President Donald Trump urged voters to “pretend I’m on the ballot” for the midterms ― a plea that could backfire given his drop in popularity.

In a preview of an interview with Fox News’ Trey Gowdy that was shown by Sean Hannity on Wednesday, Trump appeared to cast himself as the savior of a shaky election cycle for the Republicans.

“There’s a theory that ... when Trump’s on the ballot, they win,” the president said in the “Sunday Night in America” peek. “When he’s not on the ballot, the people don’t go to vote. And I’m asking the people — through your brilliant show, No. 1 show — I’m asking the people to get out and vote. Pretend I’m on the ballot.”

Trump on midterms: Pretend I’m on the ballot. pic.twitter.com/vLg9Pqx10S

That might not be such a good idea for him. His extended war against Iran, tariff fight with Canada and dismissal of high prices are sinking his approval ratings. He has also said he didn’t care about the midterms and wasn’t thinking about Americans’ financial situations.

Democrats, led in part by an infusion of progressive candidates, are hoping to regain power in the House and perhaps the Senate.

“If they go out and vote, we’re gonna win,” Trump continued in the preview clip. “And if we don’t, our country is gonna be in sad shape because we’re gonna go through a lot of things.”

Trump tried out a version of his “pretend” plea at a rally in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, recently and warned his conservative audience: “I’m going to be impeached. They’re going to impeach me.”

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