OPINION:
In every campaign, there is one memorable slogan.
In 1980, it was Ronald Reagan’s “Are you better off than you were four years ago?” In the 2026 midterm elections, President Trump is urging his supporters, “Pretend I’m on the ballot.” That is another way of saying, “Pretend that my policies are on the ballot.”
The president has proved to be a tireless campaigner. As of Tuesday, he had spoken at 26 campaign rallies across the country. The core message is always the same: Get out and vote! Pretend that you are voting for me.
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Midterm elections are usually decided by the side that does better at turning out its base.
The polls would indicate that Mr. Trump has a low approval rating. Still, no president has ever had a more loyal following.
“Pretend I’m on the ballot” means pretend strong borders, job growth, the reindustrialization of America, tax cuts, crime control, energy independence, ballot integrity, sane social policies and a non-nuclear Iran are on the ballot.
Pretend that a continuation of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement policies that have led to deporting 1.2 million illegal aliens since January 2025 is on the ballot.
Pretend that zero releases at the border is on the ballot, compared with the 4.5 million recorded under the Biden administration.
Pretend policies that led to the lowest homicide rate ever recorded are on the ballot, along with an FBI that targets criminals instead of parents who speak up at school committee meetings.
Pretend that pro-growth policies that have resulted in the creation of more than 1 million private-sector jobs during Mr. Trump’s second term are on the ballot.
Pretend that making America energy dominant again and giving us access to 65 billion barrels of Venezuelan oil are on the ballot.
Pretend that tariffs that level the playing field and put American workers first are on the ballot.
Pretend that an administration that opposes men in women’s sports and the so-called gender transitioning of minors is on the ballot.
Pretend that an Iran without nuclear weapons is on the ballot. Mr. Trump is the first president to address the clear and present danger seriously since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. President Obama tried bribery. President Biden tried inaction. Mr. Trump has made the hard choices to keep America safe from a nuclear Iran.
We know what Mr. Trump will do with the support of a Republican Congress — and we know what a Democratic Congress would do, led by the Democratic Socialists of America. Never has the choice been more clear-cut.
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