Karl Rove ‘A Little Bit Nervous’ Over Midterm Convention

Republican strategist Karl Rove admits he is “a little bit nervous” about the GOP’s upcoming unprecedented midterm convention.

Rove said Tuesday that Republicans are making a late and risky bet on President Donald Trump with control of Congress on the line.

Fox News anchor Dana Perino asked Rove on “America’s Newsroom” about the two-day gathering in Dallas, Texas.

Rove wondered if whether Republicans had enough time to capitalize on the event before November’s elections.

“I’m a little bit nervous about it because, look, we’re in the final stages of the campaign,” Rove said. “I’d be more comfortable if this had been held in June and July and set a thematic that could be pursued for four or five months rather than for 56 days.”

The convention starts Wednesday at the American Airlines Center. This unprecedented gathering is an experiment for Republicans, whose national party conventions are typically held during presidential election years.

Rove said Democrats experimented with midterm conventions years ago but eventually gave up on the idea “because they weren’t particularly helpful.”

Republicans are hoping for a different result ahead of the midterm elections and with Trump’s polling numbers going down.

Perino cited Reuters polling showing Trump with a 32% approval rating on the economy. Only 25% approve of his handling of the cost of living; 24% approve on inflation and prices.

Trump is expected to dominate the Dallas event as he will deliver a keynote address Wednesday then return Thursday following remarks by Vice President JD Vance.

“The White House is pushing a big bet, it’s like we’re at the tables, they’re pushing all the chips on saying if we make this about Donald Trump and if we make this about Donald Trump’s record and put him at the centre of this then we have a shot to pull this thing off,” Rove said.

Organizers expect about 30,000 to attend across the two days.