GOP Downplays Election Losses, Cites Democratic Advantages & Trump’s Strength
WASHINGTON (AP) - Following recent election setbacks, the Republican National Committee (RNC) is actively framing the results as a consequence of inherent Democratic advantages in key states, while simultaneously asserting former President Donald Trump’s continued political strength. The messaging, outlined in talking points obtained by The Associated Press, dismisses the losses in Georgia and Pennsylvania and claims Trump’s approval ratings surpass those of former Presidents Barack obama and George W. bush at comparable points in their second terms.
However, AP polling analysis contradicts the RNC’s claims. Trump’s approval rating currently stands at 36% in a November poll by the AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs research, a slight increase from his first term. Gallup polling data shows both obama and Bush held approval ratings in the low 40s at similar stages of their second presidencies, comparable to Trump’s 39% in Gallup’s October poll. Both Obama and Bush experienced notable losses in the midterm elections following those approval ratings.
The RNC talking points explicitly state the recent elections “were not a referendum on President Trump, Republicans in Congress, or the MAGA Agenda,” and emphasize the need for strong voter turnout from “Make America Great Again” supporters to secure victories in 2026.
Simultaneously occurring, Representative Elise Stefanik (R-NY) underscored party unity behind a potential future challenge to New York Governor kathy Hochul, stating, “sense is our party is fully united behind firing Kathy Hochul.” Stefanik, when questioned about support for Trump, emphasized her focus on “delivering for New Yorkers and putting New Yorkers first.” She declined to comment on a hypothetical deployment of the National Guard to new York City at Trump’s request, suggesting such a measure “wouldn’t need to happen if there was a Republican governor.”
The RNC’s messaging reflects a broader effort to solidify support for Trump and his policies despite recent electoral outcomes, and highlights the challenges facing Republican candidates navigating a complex political landscape.