Why are extreme right-wing House candidates presenting themselves as moderate? (Rachael Bade)

According to most major surveys, Republican candidates for the US House of Representatives have a tough hill to climb in November in districts   without overwhelming support for the President. Attempting to put some daylight between them and Trump to appeal to independents, while not alienating the President’s core base of supporters is no small task.  But in an article published Oct. 2 entitled “The double lives of vulnerable House Republicans: A recording obtained by POLITICO highlights the conflicting advice GOP members in tough districts are getting,” Rachael Bade reveals that some members of the House’s right-wing Freedom Caucus, namely Virginia Congressman Dave Brat, appear to be attempting to have it both ways—painting themselves as moderate Republicans while praising extreme right views and personalities at private campaign rallies. On this week’s TrumpWatch, Rachel considers what this phenomenon means for the 2018 election.