the campaign,” Rove said.
“I’d be more comfortable if this had been held in June and July and set a thematic that could be pursued for four or five months rather than for 56 days.”
The convention, which starts on Wednesday at the American Airlines Center, is something Republicans have never done before.
Parties typically meet during presidential election years to nominate their ticket and approve a platform.
Trying a midterm convention again
Rove recalled that Democrats had tried the approach decades ago, but eventually dropped the idea “because they weren’t particularly helpful.”
Republicans are hoping to avoid a repeat of the past and hold on to their congressional majorities as the president struggles in the polls.
Perino referenced Reuters polling that put Donald Trump’s economic approval at 32%, with his approval ratings even lower on the cost of living, 25%, and on inflation and prices, 24%.
‘Pushing a big bet’
Trump is scheduled to speak on both days, giving a keynote address on Wednesday and another speech Thursday after Vice President J.D. Vance.
“The White House is pushing a big bet, it’s like we’re at the tables, they’re pushing all the chips on saying if we make this about Donald Trump and if we make this about Donald Trump’s record and put him at the centre of this then we have a shot to pull this thing off,” Rove said.
Steep price tag
Republicans reportedly will focus on Trump’s tax cuts, border policies and domestic manufacturing agenda while arguing that Democrats have moved further to the left.
About 30,000 people are expected to attend the event, along with candidates running in some of the country’s closest House and Senate races.
House members are reportedly being asked by the National Republican Campaign Committee to pay $25,000 for themselves and a plus-one.