Trump wants voters to pretend he’s on the ballot. The Republican Party is going along for the ride

WASHINGTON (AP) – President Donald Trump is embracing his inner cowboy, seeking to gallop into this week's Republican convention in Dallas and save the midterm elections for his party just in the nick of time.

Key points

• As first-of-their-kind festivities open Wednesday, Trump wants to stoke his core supporters' enthusiasm by making Election Day on Nov.
• The question is whether he'll do more to fire up Republicans or Democrats at a moment when his popularity has reached historic lows.
• That means effectively staging a two-day Trump show with a supporting cast that includes some of the party's most vulnerable lawmakers.

As first-of-their-kind festivities open Wednesday, Trump wants to stoke his core supporters' enthusiasm by making Election Day on Nov. 3 all regarding himself – a referendum on his record at an event he conceived to assist his party, even if he's not actually on the ballot.

Notably, the question is whether he'll do more to fire up Republicans or Democrats at a moment when his popularity has reached historic lows.

For context, the president is planning to take the stage both nights of the convention, giving a keynote address Wednesday and then closing remarks after Vice President JD Vance gives his own speech the after night.

Taken together, the developments around trump wants voters to pretend he's on the ballot. The Republican Party point to a situation that is still moving, and the coming days should bring more clarity.