For many Americans, Tuesday's congressional midterm elections are a referendum on Republican President Donald Trump’s <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-us-channels-drop-trump-campaign-ad-deemed-to-be-racist-175725">divisive persona, hard-line policies and pugnacious politics</a>.

But on the eve of the election, in a packed airport hangar in Cleveland and at other Trump rallies across the nation, the stakes are different: a vote to protect a leader they see as under siege, whose inflammatory rhetoric is a necessary price for a norm-shattering era of change.

"You think we're letting that caravan come into this country?" Trump asked the crowd on Monday, referring to a group of Central American migrants moving through Mexico toward the US&nbsp;border.

"No!" his supporters shouted.

At rallies overflowing with red-hatted, mostly white supporters in conservative pockets of the country, those backing Trump say they hope to make his ideas the dominant force in American political life for decades to come.

They face strong headwinds. Nationally, about 52 per cent of Americans disapprove of Trump's performance. More people say they would vote for a Democratic candidate than a Republican in Tuesday's congressional elections, Reuters/Ipsos polling shows.

But pro-Trump Republicans are eager to defy expectations, just as the president did with his 2016 victory.

In Grand Rapids, Michigan, pro-Trump activist Ben Hirschmann, 23, sees Tuesday's elections as decisive for Trump’s vision of America.

“Trump’s not on the ballot, but he is on the ballot," he said at a phone-bank event to get out the vote at the local Republican headquarters. "Everything we voted for in 2016 is on the line in 2018.”

'NOW WE'RE LIVING GOOD'

Trump embarked on a three-state tour in the Midwest on Monday, holding rallies in Ohio, Indiana and Missouri.

He has a clear strategy: drive Republican turnout by painting a dark, apocalyptic vision of life in America under Democrats, while fanning fears over illegal immigration. He casts his rivals as an angry, liberal and dangerous "mob" and plays up gains in the economy.

"Democrats produce mobs. Republicans produce jobs," Trump said in Cleveland, repeating a familiar line from his rallies.

But as the frequency of his speeches and rallies increases, so too have his distortions and falsehoods, according to the Washington Post's "Fact Checker" database. In the seven weeks before Tuesday's elections, Trump averaged 30 false or misleading claims a day, up from an average of five a day during his first nine months in office.

Trump frequently denies that he misleads the public and instead blames the media for what he describes as distortions of his words.

It is unclear whether Trump's campaign strategy will work.

Republicans are expected to keep control of the Senate. But Democrats are widely favoured to win the 23 seats they need to assume control of the House of Representatives. The Republican Party is defending dozens of seats in largely suburban districts where Trump’s popularity has languished and Democrats have performed well in presidential races.

Trump's rallies have focussed mostly on Senate and gubernatorial battles in states he won in the 2016 White House race – from Florida and Missouri to West Virginia and Ohio. A Trump adviser, who asked not to be identified, told Reuters: “These are places where data and polling information tells us that the president is of best use.”

At a rally in Johnson City, Tennessee, in early October, Jessica Lotz, 33, and her fiance, Chad Lavery, 49, said Trump’s immigration policies resonated with them. During the 2008 economic downturn, Lotz and Lavery said they saw construction, landscaping and house-painting jobs go to illegal immigrants while they struggled financially.

As the economy rebounded, so, too, did their fortunes.

“Now we're living good,” Lavery said, crediting their ability to find work and better wages to Trump, who inherited an economy that was already in one of its longest recoveries and gave it an additional boost with tax cuts.

'FRUSTRATED'

After a Trump rally in September in Springfield, Missouri, pro-Trump activist Brenda Webb, 64, sat for a late dinner at a restaurant with five friends who had driven to the rally from the St. Louis suburbs.

Webb and her friends had joined protests against Democratic then-President Barack Obama in St. Louis in 2009 that were part of a broader conservative“Tea Party” movement centred on calls for smaller government, lower taxes and fewer regulations.

But the energy fizzled, she said. The group became animated talking about how Trump had given new focus to those early Tea Party goals of reclaiming government for ordinary citizens, not just the "elites" in Washington.

“We feel like he's working to resolve all the problems that we are so frustrated by,” Webb said.

At the Springfield rally, Brian Whorton, who drove a few hours to see the president, said he voted for Obama in 2008 and 2012 before becoming a Republican. "I was not politically aware and awake. I thought, 'Oh he's cool and he's a good speaker and an African-American guy,'" said Whorton, who is white.

