‘A lot of Republicans have held their tongues’: Anger at Trump is growing

Republicans are already privately blaming President Donald Trump as they brace for losses on Tuesday.Even as they race to distance themselves from his actions on tariffs, the unpopular Iran war and his mass deportation agenda, few have been willing to criticize him publicly — a clear sign of just how powerful Trump's grip remains on the GOP.

But interviews with roughly a dozen candidates, campaign officials and lawmakers reveal they're acutely aware of who, exactly, put them on the back foot this entire cycle."There was a point earlier this year where we really felt like we could defy history," said one House Republican, who, like others in this article, was granted anonymity to candidly discuss midterms dynamics.

"And then Trump bombed Iran.

And it was just one thing after another.”Republicans are tied or trailing in polls in numerous critical battlegrounds and expecting to lose some once-secure red seats.

And Trump's unfocused closing message — including repeated comments about male candidates' physical appearances — has further frustrated an already on-edge party.“I think Jon Husted's ass and Nicki Minaj's is a great closing message,” T.W.

Continue reading at the original source →