DALLAS – President Donald Trump’s presence here at the Republican Party’s midterm convention was inescapable.
From his image adorning the laminated badges required to enter American Airlines Center to the rhinestones tracing his name on the T-shirts of more than a few attendees, reminders of the president were constant over the two-day spectacle dubbed “Trumpapalooza.”
And for the Republicans battling to protect the party’s House and Senate majorities, Trump remained an object of veneration, drawing plaudits and praise in nearly every speech.
“How great was President Trump last night?” North Carolina Rep. Richard Hudson, who leads the House GOP campaign arm, asked the crowd Thursday. “He told us he will never stop fighting for you … because President Trump is on a rescue mission to save this country.”
The rare midterm convention had more in common with a campaign rally than a traditional party nominating convention. House and Senate candidates in key races around the nation were given a few minutes in the national spotlight to promote themselves – and, as was often the case, denigrate their Democratic opponent.
