Trump Urges GOP Voters to Use Mail Ballots After Prior Anti-Mail Rhetoric Backfires

Donald Trump released multiple messages urging Republican voters to submit their ballots by mail early, a notable reversal after he repeatedly denounced mail voting as fraudulent to promote his SAVE Act. This change appears driven by weakening GOP early-vote numbers, which analysts attribute in part to his earlier anti-mail rhetoric. Michael McDonald, who monitors early voting trends at the UF Election Lab, explained that Democrats and independents are showing far greater early-vote enthusiasm than Republicans.

He warned that Trump's new plea may reflect broader difficulties for the party in mobilizing its base. Meanwhile, a new poll places Democrats 11 points ahead and records Trump at a new personal low, suggesting the GOP faces a steep uphill battle. The episode discussing these developments is available as a podcast segment.