Karl Rove attributes GOP's difficulties to Trump: 'Voters have made their voices heard'

Veteran Republican strategist Karl Rove singled out President Donald Trump as a central factor behind Republican Matt Van Eppss modest performance in Tuesdays Tennessee special congressional election. Rove emphasized that the presidents low approval ratings present a significant obstacle for the party.

Van Epps narrowly defeated Democrat Aftyn Behn by 9 points in a district that Trump had carried by 22 points. While some attributed the result to campaign funding, candidate qualities, or turnout strategies, Rove identified Trumps unpopularity as the primary issue.

All alternative explanations for Tennessee overlook a major challenge confronting the GOP: the presidents approval numbers. The RealClearPolitics average shows 42.4%, while Gallup reports 36%, the lowest of his second term, Rove noted. Among Republicans, approval has slipped from 91% in November 2024 to 84% recently. Independents have decreased support from 42% to 25%.

Rove urged the party to let candidates focus on their own campaigns rather than centering races around Trump. The emphasis should be on everyday concerns. As James Carville famously said in 1992: its the economy, and dont forget healthcare. Ignoring this long-standing advice could jeopardize GOP control of the House and possibly the Senate. The voters have spokenwill the party heed them?

Rove has consistently highlighted this point, noting after Election Day that voters dissatisfaction with Trump and his policies heavily influenced outcomes. Polling averages indicated 43.4% approval versus 54.4% disapproval, with even lower ratings on economic and policy matters.

To improve prospects, Rove recommended that the administration concentrate on economic issues and the cost of living, communicate honestly about challenges, temper rhetoric, manage expectations, and avoid aggressive actions that could backfire, such as controversial immigration enforcement operations.

Author: Maya Henderson