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Trump Cancels Iowa, Kansas Midterm Events, Switches to Tele-Rallies
Confirmed
In Short: The Republican National Committee announced that President Donald Trump will hold tele-rallies instead of in-person events in Iowa and Kansas.
The Republican National Committee (RNC) confirmed on Thursday that President Donald Trump has canceled his scheduled appearances in Iowa and Kansas, opting instead for tele-rallies.
Less than five days remain until the midterm elections on November 3, which will determine the composition of Congress and key state and local offices.
The tele-rallies will be broadcast to nearly 20 states, including battlegrounds like Michigan, Alaska, Texas, and Iowa, where competitive races are unfolding for the US Senate.
Political forecasters predict Democrats have an advantage this midterm election cycle, citing Trump’s slumping poll numbers and voter concerns over cost-of-living issues, foreign policy, and other matters.
Trump said, “I don’t feel I have to go to Kansas,” and added, “We’re going to have a strong Tuesday night.”
The RNC statement noted that further events may be announced in the coming days. Trump is now expected to spend the weekend participating in tele-rallies for at least 19 states, including Kansas and Iowa, according to Trump-aligned super PAC MAGA Inc.
The president's planned rallies in Kansas and Iowa were abruptly canceled with the RNC claiming the last-minute schedule change was to allow Trump to reach more voters through virtual tele-rallies.
Harvard rates Democrats as having a 74 percent chance to win a majority in the Senate.
When asked about his health, Trump said, “Mr President, you’ve been doing a lot of travel. We’ve been doing a lot of travel with you. How are you feeling? How’s your health?” Trump responded, “Oh, you’re sick to ask that question. You are sick,” and proceeded to insult the reporter’s weight.
Trump, who has campaigned at 25 rallies in the past month, admitted that the blitz has not been “easy,” saying through a hoarse voice Monday that “God didn’t make your vocal cords to do a rally every day.”
The Republican National Committee said in a news release that the rallies were canceled with the goal of “maximizing opportunities for President Donald J. Trump to speak to voters across the country.”
What this adds
The decision to switch to tele-rallies comes after Trump's recent campaign tour in Iowa, where he emphasized support for ethanol producers and tariffs.
Background
President Donald Trump began his midterm campaign tour in Iowa, emphasizing support for ethanol producers and tariffs.
What's confirmed
- “I don’t feel I have to go to Kansas,” the president said.
What's still developing
- He canceled in Iowa hours after that interaction, after a White House official and a person familiar confirmed that Trump’s appearance was off.
- Roger Marshall, who’s locked in a tight race with Democrat Adam Hamilton, “is doing well.” Concerns over high costs connected to the war in Iran have helped turn the race into a toss-up in a state that hasn’t sent a Democrat to the Senate for nearly a century.
- “A tele-rally will be helpful in boosting turnout, but an in-person rally would have been really helpful,” an operative said.
- But his tune appeared to change Thursday after his cancellations.