The scene of the Republican midterm convention in Dallas, Texas. The first-ever Republican convention dedicated to the midterm elections was held here on September 9 and 10 local time.
Originally, party conventions are held ahead of an election to nominate candidates, whether for president or the Senate. However, this convention was different. It was not held to nominate anyone. It was a gathering where Republicans, including ardent Trump supporters known as MAGA, came together to pledge, "Let's unite around Trump and win the midterm elections on November 3." Indeed, the venue was plastered with photographs of Trump, and President Trump altered his original schedule to deliver speeches two days in a row. Even the attendee credentials featured Trump's portrait.
[Joe / Texas Resident: If you're from Texas, you'll understand this: 'God, family, football, and Donald Trump.' Trump is bringing back all the values that were disappearing for years.]
I was on site throughout the two-day convention, and frankly speaking, everything began and ended with Trump. Every single speaker heaped praise on Trump throughout their speeches.
[Karoline Leavitt / Former White House Press Secretary: Serving under President Trump was the honor of my life.]
The attendees responded with standing ovations and enthusiastic cheers.
The Core of This Convention: 'MAGA'What we need to pay closest attention to at this convention are the attendees: MAGA. They are Trump's most formidable base of support and the very people who filled the convention hall.
[Sherlyn Prince / San Antonio: I am so thrilled to see him speak again. I haven't seen him speak in person since 2016, and just having the opportunity for people like us to see him again is an honor.]
The reason this matters is that, while winning the November midterms is Trump's ultimate goal, if that proves realistically unattainable, he must at least demonstrate that he still holds sway within the Republican Party. Only by doing so can he preserve his political influence within the party through the second half of his term and after leaving office.
[Aaron Del Mar / Candidate for Lieutenant Governor of Illinois: There are so many great 'red states' here like Texas, Florida, and Tennessee, and I want to speak with the elected officials from those regions.]
The barometer of that power is precisely MAGA. President Trump undoubtedly sought to display his political strength through this convention, which was broadcast across the United States.
Did the Convention Go as Trump Intended?Yet, did this convention clearly demonstrate the power of MAGA as planned and achieve a resounding success? That is hard to say.
Inside the convention venue, which serves as the home arena for the NBA's Dallas Mavericks, a full house would mean around 20,000 attendees. However, numerous empty seats were visible throughout the arena.
Compared to a memorial service for Trump confidant Charlie Kirk in Arizona a year ago, which drew more than 70,000 supporters, the difference in enthusiasm was considerable. Recently, President Trump hit his lowest approval rating of his second term at 33%. The war in Iran continues to weigh heavily on him, while inflation, including rising oil prices, has also served as a major headwind. Seeking to offset these headwinds, Trump promised on the convention's first day that if Republicans win both the Senate and the House in the midterms, he would provide $5,000 (about 6.7 million won) to every American adult.
[Donald Trump / U.S. President: We call it the 'Trump dividend.' Giving $5,000 to every adult citizen in America.]
[Ryan Ciriac / Texas: That's a huge deal. Nobody would turn down $5,000.]
[Ever Ease / Texas: It's definitely an interesting proposition. I'm curious to see how it would be realized.]
He also claimed that the Iran war would conclude right after the November 3 election and that oil prices would plummet. He then appealed to MAGA, saying, "Please think of this midterm election as if I were running. Imagine that my name is on the ballot." Attendees identifying as MAGA responded with deep resonance to Trump's address.
What Was Happening Outside the Convention Hall?Perhaps concluding that standing beside Trump would not help garner votes, several candidates from battleground regions, including Senator Susan Collins of Maine and Senator Dan Sullivan of Alaska, skipped the convention. Most candidates running in the midterms who spoke on stage also avoided mentioning the Iran war. Meanwhile, there was one Democratic politician whose name was mentioned almost as frequently as Biden's during this convention: James Talarico, the Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate in Texas.
[James Talarico / Democratic Candidate for U.S. Senate in Texas: The only truth is that we are a threat. We are a threat to their corrupt system.]
For context, Democrats have not won a Texas U.S. Senate race since 1988. Yet Talarico is currently locked in a dead heat with Ken Paxton, who enjoys Trump's full endorsement. It has virtually become the most symbolic showdown of these midterm elections. Around 30 foreign correspondents, including our team, flocked to a food donation event hosted by Talarico near the Republican convention venue.
[Lori / Dallas Resident: It's a counter-rally of sorts. But instead of protesting, the idea is to channel our energy into something good and positive.]
MAGA, Trump's super PAC, has begun pouring massive amounts of political funding into the Texas Senate race, and Trump pledged to return two or three times if necessary, rallying support for Paxton.
[Donald Trump / U.S. President: You know what happens if you don't vote? You're going to hell, you know that. Understand? You're going to hell.]
Outside the convention hall, however, a noticeable difference in atmosphere was palpable. Talarico supporters voiced optimism, remarking, "This time is different," and "Even Texas is turning its back on Trump." Clashes between anti-Trump protesters and Trump loyalists also occurred during the convention, illustrating that the mood was far from uniformly conservative.
[Jimmy / Dallas: We are protesting against the Republican Party. That's not a convention. It's just a glossy Trump campaign rally.]
Of course, since Texas remains one of the most conservative states in the nation, we will have to wait and see what the actual results will be. Ultimately, politics hinges on how effectively the passion of a fervent base can expand into the moderate center. Looking at this convention, however, prospects appear far from certain regarding whether Trump's brand of politics and MAGA's clout remain intact and can continue to expand.
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