Democratic strategist Ameshia Cross has expressed significant skepticism about a Republican plan to heavily feature former President Donald Trump in the upcoming 2026 midterm elections. The strategy, proposed by Trump's chief of staff Susie Wiles, aims to mobilize "low-propensity voters" by placing Trump, who will not be on the ballot, at the center of the campaign.
GOP's Unconventional Midterm Gambit
In a departure from traditional midterm election playbooks, Trump aide Susie Wiles outlined a plan to "turn that on its head" by making the former president the focal point. Typically, midterm campaigns are localized, focusing on state and congressional races while keeping federal figures at a distance. However, Wiles argues that because many infrequent voters are supporters of Donald Trump, featuring him prominently could drive crucial turnout for the GOP.
This strategic pivot comes after the Republican Party faced several electoral disappointments in key states like Virginia, New Jersey, Georgia, and Florida. These setbacks have prompted internal party concern and a search for new tactics to energize the base.
Cross Delivers a Scathing Critique
Amashia Cross, who served in communications for former President Barack Obama, dismissed the proposed strategy during a recent appearance on MS Now. She cast doubt on both the logistical feasibility and the political wisdom of the plan.
"I don't think Donald Trump is physically able to campaign like it's 2024 again," Cross stated, questioning the former president's capacity for another intense national campaign cycle. She further argued that Trump's political context has fundamentally changed since the last election.
"He also has something now that he didn't have against him in 2024," Cross explained. "He is now holding the bag for the disaster of people's pocketbooks, for the massive unemployment that we're seeing, for the underemployment, for the people lacking affordability."
The Economic Reality Check
Cross emphasized that putting Trump on the campaign trail while he dismisses affordability concerns as a "hoax" is likely counterproductive. She contends that the political landscape where Trump's signature salesmanship would be effective has shrunk considerably, describing those opportunities as "few and far between at this point."
This critique aligns with recent polling data suggesting that despite Trump's attempts to convince Americans that inflation is easing and prices are coming down, a significant portion of the electorate remains unconvinced and deeply concerned about their economic well-being. This disconnect forms a core part of Cross's argument against the viability of a Trump-centric 2026 strategy.
The debate highlights a fundamental strategic divide as both parties begin to position themselves for the next major electoral test. While Republicans see Trump as an unparalleled motivator for a segment of voters, critics like Cross believe economic realities and the former president's changed role could severely limit his effectiveness in a midterm context where his name won't appear on any ballot.
