Polls Show Trump Midterm Convention Failed to Boost GOP Enthusiasm

President Donald Trump's midterm convention in Dallas last week has failed to generate a significant boost for Republican candidates, according to new polling data, while his promise of a $5,000 dividend to every adult American has drawn scrutiny over its fiscal feasibility. The event, an unusual two-day conference held to rally support ahead of November's elections, was described by Trump as a "solidly sold out winner," but surveys indicate it did not increase voter enthusiasm among key independent voters. A poll conducted by The Hill and Emerson found that 68 percent of independent voters in Texas said the convention made no impact on their excitement to vote. While the event did energize Republican voters, with 59 percent saying it made them more eager to cast a ballot, it also appeared to motivate Democrats, with 53 percent reporting increased eagerness to vote, presumably against GOP candidates. The convention's impact on specific races remains uncertain. In the closely watched Texas Senate contest, a Siena poll showed Democratic candidate James Talarico leading Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton by six points, 50 percent to 44 percent.