SHORT TAKES ON THE DRIFTING WRECKAGE – OVERNIGHT:

MIGHTY TRUMP – FROM FOX:    While Trump’s numbers among GOP voters have taken a hit, they still remain very healthy.  Trump’s approval rating among Republicans stands at a sky-high 87% in the NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll, down just two points from October. CNN puts the outgoing president’s approval rating at 80%, down 14 points from three months ago.  Trump’s approval rating among Republicans in the ABC News/Washington Post survey remains a robust 79%, a drop of 9 points from October. And the president’s approval rating in the Pew Research poll stands at 60%, down from 77% in August of last year.  Frank Luntz noted that "Republicans have always been the 'law and order' party. Their opinions of Trump have taken a hit because of continued focus on the events of January 6th and their embarrassment about the violence and destruction. "  Trump remains popular on the right because his policies remain popular.  However, it remains an open question as to whether he can retain that popularity and attract sufficient support to lead a new movement, or even run again.  There would have to be a genuine "wanting" of Trump, but newer, fresher faces, with none of Trump's considerable baggage, will be coming along.

January 18, 2021