3 hrs ago
Reuters Finds GOP Candidates Distancing Themselves From Trump
Reuters examined candidates in close races for the U.S. House and Senate.
It found that candidates in 41 of 62 races had shown some distance from President Donald Trump.
Some disagreed with him about specific policies, especially the Iran conflict.
Others removed his name or picture from campaign websites, or avoided his events.
Most still support much of his agenda and have not openly rejected his leadership.
The report says candidates may be trying to appeal to independent voters while avoiding a major fight with Trump.
A poll found his approval rating was 32%, and more voters favored Democrats than Republicans.
The elections are scheduled for November 3.
A Reuters review found candidates in 41 of 62 competitive House and Senate races had sought some distance from Trump.
Policy differences appeared in 23 races; disagreements over the Iran conflict featured in 12.
Twelve candidates removed Trump's name, image, or endorsements from campaign websites, while others skipped his events or avoided saying whether he should campaign for them.
Most candidates criticized specific policies or downplayed ties rather than rejecting Trump's broader agenda; open criticism remained uncommon.
A Reuters/Ipsos poll found Trump's approval at 32%, with registered voters favoring Democrats 44% to 37% and independents 37% to 21%.
- Who
- Republican candidates in competitive U.S. House and Senate races, and President Donald Trump.
- What
- A Reuters review found many candidates had diverged from Trump on specific policies or reduced their public association with him.
- Where
- Competitive congressional races across the United States.
- When
- Ahead of the November 3 midterm elections.
- Why
- The review and campaign advisers cited efforts to appeal to independent voters; the articles report that Trump's low approval and voter preferences pose a challenge for Republicans.
Candidates Seeking Distance
Trump and His Supporters
Campaign strategy
Candidates Seeking Distance
Some Republican candidates and their advisers say or privately believe that reducing visible ties to Trump or breaking with him on specific issues can help attract independent voters.
Trump and His Supporters
White House spokesman Davis Ingle called Trump the party's “unequivocal leader, best messenger and unmatched motivator”; direct challenges also risk alienating his committed supporters.
Policy disagreements
Candidates Seeking Distance
Some candidates have opposed or questioned individual Trump positions, including his approach to the Iran conflict, beef imports, data-center development, and other proposals.
Trump and His Supporters
Most candidates have not rejected Trump's broader agenda, and some continue to appear with him and express support while disagreeing on particular issues.
Key facts
- Competitive races reviewed
- 62 House and Senate races
- Races where candidates sought distance
- 41
- Races with policy differences
- 23
- Races involving Iran-related disagreements
- 12
- Candidates who removed Trump references from campaign websites
- 12
- Trump approval in Reuters/Ipsos poll
- 32%
- Registered voter preference
- Democrats 44%; Republicans 37%
- Independent voter preference
- Democrats 37%; Republicans 21%
Quotes
Jeanette Hoffman
Republican consultant describing candidates’ efforts to balance support for the administration with distance from Trump.
“The truth is that the president and I don't always agree. And that's OK.”
firstpost.com
telegraphindia.com
“If (voters) are not with Trump, then they need to show a break.”
telegraphindia.com
Sources
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