Trump’s Shrinking, Energized Base

Every shrewd politician keeps a watchful eye on his base, but the relationship between President Trump and his core supporters has become an object of near-fetishistic obsession. Even as his poll numbers continue to gradually settle toward the basement, Trump’s more outlandish actions are often interpreted as base maintenance, and it’s said that Trump’s base remains unshakably loyal to him.

A Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll released Thursday suggests this is half-right and half-wrong. Trump’s base does appear to be shrinking, but the people who are sticking with Trump are true diehards. CONT.

David A. Graham, The Atlantic