Midterms Update

Republicans’ Tax Message Fizzled, So They’re Turning to Culture War Ads

A Nike Ad featuring Colin Kaepernick on display in New York on Sept. 8, 2018.

Photographer: Angela Weiss/AFP via Getty Images

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President Donald Trump’s eagerness to engage in culture clashes -- most prominently his attacks on NFL players who kneel during the national anthem -- is getting echoed by Republican congressional candidates trying to counter complacency among GOP voters.

With the Republican tax cuts fading as an issue in the midterm elections, the party is looking for issues that will energize their base in the face of heightened enthusiasm and engagement among Democrats.