Trump targeting red-state Dems ahead of mid-term elections
WASHINGTON — US President Donald Trump is in full campaign mode five months before pivotal midterm elections, employing a mix of anti-immigration rhetoric, Democrat-bashing and off-script improvisation in a bid to help Republicans hold their congressional majority.
Democrats, riding a swell of grass-roots activism and buoyed by Trump's poor approval numbers and an ongoing investigation into possible coordination between Russia and Trump's campaign, are seeking to flip the US House and Senate.
Trump is pushing back, hitting the road -- including at a fiery Tuesday night rally in Tennessee -- as he seeks to energize his base to come out and vote in November for Republican Senate candidates in states where he can have a major impact.
But the strategy apparently seeks to minimize his exposure in states where Republicans in close House races might feel the divisive president's presence would be more of a hindrance, motivating Democrats and independents instead of helping moderate GOP candidates.
Despite the risks of an unrestrained Trump addressing large crowds at campaign-style events, it is a strategy aimed at firing up his loyal supporters in red states where vulnerable Senate Democrats are running for re-election, or challenging for open seats.
Such was the case Tuesday when Trump rallied in Nashville in support of congresswoman Marsha Blackburn's bid to succeed retiring Senator Bob Corker.
"We need more Republicans," Trump boomed.