GOP Base 'Not Nearly as Engaged' as Dems Into Midterms, Warns Luntz

As Donald Trump took an aggressive stance on the global stage at the UN on Tuesday, several Senate Republicans were breaking from the president back in Washington.  The GOP backlash, which has been simmering below the surface throughout Trump’s second term as lawmakers privately grumbled he hasn’t focused enough on affordability issues, burst into public view as a rapid succession of Republicans challenged Trump on everything from the Iran war to the president’s “lavish” summit this week.  Republicans have long been loath to openly criticize the president, who has wielded an uncommonly strong hold over his party and retains long memories about who has crossed him. Back in May, eight Indiana state lawmakers who defied Trump on a redistricting plan faced their primary voters, and only two won.  GOP pollster and strategist Frank Luntz said Republicans should be frightened that their base "is not nearly as engaged as Democrats. (Source: Bloomberg)