Trump's cure for midterm woes is more Trump

Washington: President Donald Trump likes to play make-believe with his supporters."Just close your eyes," he tells them, "and pretend I'm on the ballot."It's a typically self-involved appeal from someone who has been the center of the nation's political gravity for more than a decade. Now, he's finishing the midterms with a cross-country blitz of campaign rallies that allow him to bask in applause when he's otherwise profoundly unpopular.Also Read: Hackers target US election watchdog's filing system days before midterm pollsIn a year marked by the war with Iran, fears about artificial intelligence, redistricting fights, high energy prices and increasing concerns about the cost of living, Trump's deeply personal approach might be the election cycle's biggest gamble.Republicans still love the president, who remains dominant even as he approaches the back half of his second term. But his approval ratings are low enough to potentially sink his party and its bid to maintain control of Congress."I don't think there's anybody that wants Donald Trump out there at these rallies more than Democratic candidates," said Jessica Mackler, president of EMILY's List, which focuses on electing Democratic women who support abortion rights.Every time there's another Trump event, she said, "we look at that as a win."White House spokesperson Davis Ingle said Trump is "the unequivocal leader, best messenger, and unmatched motivator for the Republican Party.""The choice has never been more clear," he said in a statement. "Doubling down on President Trump's winning, commonsense agenda, or the Democrats' extreme liberal policies and obstruction."Trump thinks the way to win elections is more TrumpIt goes far beyond a whirlwind rally schedule.The president organized even small details of the first-ever Republican midterm convention last month in Dallas, speaking both nights. He also was depicted there as the Marlboro Man, a cowboy on horseback and with a white Stetson who could ride to the rescue, on everything from baseball caps to beer cozies.Trump even has a personal spin on his blockbuster attempt to win over voters by pledging big checks if Republicans hold Congress, saying "I'll give you $5,000" even though the improbable idea would likely need lawmaker approval.Political groups associated with the president have spent at least around $277 million since Sept. 1 to help Republicans - a staggering sum that nonetheless didn't completely drain the $416 million that Trump's flagship Super PAC, MAGA Inc., had in the bank to start last month.But that wasn't enough for Trump. He used taxpayer funding to run television ads celebrating himself, including one nearly identical to a spot from 2024 - the last time he really was on the ballot.It's consistent with a self-centered, second-term approachFrom expanding executive power, to turning the presidency into a profit center for his family, to molding the White House in his own gilded image, Trump's self regard has escalated since he won back the White House."I can do stuff that is unbelievable," he bragged at a rally in Kentucky.Also Read: US midterms: Two Indian-origin face-offs to watch, and why they matterTrump crammed the Oval Office with gold flourishes, demolished the East Wing to build a sprawling ballroom and converted the Rose Garden into a patio space reminiscent of his Mar-a-Lago estate. There's also a new helipad that he showed off to Xi Jinping, China's communist leader, during a recent visit.The president is focused on reshaping Washington as well, dispatching National Guard troops to the streets, closing the Kennedy Center after failed attempts to add his name to the building, planning a towering arch just outside the city and pushing to revamp a century-old public golf course.Trump has wielded his iron grip on the Republican Party in ways that could hurt its chances in some races. He helped Ken Paxton, who has a history of legal and ethical problems, defeat incumbent Sen. John Cornyn in the Texas primary, making the general election campaign against Democrat James Talarico more competitive.Trump also clashed with North Carolina Sen. Tom Tillis, prompting him to retire, and pushed Michael Whatley to run. Now Republicans are bracing to lose the seat to former Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper.Trump is 'the dividing line' in the midtermsThe Trump-centric approach backfired during his first term in 2018, when a similar presidential rally barrage didn't stop Democrats from retaking House control.This time, many of the issues that helped Trump win reelection in 2024, such as his handling of the economy, could prove to be liabilities for Republicans.Just 17% of U.S. adults approve of Trump's handling of the cost of living, as the Iran war keeps fuel prices high and stokes inflation fears, according to an AP-NORC poll conducted in late September.The White House points to highlights beyond Trump's personal appeal, like efforts to lower prescription drug prices, stimulate domestic…