Former White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus stated that Republican success in the upcoming midterm elections relies directly on turning out supporters of President Donald Trump.
Speaking during a panel on Fox News’ “Special Report,” Priebus pointed to tight margins across key congressional races nationwide.
“Number one, you have got 18 congressional seats in play, and in each of those seats about 5,000 votes matter,” Priebus said. “The key is, can I get as a Republican can I get people who are crazy about Donald Trump, who vote in presidential elections because we become a presidential party that doesn’t lose, but we become a midterm party that has a hard time winning. How do you change that dynamic? You change the dynamic with Donald Trump. They are already going to hit you on the Trump message anyway. You cannot lose the Trump energy if you want to win as a Republican.”
Fellow panelist Juan Williams pushed back on the strategy, noting that Trump is not running in the midterms and pointing to voter sentiment.
“Donald Trump is not on the ballot,” Williams said, adding that between 39% and 60% of Americans, including crucial swing and independent voters, view him as a failed president.
Priebus responded directly to the polling figures, stating, “That’s baked in, Juan,” and indicated that Republicans would work to effectively put Trump’s message front and center in the campaigns.
Host Bret Baier noted that focusing on Trump also motivates the opposition, remarking that “firing up the base for the Democrats” and energizing groups like the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) remain growing factors as November approaches.
Williams agreed with the focus on participation levels, emphasizing that turnout determines the outcome of midterm races.
“Turnout in the midterms is everything,” Williams said. “What we’re seeing nationwide is that right now, Democrats’ level of enthusiasm exceeds Republicans’ enthusiasm.”
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