Trump and Democrats Float Unusual Midterm Conventions (NYT, no paywall)

[ificandream]

By Shane Goldmacher
Aug. 28, 2025

President Trump suggested on Thursday that the Republican Party should host an unusual national convention ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

“I am thinking of recommending a National Convention to the Republican Party, just prior to the Midterms. It has never been done before,” Mr. Trump wrote on his social media site, Truth Social. “STAY TUNED!!!”

Normally, both the Democratic and Republican parties hold their conventions every four years to formally nominate their presidential candidates. But Mr. Trump’s political operation is hoping to find ways to motivate the voters who have previously come out to cast ballots only when his name is on the ballot next year, when control of both the House and Senate will be determined for the second half of his second term.

A day earlier, Axios reported that Ken Martin, the chairman of the Democratic National Committee, had been discussing a possible Democratic convention in 2026. The idea was the subject of some conversation on the sidelines of the D.N.C. meeting this week in Minneapolis, though it was not universally embraced, partly because it would most likely be costly for a party that is already stretched for cash.

Read more: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/28/us/politics/trump-democrats-midterm-conventions.html?unlocked_article_code=1.iE8.cA0p.3Z9iwwnMcpmL&smid=url-share

Glad to see the Dems were ahead of Dumpty on this one. I hope we do it.

------------------

Further down in the story, it seems to say that a DNC spokesman was on Hannity's garbage dump show. Part of me cringes at that, but part of me also thinks taking the initiative is good.

[CousinIT]

1. SHitler's crime syndicate isn't pressed for cash. Their billionaire owners

will fund anything they want to do.

Democrats...?

[LeftInTX]

4. But the texts and emails!

I know people are strapped for cash and I get they may not be able to donate, but texts and emails come with the territory. The GOP also does it and I don't see them complaining. I see them opening up their pocketbooks and winning.

I just spent quite a bit supporting the Texas Dems living expenses during quorum break. They really needed the cash.

[Silent Type]

2. After we lost in November, I was hoping we'd have some National Convention, develop a Dem Project 2026/2028, etc.

To date, pretty much nada.

[LeftInTX]

5. They're been having DNC meetings. They recently had one. They are working on a platform. Some disagreeing with

this and that. Some resolutions not brought forward etc.

[Silent Type]

6. Yeah, and writing stern letters, making stern speeches, etc. I'm hoping for more, honestly.

[LeftInTX]

7. No, that's what parties do. I think the DNC meets quarterly. Members vote on stuff.

Party stuff is not exciting. I attend my state convention every 2 years. I'm active in my local party too. We meet monthly. People like to propose controversial resolutions. At one convention, a mentally ill person had been evicted because of their behavior or because they couldn't pay their rent. Resolutions were proposed, so that mentally ill people would not be subject to evictions even if they couldn't pay their rent. ZZZZZ Believe me, the fringe is there. This person went on and on......ZZZZ

Everyone has their own agenda....This person's was eviction...

Go to any school board or city council meeting. You will see them.

[Silent Type]

8. Think we need to do things differently after November.

[LeftInTX]

9. You know what a national convention is?

Parties get together and they vote on platforms. However, those resolutions and platforms are four years in the working. They also nominate their candidate for president. The highlight of the convention is the presidential candidate's speech.

So, what are we supposed to do? Trump wants a convention and since he's president, he will have the whole show to himself. It will be a huge Trump rally. The Democrats will have a bunch of people, but since we don't have a presidential candidate it will be more of gathering of numerous potential primary candidates. We will showcase numerous candidates. We will have an anti-Trump rally since we don't have a presidential candidate.

All of the states and both parties have state conventions every two and four years. National delegates are chosen at the state convention.

Plus it costs lots of money. Who is going to pay for a national televised convention??? Based on DU, no one wants to donate anymore.

[Silent Type]

10. Don't think we have 4 years to putz around. Need a Dem Plan/Project now. Let's do things differently and maybe win.

Someone needs to get the message that the old things of doing things ain't working for us, rather than apologizing and doubling down on the same party tradtions.

I'm sorry. But we have to do better.

[LeftInTX]

11. Why do you think the GOP wins? It's all about money, money and more money!

They have it all. They have the non-stop ads. Ads cost money. You want messaging? Then you need to funds to get the message out! You can have the best ideas and messaging and in the world, but without a media source, no one will hear them.

[Silent Type]

12. For one reason, if we spent 4 years developing our strategy, platform, etc., and still lost to trump

we need a serious change. Doesn’t sound like anyone is looking for one.

[LeftInTX]

13. What is the GOP's strategy? Have you listened to their ads?

It's all in their ads which are played ad nauseum.

"Democrats are soft on crime". "Democrats are for open borders". "Democrats want everyone to change their sex". Listen to their ads. They spew bull shit and win. Look at Gavin's videos. They're total BS, but they work because they're total BS. That's all there is to it. But it takes money to air those ads and get the message out.

All we have to do is spew a bunch of BS and spend a bunch of money.

[Silent Type]

14. Whatever it is, it worked. I'm not going to worry about spending say $500 M on a

big early convention, platform review, strategy, ads, etc. Sorry, it’s getting ridiculous. I’m not voting GOPer or anything, but damn our response — and more importantly plans — is pretty weak an ineffective.

Hope our Party leaders break out of the 4-year cycle. We have a midterm that we need to win big next year and we need to hit it in Fall of this year.

[LeftInTX]

3. But, but, but the donation texts and emails!!!

I think it's a good idea for us.
But, it's gross because Trump will do his own.
Don't know if networks will carry ours, but it will probably carry Dumps.