Democrats Struggle with Trump Focus as Midterms Loom
Democratic strategists are expressing concern over the party's continued focus on former President Trump in advertising, despite a growing recognition that red states and districts will be crucial for future elections. Meanwhile, Democratic candidates like Abigail Spanberger in Virginia and Mikie Sherrill in New Jersey have been running positive ads about their own agendas, but the airwaves have been dominated by Trump-related attacks.
In California, a flood of TV ads has urged voters to combat Trump's influence by backing a ballot measure to redraw the state's congressional lines. However, Democratic pollster Celinda Lake has warned that relying too heavily on Trump as a campaign issue is akin to an addiction for the Republican party. Spanberger, in her campaign against Republican rival Winsome Earle-Sears, has spent millions portraying Earle-Sears as a Trump acolyte and supporter of his policies. Meanwhile, in New Jersey, the most expensive attack ad so far has accused Republican nominee Jack Ciattarelli of wanting to be 'the Trump of Trenton'. Republican strategist Brad Todd has mocked Democrats for repeatedly using Trump to energize their liberal base.
As the 2026 midterm elections and the 2028 general election approach, Republicans are grappling with the balance between using Trump as a motivating factor and focusing on their own vision for the future. While some candidates have found success in centering their own agendas, the party as a whole continues to grapple with its reliance on Trump as a campaign issue.
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