Trump closes Dallas GOP convention with appeal to 'pretend I'm on the ticket'
Trump wrapped up the Republican midterm convention in Dallas, urging voters to turn out in November and promising $5,000 payouts if the GOP holds Congress.
President Donald Trump closed the Republicans' midterm convention in Dallas on Thursday with a direct appeal to the party's base, telling the crowd they must turn out in November to protect Republican majorities in Congress.
Returning to the stage on the second and final night of the two-day gathering, Trump repeated several themes from his address the previous evening. He again pledged $5,000 payouts to all American adults if Republicans prevail in the midterms, and urged the audience to treat him as if he were on the ballot.
"You've gotta do this for me, you've got to pretend I'm on the ticket," he said.
At one point, Trump asked those in the hall to raise their right hands and swear they would vote in November. He then delivered a warning about the consequences of staying home.
"You know what happens if you don't vote? You go to hell, you know that," he said.
The convention comes as Republicans face a difficult electoral environment. The party is working to generate enthusiasm for its congressional candidates while confronting voter unease over the economy and the war with Iran. Party leaders are counting on Trump to energise the base ahead of the vote.