Trump Heads to No. 1 Texas-Tennessee Game, President’s Cup as GOP Midterm Outlook Darkens
Updated
Updated · The Washington Post · Sep 26
Trump Heads to No. 1 Texas-Tennessee Game, President’s Cup as GOP Midterm Outlook Darkens
3 articles · Updated · The Washington Post · Sep 26
Summary
Saturday’s Tennessee trip puts Trump at the Texas-Tennessee showdown before he heads to suburban Chicago for Sunday’s President’s Cup final round as honorary chairman.
The sports weekend comes after Trump vowed an all-out midterm push, yet he has held only 1 rally since Sept. 9 while advisers warn Republicans could lose one or both chambers in November.
Monday’s expected Senate vote on the Trump-backed Protect College Sports Act gives the football stop a policy angle; the bipartisan bill could cap earnings for stars such as Texas quarterback Arch Manning.
Tennessee and Illinois offer little direct electoral payoff — Cook rates no House seats in either state as in play — though aides say October campaigning will expand in Florida, Michigan, Ohio and Texas.
Trump’s presence can also affect the game itself: coaches say presidential security has caused headset blackouts, and Indiana’s coach said communication failed for 2 or 3 plays during January’s title game.