When House Speaker Mike Johnson stepped up to the podium at a recent press briefing, no one expected him to drop a new proposal straight from former President Donald Trump.
“The president called me while I was traveling,” Johnson recalled. “He said, ‘Mike, I’ve got a great idea — how about a midterm convention?’”
Trump reportedly hailed the idea as “genius.” Instead of the traditional presidential nominating conventions every four years, this gathering would take place midway through the cycle — a national Republican event to rally supporters, highlight wins, and project momentum heading into fall elections.
Johnson noted that Trump was excited about the prospect, calling it a “great rallying point” for Republicans. Plans are already being floated to involve Senate Minority Leader John Thune and new RNC Chairman Joe Gruters in working out logistics.
“Trump loves the big stage,” Johnson quipped, acknowledging how quickly word of the proposal spread once the former president mentioned it.
What a Midterm Convention Could Mean
On its surface, the concept is classic political theater. Traditionally, conventions launch a general election campaign. Trump’s version flips the script — using the midterms to energize voters, dominate headlines, and turn what are usually lower-profile contests into must-watch political events.
For Republicans, it could be a way to unify their base, seize media attention, and prove they are setting the agenda rather than simply reacting to Democrats.
Politics as Performance
The proposal also raises a broader question: how much has politics become entertainment? From rallies to soundbites, modern campaigns often resemble stage productions as much as policy debates. Trump, more than anyone, understands the emotional charge of a massive crowd and the optics of being at the center of it.
A midterm convention fits right into that playbook: politics as performance, where visibility equals strength. But history warns that when spectacle overshadows substance, trust begins to erode.
Past Leaders, Balanced Approaches
American leaders have long used new forms of communication to inspire: Roosevelt’s fireside chats, Kennedy’s television debates, Obama’s electrifying rallies. Yet each paired showmanship with tangible policies — the New Deal, civil rights, healthcare reform.
The lesson is clear: rallies and conventions can energize, but without real solutions behind them, they risk becoming hollow.
The Citizen’s Role
If such a midterm convention takes shape, it will almost certainly capture headlines and fire up crowds. But for citizens, the challenge is to look deeper. As one Sufi sage once said: “Do not look at the form of the act, but at the sincerity within it.”
Cheering a show of unity is natural — but the test of leadership lies in results, not applause. Healthcare costs, economic stability, and national unity will not be solved by a single convention stage.
Closing Thought
Trump’s proposal taps into a hunger for belonging and energy, and it may well reshape the campaign calendar if it materializes. But the enduring question remains: will it build substance, or just provide spectacle?
Because in politics, as in life, what shines brightest in the moment is not always what stands the test of time.
