Trump Urges Supporters: 'Pretend I'm on the Ballot' for Midterms
ContestedRigor 514 sources
The Story
President Donald Trump urged Republican voters to pretend, please, that I’m on the ballot for the upcoming midterm elections. Speaking at a rally in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, on Friday, Trump asked supporters to turn out for Senate candidate Darline Graham Nordone (R-SC) in her special primary runoff next week. He acknowledged the challenge of translating his coalition's enthusiasm to elections where he is not a candidate, stating, "Trump does great when he’s on the ballot, but when he’s not on the ballot, his people don’t come." Trump later broadened his message, telling supporters, "I am on the ballot. We’re all on the ballot. Our country’s on the ballot. You have to get out." This appeal follows six of Trump’s endorsed candidates failing to earn the Republican nomination this month, adding to three earlier losses this year. Some supporters at the rally expressed reservations about Darline Graham after a recent debate performance. Republicans lost control of the House during Trump’s first midterm election in 2018. During his remarks, Trump also discussed a ballroom he is building, stated the war with Iran is a success, and insisted his economy is strong. He also expressed concern about being impeached.
The Spread
Contested
What they agree on
- President Donald Trump urged Republican voters to "pretend" he is on the ballot for the midterm elections.
- Trump made this appeal at a rally in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, on Friday.
- The rally was held to support Senate candidate Darline Graham Nordone in her special primary runoff.
- Trump expressed concern about his base's turnout in elections where he is not a candidate.
Where they split
- The Boston Globe includes Trump's statements about his ballroom, the war with Iran, his economy, and his concern about being impeached.
- NBC News and Washington Examiner detail the number of Trump-endorsed candidates who have lost their primary bids this month and earlier this year.
- NBC News mentions that some Trump supporters at the rally had reservations about Darline Graham after a poor debate performance.
Source Perspectives
Left2 sources