Republicans Worry a Falling Donald Trump Tide Will Lower All Boats
With Donald Trump sagging in the polls and many Republican leaders hesitant to support him, the Republican Party is considering a strategy shift. If losing the presidential election is a foregone conclusion, some republican strategists believe they should shift their support to key Senate races so the Democrats don't gain control of the Senate. It seems likely that the Republicans will hold the House of Representatives with a 30 seat margin, but some are even concerned that their hold on the House could be tenuous.
Discussion Questions
1. Do all Republican elected officials have an obligation to back Trump regardless of how they feel about him?
2. Should the RNC put their money into the Presidential race or key Senate races?
3. How can Donald Trump regain his competitiveness after losing many supporters in the weeks following the RNC and DNC conventions?
I don't think the Republican officials have an obligation to back Trump. They should do what they believe is best for the country as a whole. If they think that isn't Trump (I don't either), then they shouldn't feel like they have to support him. Party loyalty shouldn't be more important than doing what is right. Although I don't identify as Republican, from on objective view, putting money and energy into the Senate races is arguably more impactful than the presidential rate. Although the president seems like an important seat, because of our checks and balances system, the president can't do a whole lot without the support of congress. Therefore, knowing that the presidential race is essentially lost, putting focus on getting a majority in congress would be the right move. If Trump wants to regain his competitiveness, he will need to do well in the upcoming debates. It would also be helpful if he stopped offending so many people.
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