Trump campaign pessimistic about winning Michigan again
[link:https://www.politico.com/story/2019/09/22/trump-campaign-michigan-reelection-1507282|
The president's troubles in the Rust Belt state are a potential warning sign for his reelection prospects.
By ALEX ISENSTADT 09/22/2019 08:33 PM EDT
MACKINAC ISLAND, Mich. Donald Trump has long heralded Michigan as the crown jewel of his 2016 victory. But the president's campaign team is increasingly grim about a repeat performance in the traditionally blue Rust Belt state.
After a midterm election that decimated the ranks of Michigan Republicans, Trump's campaign is looking to other battlegrounds he lost last time such as Minnesota and New Hampshire that they see as more promising.
The assessment illustrates how Trumps support in the Rust Belt states that propelled him to the presidency has softened, jeopardizing his prospects for a second term. While they say its too early to write off Michigan Trump aides say the campaign still intends to pump resources into the state a range of public polling has shown Trump in poor shape here.
Itll be tough, said Greg McNeilly, a veteran GOP strategist in Michigan. Though the president overcame tough odds in 2016, winning the state by 10,704 votes, or less than 1 point, McNeilly expects Democratic turnout to be stronger in 2020. Trump is the underdog, he said.
snip...
more at link