Republicans put Trump centre stage at Dallas midterm convention

Republicans used the opening night of their two-day midterm convention in Dallas to attack Democrats as extremists and to underline their support for President Donald Trump, putting him at the centre of the party's campaign for November. The event came as Republicans tried to lift enthusiasm in the run-up to Election Day amid voters' economic concerns and dissatisfaction over the war in Iran.

The gathering, which was part rally and part fundraiser, also reflected the party's calculation that Trump's support remains central even in a year when he is not on the ballot. While several Republicans, including some fighting close contests, chose to stay away, others attended in the hope of reaching Trump's supporters.

At the same time, Trump's political operation began a major new spending push through No Going Back PAC Inc, which has reserved USD 49 million in six competitive Senate races and one competitive House race. That is in addition to the USD 10 million spent by MAGA Inc in the Texas Senate race.