(NewsNation) — Progressive political commentator Harry Sisson criticized the Republican National Committee’s newly scheduled fall midterm convention as “a pathetic attempt” by President Donald Trump to rally support ahead of challenging 2026 midterm elections.
The RNC changed party rules to hold an America First midterm convention-style gathering, aligned with President Trump’s vision for energizing the party. The move comes more than two years before the next presidential election and before the 2026 midterms.
“I think this is kind of a pathetic attempt from Donald Trump to rally the base, get some support going into 2026,” Sisson said on NewsNation. “It’s not looking good for him. It’s looking like a bloodbath in the numbers.”
Sisson argued Trump lacks the momentum he had in 2024 and suggested the convention represents an effort to manufacture enthusiasm. He predicted the strategy would backfire and “solidify the resistance” rather than the Republican base.
Former Bush 43 White House spokesman Pete Seat defended the plan, noting Democratic National Committee Chairman has discussed holding a similar event since August.
Seat said the convention could motivate “Trump only voters” — those who cast ballots in presidential years specifically for Trump — who will be crucial to Republican success in November 2026.
“Hosting an unconventional convention during these unconventional times could very well energize the Republican base,” Seat said.
Democrats held their own midterm conventions in the 1970s and early 1980s, which proved successful each time.
White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles has indicated Trump will be “all in” on the midterms, with 13 House districts currently held by Democrats that Trump won in 2024 representing key targets.
