Labor Day is traditionally the beginning of campaigning in earnest ahead of a general election, and midterm elections are a public reflection on the progress of a president 2 years into their term. And things look awful for Trump. The nation is stuck in a quagmire in Iran because he needed another dopamine hit after kidnapping the president of Venezuela. Gas prices are steadily rising. The food supply is increasingly compromised because of Trump’s buddy Elon Musk and his DOGE disaster, with chocolate milk the latest victim–is nothing sacred to these heathens?

Trump’s approval ratings are hovering around 30% nationally, and even red states are throwing in the towel. Here in WV his net approval rating is only +6, and that was before he weighed in on data centers:

Couple that with the gold leaf nonsense in DC, the Reflecting Pool fiasco, and the increasing assault on a national touchstone like the Kennedy Center, and he’s now box office, erm ballot box poison. So naturally his response is to make the upcoming midterms all about him by holding a GOP “convention” once the traditional campaign season gets underway. Per the RNC announcement:

“This historic Midterm Convention will highlight President Trump’s many accomplishments and unwavering commitment to restoring America,” said RNC Chairman Joe Gruters. “This convention will be a Trumpapalooza, where we will showcase the America First agenda, which has delivered the largest tax cut in history and made communities safer. President Trump will unite Republicans around our shared vision, build momentum, and deliver an incredible convention for our Party.”

I wholeheartedly endorse this activity. A Trumpapalooza in a state where the GOP is struggling in its 2 marquee races is wonderful. And GOP congressspeople having to prostrate themselves to Trump during the event is even better. The stench of that Swiss cheese-brained asshole cannot be too deeply ingrained onto these treasonweasels.

As you can imagine, GOP members of Congress are barely able to contain their excitement about being able to have so much campaign footage of them with the president of their dreams. Wait—what’s that?:

But a POLITICO survey of more than 70 GOP candidates and members revealed that most either do not plan to attend or are still weighing whether to go. Dozens more declined to share their plans.

The 45 Republicans cited a variety of reasons for skipping the first midterm convention put on by a major party in more than four decades. Some cited prior obligations such as fundraisers or events in their districts that were planned before the convention was scheduled in June. Others had personal conflicts, like weddings and family events, and still others raised qualms about the five-figure-minimum fees that party officials want attending lawmakers to pony up.

And some Republicans in tough races are steering clear of the gathering — which has come to be called “Trump-a-palooza” in some GOP circles — as they face growing hesitation about associating themselves with the polarizing president so close to the election.

Oh and did I mention that anyone who does go is expected to hand over $25,000 for the privilege of being associated with the catering truck coward?:

But even some Republicans who might benefit from campaigning with Trump said the costs members are being asked to pay to attend were getting in the way. Another House Republican granted anonymity to speak candidly pointed to the $25,000 minimum attendee donation suggested by the National Republican Congressional Committee, which is distributing RNC-provided tickets to members.

“I didn’t want to go anyways. That made it easier,” the member said.

According to an NRCC memo obtained by POLITICO, that donation gives a member the right to book one hotel room in the committee’s block as well as two tickets to a welcome reception and the convention itself. Higher tiers of giving up to $100,000 come with access to additional rooms, tickets and events. An NRCC spokesperson declined to comment.

Well, of course they do.

I can only imagine how awful Trump’s speech is going to be. It’s going to be all about him and can only do further damage to the GOP brand. As “Ted Lasso” fans know, there’s no “I” in “team”. As GOP congress critters are discovering, there’s no “we” in “GOP”, either. I’d feel sorry for them, but honestly? Fuck them.

I’ll leave you with this oh-so-perfect song: