From Vixen Strangely at Strangely Blogged:
The thing that House Republicans have yet to observe is that, while much power has been invested in President Trump, and even though he enforces that power on Twitter and in his extraordinary public rallies through what might be termed the “bullying pulpit”, there is an extent to which he has no influence–his word does not, actually, change facts. In this way, he is like an unwitting King Canute, demonstrating to his courtiers that he does not, in fact, have power over the tides. The GOP House members have not actually altogether realized this yet, anymore than they have discovered that the emperor is not clothed. One of the things thus far demonstrated is that Trump’s “tide” hasn’t risen the boats of Bevin (an incumbent governor in Kentucky) nor Rispone (a challenger for governor in Louisiana). His efforts have not elevated Republicans–he is only, at best, able to promote himself.
He appears to be a reflection of a kind of personality cult, but not a political movement. His coattails are those of a bolero jacket.