Republican Defeat: Relief In Washington

I do not agree with those commentators who assert that the defeat of Roy Moore is a setback for Trump. Had that man been elected it would have been a disaster for the Republican party and the Presidency. At the same time had Trump not endorsed Moore, activists in Alabama would have blamed their defeat on the President. As it is the blow is down to them and their ridiculous candidate and that is the end of it.

However the loss of the Senate seat itself may prove a bigger setback than at first it appears.  Coming on top of the losses in New Jersey and Virginia and the poll ratings which consistently show most Americans against Trump, even if his base remains steady, the perception can grow that Trump is a loser. That would be difficult for Trump to handle. He does not do losing. And it will embolden the Democrats in the 2018 races for the House and Senate, both of which are within their reach on a high turnout in urban and suburban America. Much depends on the tax reforms producing more good jobs. If that fails Trump is done for.