Trump’s policies, he said, were making a difference for him: He said his manager at an aluminium electrical wire factory had credited Trump tariffs with raising their profits.

"He is putting people back to work," said retired postal worker Barbara Peacock, 58, as she leafed through Trump 2020 re-election merchandise at his rally in Macon, Georgia, on Sunday. "He is telling it like it is."

In Ohio, Republican National Committee spokeswoman Mandi Merritt referred to pro-Trump enthusiasts as a “grassroots army” that could be harnessed and dispatched to boost Republican voter turnout.

On a sunny day in October, Trump supporter Kimmy Kolkovich, 46, joined a friend on the sidewalk at a busy intersection near the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus to urge people to register and vote.

“Even if I’m registering people who are going to vote for the other party, they’re seeing us out here in our hats, and that’s what’s important, all the little interactions and conversations we’re having,” Kolkovich said.

For many Americans, Tuesday's congressional midterm elections are a referendum on Republican President Donald Trump’s divisive persona, hard-line policies and pugnacious politics.

For many Americans, Tuesday's congressional midterm elections are a referendum on Republican President Donald Trump’s divisive persona, hard-line policies and pugnacious politics. But on the eve of the election, in a packed airport hangar in Cleveland and at other Trump rallies across the nation, the stakes are different: a vote to protect a leader they see as under siege, whose inflammatory rhetoric is a necessary price for a norm-shattering era of change. "You think we're letting that caravan come into this country?" Trump asked the crowd on Monday, referring to a group of Central American migrants moving through Mexico toward the US border. "No!" his supporters shouted. At rallies overflowing with red-hatted, mostly white supporters in conservative pockets of the country, those backing Trump say they hope to make his ideas the dominant force in American political life for decades to come. They face strong headwinds. Nationally, about 52 per cent of Americans disapprove of Trump's performance. More people say they would vote for a Democratic candidate than a Republican in Tuesday's congressional elections, Reuters/Ipsos polling shows. But pro-Trump Republicans are eager to defy expectations, just as the president did with his 2016 victory. In Grand Rapids, Michigan, pro-Trump activist Ben Hirschmann, 23, sees Tuesday's elections as decisive for Trump’s vision of America. “Trump’s not on the ballot, but he is on the ballot," he said at a phone-bank event to get out the vote at the local Republican headquarters. "Everything we voted for in 2016 is on the line in 2018.” 'NOW WE'RE LIVING GOOD' Trump embarked on a three-state tour in the Midwest on Monday, holding rallies in Ohio, Indiana and Missouri. He has a clear strategy: drive Republican turnout by painting a dark, apocalyptic vision of life in America under Democrats, while fanning fears over illegal immigration. He casts his rivals as an angry, liberal and dangerous "mob" and plays up gains in the economy. "Democrats produce mobs. Republicans produce jobs," Trump said in Cleveland, repeating a familiar line from his rallies. But as the frequency of his speeches and rallies increases, so too have his distortions and falsehoods, according to the Washington Post's "Fact Checker" database. In the seven weeks before Tuesday's elections, Trump averaged 30 false or misleading claims a day, up from an average of five a day during his first nine months in office. Trump frequently denies that he misleads the public and instead blames the media for what he describes as distortions of his words. It is unclear whether Trump's campaign strategy will work. Republicans are expected to keep control of the Senate. But Democrats are widely favoured to win the 23 seats they need to assume control of the House of Representatives. The Republican Party is defending dozens of seats in largely suburban districts where Trump’s popularity has languished and Democrats have performed well in presidential races. Trump's rallies have focussed mostly on Senate and gubernatorial battles in states he won in the 2016 White House race – from Florida and Missouri to West Virginia and Ohio. A Trump adviser, who asked not to be identified, told Reuters: “These are places where data and polling information tells us that the president is of best use.” At a rally in Johnson City, Tennessee, in early October, Jessica Lotz, 33, and her fiance, Chad Lavery, 49, said Trump’s immigration policies resonated with them. During the 2008 economic downturn, Lotz and Lavery said they saw construction, landscaping and house-painting jobs go to illegal immigrants while they struggled financially. As the economy rebounded, so, too, did their fortunes. “Now we're living good,” Lavery said, crediting their ability to find work and better wages to Trump, who inherited an economy that was already in one of its longest recoveries and gave it an additional boost with tax cuts. 'FRUSTRATED' After a Trump rally in September in Springfield, Missouri, pro-Trump activist Brenda Webb, 64, sat for a late dinner at a restaurant with five friends who had driven to the rally from the St. Louis suburbs. Webb and her friends had joined protests against Democratic then-President Barack Obama in St. Louis in 2009 that were part of a broader conservative“Tea Party” movement centred on calls for smaller government, lower taxes and fewer regulations. But the energy fizzled, she said. The group became animated talking about how Trump had given new focus to those early Tea Party goals of reclaiming government for ordinary citizens, not just the "elites" in Washington. “We feel like he's working to resolve all the problems that we are so frustrated by,” Webb said. At the Springfield rally, Brian Whorton, who drove a few hours to see the president, said he voted for Obama in 2008 and 2012 before becoming a Republican. "I was not politically aware and awake. I thought, 'Oh he's cool and he's a good speaker and an African-American guy,'" said Whorton, who is white. Trump’s policies, he said, were making a difference for him: He said his manager at an aluminium electrical wire factory had credited Trump tariffs with raising their profits. "He is putting people back to work," said retired postal worker Barbara Peacock, 58, as she leafed through Trump 2020 re-election merchandise at his rally in Macon, Georgia, on Sunday. "He is telling it like it is." In Ohio, Republican National Committee spokeswoman Mandi Merritt referred to pro-Trump enthusiasts as a “grassroots army” that could be harnessed and dispatched to boost Republican voter turnout. On a sunny day in October, Trump supporter Kimmy Kolkovich, 46, joined a friend on the sidewalk at a busy intersection near the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus to urge people to register and vote. “Even if I’m registering people who are going to vote for the other party, they’re seeing us out here in our hats, and that’s what’s important, all the little interactions and conversations we’re having,” Kolkovich said.

