Better Off At Home
The Republican National Committee is hosting its first-ever midterm national convention in Dallas today and tomorrow. President Trump will be featured both days, as well several cabinet members and candidates in key races this November.
Some have tried to make something out of the fact that at this point, no Iowan appears on the roster of folks scheduled to get time at the podium, speaking to those in attendance and a national TV audience.
That doesn’t mean they weren’t asked necessarily; I don’t have any information on that. But if I’m a Republican candidate on the November ballot—especially if I am a sitting member of the U.S. House—I’m thinking my time is better spent here at home campaigning.
Let’s think of it from a strictly logistical standpoint. You’d lose at least a full day with travelling to and from Dallas and hanging out at the event, to get perhaps 5 to 10 minutes of face time at the podium…and chances are that might be covered up on cable television by talking heads spouting their opinions over the top of your speech.
You’re probably better off hitting five or six counties in a 12-hour period…shaking hands, talking with actual voters, being seen as a hard-worker on the ground with real people…as opposed to hanging out with the so-called cool kids at an event your constituents can’t really relate to.
Again, some are trying to make something out of the fact that a number of well-known GOP office holders are skipping the event…or closer to home, that no one from Iowa will be speaking. But the whole point of the midterm convention is to rally the faithful…and if you as a candidate think you can do that better by working a crowd or ten at home…why would you go to Texas?
Besides, it was 101 yesterday afternoon in Dallas, with high temperatures forecast near 100 each day of the convention. No need to travel to feel weather like that.
