Unlike other former presidents after leaving office, Donald J. Trump has remained in the middle of the political stage — raising more money than the Republican Party itself and doling out coveted endorsements.

Who has Mr. Trump backed in the midterms? And to what lengths have candidates gone to secure his favor?

Guest: Shane Goldmacher, a national political reporter for The New York Times.

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Background reading: 

• Inspiring fear, hoarding cash, doling out favors and seeking to crush rivals, Mr. Trump is behaving more like an old-time political boss than a typical former president.

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