US midterms: For Trump supporters, elections a battle to protect leader under siege

Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said on Tuesday that accusations of Russian interference in US midterm elections were "empty statements," as voters cast their ballots in the most crucial election.

US law enforcement and intelligence agencies cautioned voters on the eve of US midterm that Americans should be wary of Russian attempts to spread fake news.

The announcement came days after a new study found that misinformation on social media was spreading at a greater rate than during the run-up to the 2016 presidential vote, which Russia is accused of manipulating through a vast propaganda campaign in favour of Donald Trump, the eventual winner.

"Americans should be aware that foreign actors -- and Russia in particular -- continue to try to influence public sentiment and voter perceptions through actions intended to sow discord," a joint statement by Department of Homeland Seucrity Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen, Attorney General Jeff Session, Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats and FBI director Christopher Wray said.&nbsp;

"They can do this by spreading false information about political processes and candidates, lying about their own interference activities, disseminating propaganda on social media, and through other tactics. The American public can mitigate these efforts by remaining informed, reporting suspicious activity and being vigilant consumers of information," the statement added.

Americans started voting Tuesday in critical midterm elections that mark the first major voter test of Donald Trump's presidency, with control of Congress at stake.

As polling stations opened at 6:00 am (1100 GMT) on the East Coast, Republicans were keenly aware that losing their majority will hamstring his divisive, nativist political agenda over the next two years.

At stake are all 435 seats in the House of Representatives, 35 seats in the 100-member Senate, 36 governor's posts and seats in state legislatures across the country.

(With inputs from news agencies)

Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said on Tuesday that accusations of Russian interference in US midterm elections were "empty statements," as voters cast their ballots in the most crucial election.

Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said on Tuesday that accusations of Russian interference in US midterm elections were "empty statements," as voters cast their ballots in the most crucial election. US law enforcement and intelligence agencies cautioned voters on the eve of US midterm that Americans should be wary of Russian attempts to spread fake news. The announcement came days after a new study found that misinformation on social media was spreading at a greater rate than during the run-up to the 2016 presidential vote, which Russia is accused of manipulating through a vast propaganda campaign in favour of Donald Trump, the eventual winner. "Americans should be aware that foreign actors -- and Russia in particular -- continue to try to influence public sentiment and voter perceptions through actions intended to sow discord," a joint statement by Department of Homeland Seucrity Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen, Attorney General Jeff Session, Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats and FBI director Christopher Wray said. "They can do this by spreading false information about political processes and candidates, lying about their own interference activities, disseminating propaganda on social media, and through other tactics. The American public can mitigate these efforts by remaining informed, reporting suspicious activity and being vigilant consumers of information," the statement added. Americans started voting Tuesday in critical midterm elections that mark the first major voter test of Donald Trump's presidency, with control of Congress at stake. As polling stations opened at 6:00 am (1100 GMT) on the East Coast, Republicans were keenly aware that losing their majority will hamstring his divisive, nativist political agenda over the next two years. At stake are all 435 seats in the House of Representatives, 35 seats in the 100-member Senate, 36 governor's posts and seats in state legislatures across the country. (With inputs from news agencies)

Russia says accusations of US vote interference are 'empty statements'

People stand in line waiting to cast their ballots in Houston

Despite President Donald Trump's overwhelming presence, the US midterm election -- driven by unprecedented Democratic enthusiasm, record numbers of women candidates and intense debate over presidential style and policies -- has seen charismatic personalities emerge.

