Senate races in North Carolina and Georgia appear lost for the GOP. Why is Trump leaving anyway.

President Donald Trump is heading toward states that leading Republicans are increasingly dismissing.

Asset is expected in Georgia on Friday and North Carolina on Tuesday, two states where major GOP outside groups have slowed or stopped spending to divert resources to key races in red states like Kansas and South Carolina.

The president, however, still considers these races winnable and that a Trump rally can do some things that money can’t buy. The president can increase turnout, generate a storm of local media coverage and show those who are loyal to him – the North Carolina Senate candidate Michael Whatleyfor example – that he did not forget them, despite the obstacles.

“The fact that he’s showing up and doing his rallies in these states is generating Republican enthusiasm from the MAGA base to get out and vote. And if that’s going to have an impact on particular races, whether it’s at the gubernatorial level or for particular seats in the House, that could be very helpful,” said Ron Bonjeana veteran Republican strategist who previously served as the top spokesperson for Republican leaders in the House and Senate. “Asset is extremely loyal to Whatley, and you can see him visiting her and trying to help her, simply based on their relationship… This is a Hail Mary pass that Trump’s launch in the name of Whatley.”