At a rally in Clarksville, Tennessee on Saturday, former U.S. President [Donald Trump](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donald_Trump) told his audience that they would still cheer him even if he uttered “the stupidest things,” while urging Republican voters to stay motivated ahead of the November 3 midterm elections.
**What was the context of Trump’s remarks?**
Trump made the comment while supporting Republican Senator [Bill Hagerty](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Hagerty) and gubernatorial candidate [Marsha Blackburn](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marsha_Blackburn) at the event, positioning himself as a rallying figure for the party’s ticket.
**How did Trump describe his popularity?**
He boasted that his standing within the [Republican Party](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Republican_Party_(United_States)) remained strong, declaring, “I’m very popular. I really am.”
**What did he say about applause?**
The former president highlighted the enthusiastic reception he receives, noting, “There’s such love in these rooms. I could say the stupidest things, and you’d clap.”
**Did he qualify his statement?**
Trump quickly added that the party does not actually utter “the stupidest things,” insisting they “say things of common sense.”
**What do recent polls reveal about Republican voter enthusiasm?**
A poll released on Thursday indicated that 26 % of voters who backed Trump in the 2024 presidential race think Republican candidates should distance themselves from him to improve their chances in November.
**How has Trump’s approval among his 2024 supporters changed?**
The same survey showed his approval rating among those voters fell to 67 % – down from 75 % in July, 83 % at the start of 2026, and a peak of 95 % early in his second term.
**What is Trump’s view on his influence for the November vote?**
He maintained that his popularity would translate into victories for GOP candidates, asserting, “You’ll win because I am popular. We’re common sense. We want borders. We want low taxes.”
**How did he respond to media concerns?**
Trump dismissed commentary suggesting his unpopularity could hurt the party, arguing his presence remains a political advantage.
**What call to action did he give to his base?**
He urged supporters to turn out on Election Day, emphasizing that Republican success hinges on sustained voter enthusiasm.
**Why did he question campaigning in Tennessee?**
Trump wondered why he needed to campaign in a state he has repeatedly won, but said he wanted to thank “the great people that elected you three separate times.”
**What is at stake in the November 3 midterms?**
The elections will decide control of the [United States Congress](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Congress), with current polling giving Democrats a narrow edge for a House majority.
**How could the outcome affect Trump’s agenda?**
The composition of Congress will shape the level of legislative support for the remaining items on Trump’s agenda during the second half of his presidency.