Among the 470 US House of Representatives and Senate races and dozens of governors' campaigns being decided Tuesday, here are 10 candidates to watch:

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, hope of liberal left

Arriving in 2018 like a thunderclap on the US political scene, and sporting a captivating introductory campaign ad, this 29-year-old Hispanic-American could become the youngest lawmaker in Congress.

With a decidedly leftwing platform -- Medicare for all, tuition-free public college, and support for impeaching Trump -- the former waitress and educator who worked for Bernie Sanders's 2016 presidential campaign is likely to win her House race.

Her working-class New York district straddles neighbourhoods in Queens and the Bronx, where she was born and raised in a modest family.

Beto O'Rourke, ex-punk and Democrat stalwart

Sleeves rolled up, sweaty and delivering passionate campaign rhetoric: Beto O'Rourke rocketed onto the national political stage in August with his robust defense of the rights of black American football players to kneel during the national anthem to protest police brutality.&nbsp;

A "Beto" narrative quickly grew around this 46-year-old former punk musician, a Democratic congressman since 2013 who is trying to dethrone Senator Ted Cruz in deeply Republican Texas.&nbsp;

His current challenge is enormous, but Beto is already being discussed by some as a potential presidential candidate in 2020 or beyond.

Stacey Abrams &amp; Andrew Gillum, black trailblazers

Whether they win or not, Andrew Gillum and Stacey Abrams will enter the history books. Gillum, 39, is the first African-American nominee for governor in Florida, while Abrams, 44, is the first black female nominee for governor anywhere in the United States.

She is running in Georgia, a southern state still deeply marked by racial segregation. The latest polls have her trailing Republican Brian Kemp by a single point.

Gillum, mayor of Florida's capital city Tallahassee, has taken a small lead over his pro-Trump opponent Ron DeSantis, and is facing fiery criticism from the president.

Martha McSally &amp; Kyrsten Sinema, pioneer women

The first woman in the US military ever to pilot a jet fighter in combat, Martha McSally, 52, has proudly "taken the fight to the enemy, and the establishment," a campaign ad states.

With a determined bearing, this Trump-supported Republican congresswoman is aiming to become the first woman ever to represent Arizona in the US Senate.

Battling to claim that historic title is another woman 10 years her junior, Democratic congresswoman Kyrsten Sinema. The first openly bisexual Senate candidate lived during her teen years without running water or electricity in an abandoned gas station.

Ron DeSantis &amp; Pete Stauber, avowed Trumpists

Under Trump's ever-present shadow, Republican candidates have found a smaller spotlight. But many have shared the stage with the president in front of thousands of supporters at raucous campaign rallies, including Florida's Republican candidate for governor Ron DeSantis.

In a humorous viral campaign ad, DeSantis, 40, encourages his infant son, clad in a pro-Trump onesie, to repeat "Make America Great Again."&nbsp;

With less braggadocio, Pete Stauber of Minnesota could become one of the few Republicans to snatch a House seat from Democrats this year. Affable and poised, this 52-year-old policeman and popular former hockey player highlights the nation's economic successes under Trump. &nbsp;

Ilhan Omar, from refugee to lawmaker

Ilhan Omar seems to have lived several lives. At age eight she and her family fled Somalia's civil war. As a refugee in America, a teenage Omar arrived in the big city of Minneapolis, Minnesota, where she has risen to become a Democratic member of the state assembly.

On Tuesday she is likely to win a seat in the US House where, at age 36, she will become one of the first two Muslim women elected to the lower chamber in Washington. The other is Rashida Tlaib, a 42-year-old Palestinian-American who is running unopposed in a Democratic stronghold in Michigan.

