Hitching on to Trump’s star

I don’t put much stock in political ads on TV, but I’ve noticed that many candidates running for office in the upcoming Republican primary are really embracing Trump. More like bear-hugging him.

If I didn’t know better, I’d think Trump was running for governor of Iowa and South Dakota. Randy Feenstra, our congressman who is running to replace Kim Reynolds, has said, “As Governor, I will stand with President Trump, defeat the left, and help President Trump usher in America’s next golden age.” One of his opponents, Adam Steen, says, “Like President Trump, I prefer to actually get things done.”

South Dakota’s gubernatorial candidates are singing the same song. Dusty Johnson features Trump prominently in his ads, and Johnson enjoys a wide lead over his three Republican opponents, including the incumbent governor.

The evidence indicates that Trump helps Republicans in primaries. But not so much in general elections. While Trump has good support among Republicans, he is tanking with Democrats and Independents. Trump’s national approval rating this week dropped to as low as  33%, so two-thirds of the nation is down on him.

We’re reminded why every time we drive by a gas station that shows in big red numbers that fuel costs are at an all-time high. Gas in Storm Lake this week hit $4.50 per gallon, the highest I can ever recall. Every time a driver sees that they think “Trump.” Or when you salivate for a ribeye steak in the meat counter until you see the price is nearly $30 a pound. Didn’t he promise to fix everything on Day 1, when he took office Jan. 20, 2025? It’s now Day 486.

That’s going to stick with voters come November.

Trump has so much baggage both personally and politically that if I were running I wouldn’t mention Trump’s name.

The only office I’ve been elected to was St. Mary’s school board about 20 years ago, so I don’t know if these candidates want or need advice from me. But if I were running for statewide office in Iowa — or just about any other state — I’d be leery about hitching my wagon to Trump’s fizzling star.