GOP faces midterm headwinds, but Trump adviser sees a path to 'defy history'

WASHINGTON, DC: Several polls predict a difficult midterm season for the GOP amid President Donald Trump's dropping approval ratings, threatening the party's razor-thin majorities in Congress. But the president's political adviser revealed what makes him think Republicans can still make it through November.

Bracing for a highly defensive electoral fight, the GOP currently holds a narrow 218–212 advantage in the House and a 53–45 majority in the Senate.

Trump's top adviser signals path to retain both majorities

Appearing on NBC News’ podcast 'Here’s the Scoop: Election Edition' on Saturday, September 12, Trump’s top adviser James Blair said, “I won’t predict, you know, how many seats are going to be in either chamber come November.”

“But I do think there is a path for us to retain both majorities and defy history,” he added.

Blair, who served as White House deputy chief of staff until April, now oversees MAGA Inc, the Trump-aligned super PAC that is expected to spend heavily on the midterms.

Blair’s comment came amid unfavorable conditions for the GOP, as several surveys reveal that the public is not happy with Trump’s performance on the economy, jobs, and the Iran war.

A Quinnipiac University poll published on Friday showed that voters would rather see Democrats regain control of the House over Republicans, if the midterms were held now.

Republicans still have time to plead their case

Blair acknowledged the challenges, but argued that Republicans still have time to plead their case to voters.

“There is a national backdrop against which things are being fought, and there are local considerations and sort of very specific considerations that a good campaign will be able to utilize both of,” Blair said.

Ahead of the midterms, Republicans are focusing on increasing GOP voter turnout as a core part of their election strategy.

Trump concluded his speech at the Republican National Committee (RNC) midterm convention in Dallas on Thursday by asking voters to pledge to vote and bring someone they know to the polling station.

“You know what happens if you don’t vote? You go to hell,” Trump joked. “So please go and vote.”

Blair said Trump helps bring back 2024 supporters.

Trump adviser downplays Iran war's midterm impact

Downplaying the impact of the Iran war and a deteriorating economy on the upcoming midterms, which is reportedly not positive, Blair said the Trump administration is dealing with inflation that he blamed on former President Biden.

“We’re still cleaning up that mess, and we need more time to finish the job,” Blair said. “That’s what we’re asking for in November.”