September 8, 2026
Donald Trump’s midterm strategy? Make it all about him | Robert Reich
In the lead-up to the midterm elections, Donald Trump appears to be prioritizing his own image over supporting Republican candidates, despite holding over $400 million in Super PAC funds. Analysts suggest that instead of using this money to bolster party candidates, Trump is likely to focus on promoting himself, aiming to regain lost popularity and reshape public perception. This strategy could backfire for Republicans, as Trump's unpopularity may overshadow their campaigns, potentially benefiting Democrats. Ultimately, Trump's self-centered approach could hinder Republican efforts in the midterms, emphasizing his enduring focus on personal gain over party unity.
Stoic Response
Citizens of the Agora, gather round! As we stand at the precipice of the midterm elections, we find ourselves not merely at a crossroads of political fate but at a crucible of virtue. The time has come to reflect on the cardinal virtues that should guide our choices: wisdom, courage, temperance, and justice. These principles are the bedrock upon which our democracy stands, and they demand our attention now more than ever.
In recent days, we have witnessed a troubling spectacle. Donald Trump, with over $400 million in Super PAC funds at his disposal, appears to prioritize his own image over the collective strength of the Republican Party. Analysts suggest that instead of deploying this wealth to uplift candidates who embody our shared values, he seems poised to embark on a campaign that glorifies himself. Polling data reveals that his approval rating languishes in the mid-30s—historic lows for a leader in an election cycle. This self-serving strategy may not only jeopardize Republican prospects but also embolden our Democratic counterparts.
Let us consider the virtue of wisdom. It is wise to recognize that a divided party cannot stand. Trump's focus on personal gain rather than party unity could lead to a fracture that benefits those who oppose us. Courage, too, is required in this moment: the courage to stand up for candidates who genuinely represent our ideals and to challenge the status quo when it falters. We must not allow ourselves to be overshadowed by the whims of an individual who seems more interested in self-aggrandizement than in the common good.
Moreover, the virtue of temperance calls upon us to exercise restraint in our judgments and actions. We must not be swayed by the noise of a campaign that seeks to elevate one man above the collective aspirations of our party. Instead, we must advocate for candidates who embody the principles we hold dear, candidates who will work tirelessly for the betterment of our communities and our nation.
So, I charge you, citizens of the Agora, to take up the mantle of responsibility. Engage in the discourse, support candidates who reflect our values, and hold accountable those who prioritize self over service. Let us rally together, guided by the cardinal virtues, to forge a path that strengthens our party and, ultimately, our democracy. The time is now—let us act with purpose and integrity!
Article Rewritten Through Stoic Lens
The Midterm Elections: A Stoic Perspective on Control and Judgment
As we approach the midterm elections, let us reflect on the actions of those in power, particularly Donald Trump, and the lessons they offer us about discipline, judgment, and right action. In every situation, we must discern what lies within our control and what does not.
The Allocation of Resources: A Test of Intentions
Consider the vast resources at Trump's disposal—over $400 million in Super PAC funds. This wealth presents an opportunity for him to support Republican candidates. Yet, he hesitates. Why? Here lies a moment for us to practice discernment. We cannot control the choices of others, but we can control our responses.
If he chooses to prioritize his image over party unity, let us not be swayed by his actions. Instead, we must focus on our own intentions. How do we allocate our resources? Do we support those who align with our values, or do we remain passive observers?
The Nature of Influence: Understanding External Events
Trump's potential decision-making reflects a deeper truth about influence. While he may aim to bolster his own popularity, we must recognize that his choices do not dictate our worth or our actions. What can we control? Our judgment.
When faced with external events that may seem overwhelming, we can choose to remain steadfast in our principles. If Trump’s self-centered approach leads to Republican setbacks, let us not lament the situation but instead seek to learn from it. How can we strengthen our own convictions in the face of adversity?
Discipline in Action: The Role of Self-Reflection
As Trump embarks on a campaign to regain public adulation, we must ask ourselves: What drives our actions? Is it the desire for external validation, or is it a commitment to our values?
In moments of self-promotion, we can practice discipline. Let us reflect on our motivations and ensure they align with our higher purpose. If we find ourselves tempted to seek approval from others, let us remember that true fulfillment comes from within.
Navigating Public Perception: The Power of Response
Trump’s unpopularity may overshadow Republican candidates, creating a narrative that benefits Democrats. This situation is a reminder of the importance of our responses to public perception. What is within our control? Our reactions and our ability to maintain our integrity amidst chaos.
When faced with negative narratives, we can choose to rise above. Instead of allowing external opinions to dictate our self-worth, we can focus on our actions and the impact we wish to have on the world.
The Lesson of Ego: A Call for Humility
Ultimately, Trump’s actions reveal a profound lesson about the dangers of ego. His focus on personal gain over collective unity serves as a cautionary tale. What can we learn? The importance of humility and the recognition that we are part of a greater whole.
