A planned campaign stop featuring President Donald Trump in a crucial swing state fell apart while Republican candidates debated whether to show up.
Trump's team had been mapping out a Michigan visit, possibly on the western side of the state, when GOP candidates across the ballot found themselves unsure whether they should be seen with the president, Politico reported Saturday, citing three Republicans with direct knowledge of the discussions. The candidates worried about being tied to Trump's tariffs, which have battered Michigan, and to high fuel prices linked to the war with Iran.
Trump officials ultimately scrapped the event and said the president would return later in the month. He is now slated to rally in Michigan on October 25.
The episode reflects a broader GOP reluctance to embrace Trump as the midterms close in. Democratic House and Senate candidates and their allies have poured $145 million into general election ads mentioning the president, according to Politico's review of AdImpact data, compared with just $8 million from Republicans. Two years ago, GOP candidates spent $62 million on ads mentioning him.
"Trump is at historic lows right now, so if he comes to your district or state, it's about getting the Republican base vote out there and that can certainly help," longtime GOP strategist Ron Bonjean told Politico. "But it's really important for the candidates not to be talking about Trump 24/7 on the campaign trail."
An anonymous Ohio-based Republican operative put it more bluntly.
"This is a historically unpopular president," the operative said. "We all agree with that, and so it's kind of hard to attach yourself on the airways, I think, too closely to him."
Former Ohio Rep. Jim Renacci said a nonprofit he works with surveyed voters and found that "in most cases you do not want [Trump] standing near you."