President Trump on Wednesday touted his track record of endorsing successful GOP candidates in a new interview with the Wall Street Journal, saying Republicans were poised to perform well in the 2018 midterm elections.
“As long as I can get out and campaign, I think they’re going to win, I really do,” Trump said during the interview. “It’s a lot of work for me. I have to make 50 stops, it’s a lot. So, there aren’t a lot of people that can do that, physically. Fortunately, I have no problem with that.”
Despite history suggesting the party of an incumbent president will suffer losses during the first midterm cycle, Trump added that he was optimistic Republicans would do “great” given about 40 percent of Americans believe the country is moving in the right direction, citing RealClearPolitics’ poll aggregator.
Candidates endorsed by Trump in primary and special elections have largely won their races, including upsets of incumbents. Last week, Trump predicted a “red wave” come the fall.
[Also read: Most want Mueller to wrap up Russia investigation by Election Day]
As long as I campaign and/or support Senate and House candidates (within reason), they will win! I LOVE the people, & they certainly seem to like the job I’m doing. If I find the time, in between China, Iran, the Economy and much more, which I must, we will have a giant Red Wave!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 8, 2018
The GOP is hoping to hold on to its razor-thin majority in the Senate during the midterm elections. Democrats, however, are focusing on flipping 23 congressional seats in order to sweep into power in the House.
