Key facts
- GOP lawmakers and candidates are gathering in Dallas to discuss economic challenges.
- Oil prices have reached $100 per barrel globally.
- Republicans are concerned that President Trump's policies are hurting their cost-of-living message.
- Some Republicans are pushing to reclaim the cost of living issue at the convention.
- No Going Back PAC Inc. is spending millions to support Republican candidates.
- A POLITICO Poll shows 34% of Americans hold Trump responsible for the current U.S. economy.
Republicans are gathering in Dallas for a convention amid growing concerns that President Donald Trump's policies are undermining their message on the cost of living, with less than two months until the midterm elections. The gathering comes as global oil prices have hit $100 per barrel and trade disputes with Canada threaten key industries.
Privately, GOP lawmakers and candidates are strategizing on how to address voter concerns about the economy. Vice President JD Vance is expected to discuss the party's economic challenges with delegations from key battleground states like Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, and Wisconsin. Some Republicans aim to use the convention to reassert their party's ability to lower prices.
In closed-door meetings, senators and candidates discussed the pressure on the battleground map due to voter dissatisfaction with the economy. "You can’t hide the fact of what the price of gasoline is, we know that," said Georgia Republican Senate nominee Rep. Mike Collins. Many attendees were reluctant to discuss economic concerns, with one GOP lawmaker admitting, "We are going the wrong direction."
Senior Republicans are reportedly dismayed by Trump's economic decisions, including the trade war with Canada and policies affecting ranchers and farmers. "We’re putting Iowa in play. We’re putting Texas in play. They shouldn’t be," said one House Republican. The party's advantage lies in its financial resources, with Trump's affiliated Super PAC, No Going Back PAC Inc., beginning to spend millions on key Senate races.
However, campaign funds are not seen as a complete solution. "We got to talk about the issues that people are dealing with. Families can’t afford their house, they can’t afford the food, they can’t afford health care, they can’t afford child care," stated Sen. Rick Scott. He acknowledged that the conflict with Iran has economic consequences, leading to higher gas prices.
White House spokesperson Olivia Wales and RNC spokesperson Natalie Baldassarre both blamed Democrats for the affordability crisis, highlighting tax cuts and efforts to lower drug prices. Several Republicans plan to use their convention speeches to criticize Democratic opponents and promote their party's economic policies. However, a POLITICO Poll indicated that 34% of Americans hold Trump fully responsible for the current economy, compared to 17% for former President Joe Biden.
Rep. Mike Lawler, an at-risk House Republican, expressed the need to lower costs for energy, housing, and groceries, noting continued volatility in oil markets. He attributed higher energy costs in New York partly to Democratic policies. Trump told reporters that oil prices are expected to drop after the midterms. Some GOP hopefuls view the focus on dismantling Iran's nuclear capabilities as a necessary national security measure, with oil price fluctuations seen as a short-term consequence.
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