Day one in the books for first Republican Midterm Convention
DALLAS (NBC, KYMA) - Day one in the books for the first Republican Midterm Convention.
President Donald Trump ended the night with his speech, and while a number of Republican lawmakers and candidates attended, a number of them did not.
Meanwhile, Democrats have their own counter-programming.
It's billed as Trumpapalooza, and that's exactly what the first night of the Republican Midterm Convention in Dallas delivered with President Trump speaking for an hour and 45 minutes.
"Vote Republican, and we will leave the world in our dust for generations to come," Trump remarked.
The president made a surprise promise that if his party wins the midterms, he will "issue a dividend to every adult citizen in the United States of America for $5,000."
On Fox News Wednesday night, Vice President JD Vance suggested the money would come from tariff revenue.
"What the president is just saying is, if you keep it going to the American people, if you keep us in power and allow us to continue to do these things, then you're going to share in some of the benefit," Vice President Vance explained.
The president has floated similar ideas about sending checks to the public before that have not materialized.
In another surprise, Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) made an appearance calling it an opportunity to communicate with Americans, while other members of his party were holding counter-events.
"I think the fact that they're doing it in Texas speaks volumes," said State Rep. James Talarico (D-TX), who is the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate. "They know that the movement we're building here is catching fire, that we are bringing working people together across party."
As the president's approval ratings continue to dip, some Republicans in competitive races decided to skip the convention.
"I have to be campaigning. No one votes for me in Washington or in Dallas. I have to be in Miami," said Rep. María Elvira Salazar (R-FL).
Others took the opportunity to be with the party's leader.
"We've accomplished monumental things, and that's why I'm going," said Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R-WI).
Trump said it will be required that the $5,000 be spent in the United States, but did not explain how that would be enforced when NBC News asked.
During the second night of the convention, viewers can expect more of republicans communicating directly to their base on issues like tax cuts, immigration and border security.
The president is expected to headline the convention again, and once again the GOP will be battling primetime football for its audience.
To watch the first night of the convention, see attached video.
