Donald Trump closed the Republicans' first-ever midterm convention in Dallas on Thursday night by leading the crowd in a pledge to go out and vote in November's elections. Trump, who The Hill reported drew some laughter when he told a stadium packed with his supporters to "please raise your right hand," then led them in a pledge to "the greatest president in the history of the United States." He also told the convention he was "getting a little bit tired of politics now," Sky News reported.
What did the pledge say? The oath, which PBS NewsHour reported cast that president as one "that loves us so much he can't even breathe," went on: "I will go out with my family, my friends. I will do it anyway. I don't care if I'm registered or not. I'm going to try and cheat like hell like they do." "You know what happens if you don't vote?" Trump asked the crowd. "You go to hell."
How does it fit his record on elections? The pledge came after he told attendees that "we want honesty in our elections," and in the past the president has called for "long-term prison sentences" for election "cheaters" and made unfounded claims about widespread voter fraud, PBS NewsHour reported. Since taking office last year he has attempted to limit mail-in voting, despite his repeated use of mail ballots to cast his own votes.
How did attendees see his role? The convention was meant to boost enthusiasm among supporters, even as protesters of Trump gathered outside, the BBC reported. Even some attendees, who spoke to PBS NewsHour with polling suggesting the party has work to do to win over voters 53 days before the midterms, were torn about how big his profile should be in the final weeks of the campaign. "I love my president, but sometimes... I just need to hear less of him," said Lisa Holomshek, while Kenton Kirkpatrick said, "It's always better to be more Trump. He gets people out." The event ended with the traditional balloon drop and Trump standing alone on stage.
Figures referenced: Donald Trump. — JudgeMarket.
