The Political Page, T+35 -- July 5, 2018 -- Trump's Second Season

This is really, really cool.

On March 13, 2018, I responded to the assertion by the "mainstream media," that the White House was in turmoil, in chaos, out of control. Not at all. This is what I wrote at that post:

No matter what side of the political aisle you are on, one has to admit this is the most fascinating administration we've seen in some time. I'm glad I lived long enough to see it.

One has to really get a kick out of Trump's White House. It was often suggested that Ronald Reagan thought he was playing a character on the big screen.

Trump? The White House is his sequel to "The Apprentice" and we've just seen the conclusion of the first season. Throughout the first season one question of many: would Tillerson remain for the second season? LOL.

The second season begins without Tillerson. Iran? Not happy. Russia? Not happy. My wife? Thrilled. Two out of three ain't bad.

The first season was quite a roller coaster of folks coming and going in the West Wing, and I'm not talking about visitors.

Also, note the graphic at that post:

Too cool!

So, we are into "Season 2 of the Trump presidency. Some called it the "Apprentice, Season 2." Now, the Drudge Report suggests it is "Survivor, Season 2."

We've already seen quite a changeover from Season 1 to Season 2, so the Drudge graphic is already a bit behind. But the "x" is on the EPA chief Scott Pruitt.

The alt-left will consider this a huge victory.

Maybe, maybe not. I don't know. We will see how this plays out.

But consider:

The heavy lifting over at the EPA has been accomplished, and it was accomplished by Scott Pruitt.

It's not unusual in the business world that once goals are met, the CEO is sacked/replaced. Sometimes it's deserved; sometimes it's not. But then the corporation brings in another CEO who wants to prove herself up to the task.

But consider:

Trump's popularity ain't bad. His polling consistently compares favorably (or better) than Bush II or Obama at the same point in their presidencies. But Trump's team is moving into the mid-terms. Time to get rid of those who are dragging down his numbers; time to get rid of the lightning rods that are attracting unneeded attention.

But consider:

Trump is now starting to put together the team he will need to go into the mid-terms. And what a huge stroke of luck to get a Supreme Court pick just before the election. Even if his first selection is a sacrificial lamb who does not confirmed, one can guarantee his first choice, whether she is confirmed or not, will solidify his base. In fact, one can see a scenario in which his polling markedly improves if his first choice is not confirmed.

It will be interesting to read the obits in conservative media on Scott Pruitt's short tenure as EPA chief.

Bottom line: a month from now, probably sooner, the press will forget all about Scott, and one less issue with which the Trump team has to deal.

The heavy lifting was done. Some, not many, of his policies may be overturned by his successor. That's fine. The tone over at the EPA has changed for the better.

My hunch: the president, his chief of staff, Pruitt's team and a bunch of other folks put together a list of pros and cons on the proverbial yellow legal tab and came up with the right answer.