Trump Puts On a Show for an Audience That’s Already Sold

“During the first political rally of his monthlong midterm campaign season, President Trump dangled the promise of cash, played news clips, introduced the former professional basketball player Dennis Rodman, presented infographics on his endorsement success rate, pulled supporters onstage, including one of his White House aides — all while asking his most faithful supporters to pretend that he is on that ballot in November,” the New York Times reports.

“It was over the top, even for a showman.”

“Mr. Trump served up reliable red meat, warning the crowd about socialists, open borders and rising crime if Democrats take majority control of either chamber of Congress in November. But he was largely preaching to his most fervent fans, not the voters he will need to elect or re-elect a slate of Republicans fighting in states from Alaska to Maine. He knew it.”