Trump turns State of the Union into a campaign rally before midterms

Trump turns State of the Union into a campaign rally before midterms

Trump uses a record-length State of the Union to defend his economic record, attack rivals, and energize supporters ahead of crucial midterm elections. President Donald Trump turned his annual address to Congress into a campaign-style event on Tuesday, using the longest State of the Union speech of the television era to rally supporters, attack political opponents, and sell his economic agenda ahead of high-stakes midterm elections. Instead of unveiling a slate of major new policy initiatives, Trump used the nearly one-hour-and-47-minute address to frame his presidency as a story of national revival. Repeatedly, he argued that the United States is stronger, wealthier, and more respected on the world stage, even as polls show voters remain uneasy about prices, wages, and political polarization. From the opening moments, it was clear that Trump turns State of the Union into a campaign rally rather than a unifying message . Republicans rose to their feet again and again in applause, while De…