Trump skips Iowa, Kansas rallies

President Donald Trump has cancelled his final in-person campaign stops in Iowa and Kansas, substituting them with virtual appearances days before the November 3 midterm election.

The Republican National Committee confirmed the changes on Thursday. Chairman Joe Gruters stated that the new format would allow the President to reach more voters than traditional stops. He called the upcoming three-day period a massive boost for the closing phase of the campaign.

These tele-rallies will broadcast to approximately 20 states. The list includes competitive Senate races in Michigan, Alaska, Texas, and Iowa. The RNC indicated that additional events could be announced in the coming days.

Trump will still hold one physical rally. He is scheduled to appear in Daytona Beach, Florida, on Friday. That location is roughly 320 kilometers from his Mar-a-Lago residence.

The composition of Congress is up for grabs on Tuesday. The House of Representatives will see all 435 seats contested. In the Senate, about one-third of the 100 seats are on the ballot. Republicans currently hold 53 Senate seats and 218 House seats. These narrow majorities determine the legislative agenda for the final two years of Trump's second term.

Trump has expressed concern that Democrats might seek a third impeachment if they capture both chambers. Forecasting models suggest a likely shift in power. Harvard University's ElectIt model gives Democrats a 94 percent probability of taking control of the House.

The Senate race presents a tougher challenge for Democrats due to the smaller number of open seats. Trump has positioned himself at the center of the Republican defense strategy. He has urged supporters to vote as if he were personally on the ballot.

The decision to skip Kansas comes amid a tight Senate race in that state. Republican Senator Roger Marshall is facing Democrat Adam Hamilton. Hamilton is the pastor of a megachurch. Kansas has not elected a Democrat to the Senate since 1932.

A CNN poll released Thursday shows Hamilton leading. Hamilton has 49 percent support, while Marshall has 45 percent. The four-point margin indicates a competitive race in a traditionally Republican state.

Trump addressed his health and travel schedule after a rally in South Carolina on Thursday. A Reuters reporter asked about his condition on the tarmac. Trump initially deflected the question by predicting a strong election night for Republicans.

When the reporter pressed on the Kansas cancellation, Trump reacted sharply. He stated that he did not feel compelled to travel to Salina, Kansas, for his planned Saturday appearance. He told the reporter that he felt perfect after following him for two weeks.