Polling points to warning signs for GOP on Trump [View all]

[babylonsister]

https://thehill.com/homenews/the-memo/463935-the-memo-polling-points-to-warning-signs-for-gop-on-trump


The Memo: Polling points to warning signs for GOP on Trump
By Niall Stanage - 10/02/19 06:00 AM EDT

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Trump allies also say the president could have some success in pushing back against the impeachment efforts if the process becomes prolonged. Former special counsel Robert Mueller did see some signs of erosions of public confidence during his tenure, after he was attacked for months on end by Trump’s supporters.

Still, the nature of the current controversy makes it especially incendiary. The story is simple, unlike the Russia-related allegations investigated by Mueller. The whistleblower’s account has been borne out by the White House’s own memorandum of the Trump-Zelensky phone call. And the whole matter pertains to national security, where Republicans like to boast of their strength.

“The president must realize that the same partisanship that has kept him unaffected [by previous controversies] could turn against him in a second,” said Princeton history and public affairs professor Julian Zelizer. “It’s about party power. For Republicans, if it is no longer in their interest to support the president, they will cut ties with him.”

Zelizer did not suggest that such a moment was imminent. But he also highlighted the danger for Trump in new facts emerging — and cited an ominous historical parallel.

“The Watergate investigation was discovering facts that continued to shock, and continued to break political support” for former President Nixon, he said. “That is why it is even a question now, as to whether Trump can hold on to Republican voters.”