President Donald Trump may have a perverse political reason to see Republicans wiped out in the midterms, a move that could transform his presidency, according to a new analysis arguing that his appetite for confrontation could outweigh his party’s congressional power.
Writing Monday in The New Republic, editor Michael Tomasky believes that Trump’s remarks at a Saturday rally in Perry, Georgia, are an “obvious” sign that part of him wants the GOP to lose.
Tomasky described the president’s “aging, creaking, mildewed mind” while arguing that his comments about the rising cost of gas and claims about the Iran war were especially damaging just days before the November 3 elections.
At the rally, Trump bragged about how the United States was making hundreds of billions of dollars from the war in Iran
“My people say, ‘Please don’t mention that, sir, people are paying a little higher …’ I can just see the fake headlines: ‘President Trump is talking about all the money they’re making while people are suffering at the pump.’ But I said, ‘I don’t give a damn, I’m gonna say it: We’re making a frickin’ fortune,’” the president said.
Tomasky disputed Trump’s claim, as does all reporting on the matter. He also quoted the Wall Street Journal, which reported that Persian Gulf oil exports had surpassed pre-war levels.
He also noted that American oil exports to Asia have slumped as tanker shipping costs have significantly increased. Tomasky referenced an OilPrice.com report that Asian orders for U.S. crude had dropped by about half since September.
His first theory was that Trump cares less about Republican victories when his name isn’t on the ballot. The columnist also suggested that a defeat would let Trump insist the party cannot succeed without him due to his “Brobdingnagian insecurity.”
He then argues that part of the president’s desire to see Democrats regain power in Congress stems from his need to thrive on conflict. Investigations, subpoenas, and political fights that would come offer Trump another opportunity to portray himself as under attack.
The third reason Tomasky believes Trump wants the GOP to lose is the most chilling. He warned that a GOP wipeout could provide Trump with an excuse to revive allegations of election fraud. He speculated that the administration may even attempt to interfere with elections by challenging the certification of results.
To make his point, Tomasky cited a Justice Department lawsuit seeking to prevent Alaska from certifying its Senate race if incumbent Republican Dan Sullivan loses to Democrat Mary Peltola. The administration has argued a second Republican candidate with the same name could confuse voters.
Still, Tomasky portrayed the president’s comments at the rally as showing he is more interested in provoking supporters and attacking opponents than helping his party win.
Many GOP candidates have already decided it’s best to distance themselves from Trump, who they see as a liability. On the other hand, many of those who choose to back the unpopular president may end up paying the price on November 3rd.