Republicans put Trump center stage in US midterms gamble

US Republicans kicked off an extraordinary midterm convention in Dallas on Wednesday betting that putting Donald Trump at the center of their campaign can rescue a party facing grim election forecasts -- despite the president's deeply negative approval ratings.

The two-day gathering, dubbed "Trumpapalooza," is designed to persuade the Republican leader's supporters that he is effectively on the ballot on November 3, when Republicans risk losing the House of Representatives and face a fierce fight to retain the Senate.

"I think we're going to have a tremendous crowd tonight -- sold out. Looks very big, looks very exciting, and we're going to explain what we've done," Trump told reporters as he boarded his flight to Texas.

"We've done things that have never been done in the first term -- or the second term, frankly -- of a president."

Trump, whose approval rating stood at just 33 percent in recent polling, will speak on both convention nights at the American Airlines Center.

His challenge is to mobilize voters personally loyal to him without further alienating independents already souring on his presidency amid inflation woes, gasoline prices topping $4 a gallon and the continuing war with Iran.

Decision Desk HQ projects Democrats to win the House 230-205 and the Senate to finish 51-49 in their favor in November.

But Susan Kokinda, 77, a conservative podcaster who traveled to the gathering from Michigan, told AFP she expected Republicans to "do just fine" in November.

"The conventional wisdom is the party in power loses. But I always say Donald Trump is not a conventional president, and he's reshaping the Republican Party," she said.

Inside the American Airlines Center, there was little sign of Republican anxiety about November.

The cavernous arena was festooned with Trump posters as supporters milled around in sequined jackets patterned with his name, image and the American flag, some topped with ten-gallon hats.

Food stalls hawked overpriced snacks while merchandise stands did brisk business in mugs, posters and copies of the latest literary offering from the Trump clan, "Under Siege" by the president's second son, Eric.

Despite the political headwinds facing Republicans, the mood was festive. Chants of "USA! USA!" -- familiar from Trump's campaign rallies -- echoed around the hall as the national anthem opened the program.

Large gaps remained in the stands, although supporters were trickling in steadily as the speeches got underway.

"I'm feeling really good... We've had some independents, you know, come out of the woodwork, and some third parties making our job even harder," said Jeanne Reigle, 68, a livestock farmer from Nebraska.

"But I think that we have such strong candidates that we're going to be victorious."

The gathering is the first Republican national convention held specifically for a midterm election, although no candidates will be nominated and no formal party business is planned.

Instead, organizers have constructed what amounts to a two-night television rally touting Trump's record and Republican candidates.

More than 100 House members and candidates are expected, with over 50 speakers or presentations scheduled each night.

Trump delivers Wednesday's keynote and returns for Thursday's finale after Vice President JD Vance speaks. Cabinet members, congressional leaders and candidates in closely watched House and Senate races are also on the program.

Not everyone is coming.

Numerous lawmakers in competitive races have decided that, less than two months from Election Day, their time is better spent campaigning at home.

And even Trump's promised national television showcase faces an unusually formidable rival. Both convention nights coincide with the opening games of the NFL season.

Democrats were also making their presence felt in Dallas, with the party sending out some of its most high-profile speakers for public events.

"Americans are being crushed by rising costs," Colorado Congressman Jason Crow posted on X.

"Republicans don't care -- they're in Dallas, celebrating an out of touch President whose tariffs and wars are making things worse. We're going to hold them accountable."