US midterms: Trump skips rallies in two red states, takes phone route to rescue GOP
President Donald Trump has canceled in-person rallies in Iowa and Kansas to conduct phone-based campaigning for Republican candidates ahead of the midterms. The shift comes as the party faces competitive races and concerns over economic issues.
Why it matters
The change in campaign strategy reflects the high stakes of the midterm elections and the party's attempt to maximize voter outreach in a tight political climate.
US President Donald Trump has cancelled his planned weekend rallies in Iowa and Kansas, opting instead to hold phone rallies to support Republican candidates in nearly 20 states ahead of the midterm elections.The move comes as Republicans face a tough fight to retain control of Congress, with several Senate races tightening in the final days of campaigning.Trump travelled to South Carolina on Thursday for the second time in a month to support Republican Senate candidate Darline Graham, who is facing a strong challenge from Democrat Annie Andrews. Republicans have not lost a Senate race in the state in nearly three decades, but growing voter frustration over the economy, high gas prices and the war in Iran has made the contest more competitive.The Republican National Committee (RNC) said Trump would instead lead a “72-hour sprint” of phone rallies, which could reach voters across nearly 20 states.
Also covering this story
4 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
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