Bob Schwartz

There are two benefits of the polls showing increased dislike of Trump and his policies.

It is a benefit to news media, who always need something tantalizing to talk about.

It is a benefit to those who oppose Trump, inspiring and encouraging that opposition, with hope that Republicans who have to run in two years will see the signs.

But in practical terms, even as polls seem to indicate dissatisfaction, these polls mean little.

Tyranny is a power game, not a game of numbers, but of power strategically grabbed, held and exercised.

History says that authoritarians don’t need widespread support to succeed, or even majority support. Modern history’s most glaring example is Nazi Germany. In the last democratic election, before democracy was ended, the Nazi party won only 23% of the vote for the legislature. In one of the most fateful mistakes ever, “clever” leaders thought that by bringing Hitler into government, he could be controlled and his potential power diluted and diminished. That is not what happened.

Be inspired and encouraged by the polls. But know that even if two-thirds of America rejects the policies, many or most of those policies will still be pursued. This is a juggernaut on a mission, an opportunity to literally remake America. Polls will not stop that.