A recap for those that did not watch.

The Republican midterm convention in Dallas placed President Donald Trump and his second-term agenda at the center of the party’s campaign to retain control of Congress.

Trump urged supporters to “pretend I’m on the ballot,” framing the November elections as a referendum on his presidency. His address covered border enforcement, taxes, tariffs, manufacturing, inflation, crime, voter identification, foreign policy and transgender participation in women’s athletics.

The most unexpected proposal was Trump’s promise of a $5,000 “Trump dividend” for every American adult if Republicans retain the House and Senate. Trump said the payments would be financed through tariff revenue and foreign investment. The proposal generated immediate attention, but its cost, eligibility rules, legislative requirements and funding mechanism remain unresolved. It would require congressional cooperation and additional policy details before becoming law. And we’ve all seen how cooperative Congress can be. Congress, in my opinion, is the most overpaid, least productive branch of our current government.

Trump pointed out that his tariff-based economic strategy encourages domestic manufacturing, protects American workers and produces federal revenue. His remarks reflected a broader convention theme: Republicans intend to campaign on border security, public safety, tax policy and domestic economic production, as well they should. The results have been phenomenal.

Vice President JD Vance used his keynote address to emphasize family, faith and cultural issues. He praised the traditional nuclear family and argued that voters had grown tired of political rhetoric that portrayed many Trump supporters as prejudiced or extreme. His prominent role also demonstrated his growing importance within the Republican Party.

Other administration officials reinforced different parts of Trump’s governing agenda. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent represented the administration’s economic message, while HUD Secretary Scott Turner appeared as part of the Cabinet-level delegation. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. reflected the administration’s focus on healthcare policy and its “Make America Healthy Again” initiative.

Texas officials gave the convention a strong state and regional presence. Speakers and participants included Gov. Greg Abbott, Sen. Ted Cruz, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson, a former Democrat who joined the Republican Party.

Ken Paxton focused on border security, his tenure as Texas attorney general and his “Protecting the Texas Promise” campaign message. Sen. Tim Scott praised Trump’s border and tax policies while encouraging Republicans to support candidates across the country.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, Majority Leader Steve Scalise, Majority Whip Tom Emmer and Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso represented the congressional leadership. House members and candidates, including Brandon Gill, Monica De La Cruz and Byron Donalds, were featured as the party promoted younger voices and candidates facing consequential races.

One unusual moment came when Democratic Sen. John Fetterman appeared by video to recognize a bipartisan steel-industry initiative. His participation briefly crossed party lines during an otherwise strongly partisan gathering. It’s about time there was a sane member of the democrat party, instead of the rants of communism, disguised as democratic socialists.

The convention also included a tribute to conservative activist Charlie Kirk and an observance connected to the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks.

Notably absent from the speaker lineup was Senate Majority Leader John Thune. Earlier reports said Thune planned to attend the Dallas gathering, but he did not receive a speaking role. He was instead reported to be participating in related political activity, including a fundraiser for Paxton. Therefore, it is more precise to describe Thune as absent from the convention stage, not necessarily absent from Dallas or every convention-related event. My personal opinion is that Thune is absent from the Republican party. I believe he was installed to prevent the Trump agenda, and thus far, he has stopped the most important piece of legislation desired by all parties. I’m of course talking about the SAVE America Act with 80% approval from all Americans.

Strategically, the convention sought to accomplish two things: energize voters strongly supportive of Trump and connect Republican congressional candidates to the administration’s record. Trump said he would campaign in states and districts with close races, making clear that he intends to play a central role in Republican turnout efforts.

The Dallas event demonstrated that the Republican Party’s 2026 campaign will be closely tied to Trump’s policies, political identity and ability to motivate voters. Whether that strategy succeeds will be determined by voters in November. I pray that the socialists (communists) are stopped in their tracks. Speak out America.