Political strategist on how Trump's personal grievances could affect the GOP

With three weeks left before the November 3 midterms, political strategist Rina Shah, a former senior congressional adviser, says President Trump's personal grievances are making life harder for Republican candidates. Speaking with NPR, Shah described the diesel deal and energy ceasefire announcement as cover that lets candidates claim he is trying something on costs; the volumes are too small to lower prices before voting. Criticism from Volodymyr Zelenskyy and thin details on the ceasefire could make it one more foreign policy matter for down-ballot Republicans to defend.

Shah said the White House's priorities, including media fights, Justice Department actions against figures from his first term and score-settling, now originate more inside the administration than in voter frustration. That energizes the base but gives swing voters no new motive to vote. Democrats hold a 19-point edge among independents on economic questions in NPR/PBS News/Marist polling.

Shah doubts anyone can redirect Trump now. Candidates may lean on the border, public safety and domestic energy production. Shah does not expect Republican outspending to erase Democratic advantages, since Trump's approach has turned the election into a referendum on him and left vulnerable Republicans little room to run apart from Washington.

Summarized by PolitiKool from NPR’s reporting. Read the full story at NPR →