Christine Hallquist, transgender candidate

When she speaks to voters in her state of Vermont, Christine Hallquist's sexual identity is rarely an issue, the Democratic candidate for governor told AFP.&nbsp;

But she could nevertheless make history. If she beats incumbent Phil Scott, a relatively popular Republican who has distanced himself from Trump, Hallquist will become the first transgender governor of a US state.

Despite President Donald Trump's overwhelming presence, the US midterm election -- driven by unprecedented Democratic enthusiasm, record numbers of women candidates and intense debate over presidential style and policies -- has seen charismatic personalities emerge.

Despite President Donald Trump's overwhelming presence, the US midterm election -- driven by unprecedented Democratic enthusiasm, record numbers of women candidates and intense debate over presidential style and policies -- has seen charismatic personalities emerge. Among the 470 US House of Representatives and Senate races and dozens of governors' campaigns being decided Tuesday, here are 10 candidates to watch: Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, hope of liberal left Arriving in 2018 like a thunderclap on the US political scene, and sporting a captivating introductory campaign ad, this 29-year-old Hispanic-American could become the youngest lawmaker in Congress. With a decidedly leftwing platform -- Medicare for all, tuition-free public college, and support for impeaching Trump -- the former waitress and educator who worked for Bernie Sanders's 2016 presidential campaign is likely to win her House race. Her working-class New York district straddles neighbourhoods in Queens and the Bronx, where she was born and raised in a modest family. Beto O'Rourke, ex-punk and Democrat stalwart Sleeves rolled up, sweaty and delivering passionate campaign rhetoric: Beto O'Rourke rocketed onto the national political stage in August with his robust defense of the rights of black American football players to kneel during the national anthem to protest police brutality. A "Beto" narrative quickly grew around this 46-year-old former punk musician, a Democratic congressman since 2013 who is trying to dethrone Senator Ted Cruz in deeply Republican Texas. His current challenge is enormous, but Beto is already being discussed by some as a potential presidential candidate in 2020 or beyond. Stacey Abrams & Andrew Gillum, black trailblazers Whether they win or not, Andrew Gillum and Stacey Abrams will enter the history books. Gillum, 39, is the first African-American nominee for governor in Florida, while Abrams, 44, is the first black female nominee for governor anywhere in the United States. She is running in Georgia, a southern state still deeply marked by racial segregation. The latest polls have her trailing Republican Brian Kemp by a single point. Gillum, mayor of Florida's capital city Tallahassee, has taken a small lead over his pro-Trump opponent Ron DeSantis, and is facing fiery criticism from the president. Martha McSally & Kyrsten Sinema, pioneer women The first woman in the US military ever to pilot a jet fighter in combat, Martha McSally, 52, has proudly "taken the fight to the enemy, and the establishment," a campaign ad states. With a determined bearing, this Trump-supported Republican congresswoman is aiming to become the first woman ever to represent Arizona in the US Senate. Battling to claim that historic title is another woman 10 years her junior, Democratic congresswoman Kyrsten Sinema. The first openly bisexual Senate candidate lived during her teen years without running water or electricity in an abandoned gas station. Ron DeSantis & Pete Stauber, avowed Trumpists Under Trump's ever-present shadow, Republican candidates have found a smaller spotlight. But many have shared the stage with the president in front of thousands of supporters at raucous campaign rallies, including Florida's Republican candidate for governor Ron DeSantis. In a humorous viral campaign ad, DeSantis, 40, encourages his infant son, clad in a pro-Trump onesie, to repeat "Make America Great Again." With less braggadocio, Pete Stauber of Minnesota could become one of the few Republicans to snatch a House seat from Democrats this year. Affable and poised, this 52-year-old policeman and popular former hockey player highlights the nation's economic successes under Trump. Ilhan Omar, from refugee to lawmaker Ilhan Omar seems to have lived several lives. At age eight she and her family fled Somalia's civil war. As a refugee in America, a teenage Omar arrived in the big city of Minneapolis, Minnesota, where she has risen to become a Democratic member of the state assembly. On Tuesday she is likely to win a seat in the US House where, at age 36, she will become one of the first two Muslim women elected to the lower chamber in Washington. The other is Rashida Tlaib, a 42-year-old Palestinian-American who is running unopposed in a Democratic stronghold in Michigan. Christine Hallquist, transgender candidate When she speaks to voters in her state of Vermont, Christine Hallquist's sexual identity is rarely an issue, the Democratic candidate for governor told AFP. But she could nevertheless make history. If she beats incumbent Phil Scott, a relatively popular Republican who has distanced himself from Trump, Hallquist will become the first transgender governor of a US state.

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