DALLAS and BRIGHTON, Colorado — As the Republican Party’s first-ever midterm convention started on Wednesday afternoon at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, there were plenty of fervent supporters of President Donald Trump on hand, and plenty of Trump-themed merch.
Make America Great Again hats priced at $47 — a nod to the 47th president — shirts with the convention logo, cards sporting Trump’s face and more crowded the official souvenir stands for purchase by the faithful.
What was missing from the Trump-inspired scene were most of the people Trump said on Truth Social he wanted there — Republicans in competitive races.