SHORT TAKES ON THE DRIFTING WRECKAGE – AT 11:55 P.M. ET: 

GOOD FOR MELANIA – FROM FOX:  As Melania Trump settles into her new role as first lady, a Fox News Poll shows a jump in her popularity.   Fifty-one percent of voters view Melania Trump favorably.  That’s up 14 points since December and up 16 points from the first time the Fox News Poll asked about her last summer.  At that time, 35 percent viewed the wife of the controversial candidate favorably and 40 percent unfavorably (August 2016).  Twenty-four percent couldn’t rate her.  Today, 28 percent view her negatively, while one in five are unable to rate her (20 percent).   She's doing a fine job.  She carries herself with dignity, and her foreign accent underlines our immigrant experience.  I hope the mainstream media gives her the credit that is due.

POLL SUPPORTS TRUMP ON IMMIGRATION – FROM THE POLITICO:   A clear majority of voters support President Donald Trump’s travel ban on visitors from six predominantly Muslim countries, according to a new POLITICO/Morning Consult poll.  Polling on the travel restrictions has varied wildly since the Trump administration unveiled the first executive order on travel in late January. But after months of litigation and controversy, 6-in-10 voters back the ban — and the survey suggests the actual policy may be more popular when separated from the president.   I would not be surprised if Trump himself starts rising in the polls.  That would especially be true if got a tax-cut through Congress.

SEARS IS FADING – FROM REUTERS:   Sears Holdings Corp (SHLD.O) is closing eight of its namesake department stores and 35 Kmart locations to cut costs and square footage in an effort to return to profitability, Chief Executive Officer Eddie Lampert said on Friday.  The store closings are in addition to 150 the company announced in January. Once the largest U.S. retailer, Sears has struggled with years of losses and declining sales as shoppers have shifted from the mall to the web. The company said in February it would cut costs this year by at least $1 billion.  What a sad story.  Sears is one of those iconic names, and I don't think it's fading simply because of online buying. 

July 7,  2017