In our pursuits, let us strive to act not for personal glory but for the benefit of those around us. By cultivating humility, we can foster unity and support the common good, rather than becoming ensnared in the web of self-interest.
Conclusion: Embracing Stoic Principles in Uncertain Times
As we navigate the complexities of the midterm elections, let us remember the Stoic principles that guide us. We cannot control the actions of others, but we can control our judgments, our responses, and our commitment to discipline.
In every situation, let us seize the opportunity to practice virtue, to reflect on our intentions, and to act with integrity. In doing so, we not only strengthen ourselves but also contribute to the greater good of our communities.
Source Body Text
With the midterm races officially beginning this week, a big question hanging over the Republican party is how Trump will allocate his giant stash of Super Pac money. As of 31 July, Maga Inc had more than $400m on hand, larger than the cash reserves of any of the major party committees. But he’s barely spent any of it yet. Why not? Is he waiting to see where his stash can do the most good for Republicans during the peak campaign season, starting in a few weeks? On Friday, he said he would personally weigh where to direct support, including toward Republican candidates he believes can win competitive races. But this seems doubtful. He’s already missed the chance to lock in airtime at lower, advance rates and define candidates before attitudes harden. Is he using his stash as a means of silencing criticism in the Republican ranks, or holding back support until a candidate lavishes praise on him? Also doubtful. Republican candidates who believe they need to criticize his war or his economic policies to stay viable won’t restrain themselves because of his possible campaign cash. Maybe he’s conserving the money to discipline Republican candidates in the 2028 primaries and general election, when he’ll use the stash to penalize disloyalty and reward loyalty? Possibly, but he’s already practically a lame duck. Is he conserving the cash to pass it on to his chosen presidential successor – either Vance or Rubio or a third selection as yet unknown? Probably not. That’s a long way off. None of these theories holds water because they don’t figure in Trump’s giant, towering, malignant narcissism. It seems he’ll be putting money behind his favorite politician – the person he most admires, who represents everything he believes in, who he considers the single most important and talented living person in the entire flaming firmament of the known universe. Himself. He’s going to use campaign cash to make himself look good, or at least far better than he looks now. Multiple polls show Trump’s approval rating now mired in the mid-30% range – at or near historic lows for a president facing a midterm election. So he’ll launch a campaign to regain the adulation he’s lost, to recast himself as the hero he believes he is, to reclaim the mantle of savior to which he thinks he’s entitled. In other words, it will be a campaign to promote, glorify and exalt Donald J Trump. The non-profit arm of Trump’s political operation, Securing American Greatness, has already spent about $1m on its first midterm ads set to air nationwide, featuring video clips of Trump talking about tax breaks in his domestic spending legislation and lower prices for eggs and prescription drugs. In early August, according to the Atlantic, Trump told advisers that they should follow the same strategy as the Democrats: making the election about him. But as Karl Rove, who was senior adviser and deputy chief of staff for George W Bush, notes in the Wall Street Journal, given Trump’s unpopularity, making the election even more about him only helps the Democrats. Trump also plans to travel all over the country, holding rallies like he did during his presidential elections. As Rove notes, Fox News’s senior White House correspondent, Peter Doocy, reports hearing “whispers of a ton of Trump travel in October, possibly as much as a Trump rally a day” in competitive states and districts. But Rove also warns: “Trump is never disciplined. He’ll have no script, saying whatever comes to mind. His crazy comments will dominate the news, locally and nationally. Republican candidates will constantly have to fend off questions about whether they agree with his latest insult or half-baked idea. The narrative won’t be on anything positive about them or the GOP.” Presumably this is why some battleground Republicans told Trump’s staff that they would prefer he not visit their districts ahead of November, according to four Republican operatives involved in the conversations, as reported by Politico. Meanwhile, Republican pollsters have told candidates in tight races to limit their references to him. “We’ve told them he cannot come,” one senior Republican, involved in a district where Trump won by double digits in the last election, told Politico. “Candidly, he would not be helpful here … I do not believe they would send him without our OK. And if they did, we probably wouldn’t campaign with him.” Rove and other Republican functionaries are urging Trump to “act more presidential” by using his Super Pacs’ $403m to support Republican candidates rather than support a campaign about himself. But they’re yelling into the wind of Trump’s ballroom-sized ego. The truth is, Trump doesn’t give a damn about the midterm elections except insofar as Republican losses make him look bad. He probably figures if he backs a candidate with his Pac money and they lose, he’ll look even worse. So better to spend it on boosting himself. As almost everyone in the world knows by now, Trump cares only about himself. That’s been his MO for ever. Bad news for Republicans in the midterms and good news for Democrats. Robert Reich, a former US secretary of labor, is a professor of public policy emeritus at the University of California, Berkeley. He is a Guardian US columnist and his newsletter is at robertreich.substack.com. His new book, Coming Up Short: A Memoir of My America, is out now in the US and in the UK