MORE PROGRESS  AT 11:35 A.M. ET:  Most of the economic signs are very good.  From The Wall Street Journal: 

U.S. consumers’ confidence hit a fresh 14-year high this month, as lower-income households reported feeling more optimistic about the economy.

The University of Michigan on Friday said the preliminary result of its consumer-sentiment index was 102.0 in March, up from 99.7 in February. That was the highest level since January 2004, and well above the 99.0 economists surveyed by The Wall Street Journal had expected.

The reading “continues what has been a strong run across a range of consumer sentiment measures,” JPMorgan Chase economist Daniel Silver said in a note to clients, adding “this strength in sentiment is one of the reasons we think consumer spending will pick up soon following a soft start to the year.”

The index rose 5.3% in March from a year earlier. A final reading for the month will be released March 29.

The latest survey showed optimism improved markedly for households in the bottom third of income distribution.

And...from the Daily Caller: 

The number of food stamp dependent Americans hit a six-year low in President Donald Trump’s first year in office, reflecting an improving economy and falling unemployment, according to a U.S. Agriculture Department (USDA) report.

An average of 42.2 million Americans participated in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) program in 2017, which is an 11 percent decrease from 2013, when a record number of people used food stamps, according to USDA.

“Federal spending for SNAP totaled $68.0 billion or 4 percent less than in the previous fiscal year,” USDA reported. “This was also 15 percent less than the historical high of $79.9 billion set in FY 2013.”

It’s the fourth year in a row SNAP participation fell. Previously, the number of people on food stamps grew for 12 years. About 13 percent of Americans used food stamps in 2017. That’s well above pre-recession levels.

COMMENT:   All good.  But the Democrats are arguing that it's all a mirage, and you may be certain that the mainstream media will eagerly focus on those who may not be benefiting.  They will not permit the president to take any credit.

Booming economy.  A new vibrance and toughness in foreign policy.  Increased optimism.  You'd think these things would combine to produce a Republican victory in November.  I'm not so sure.

March 16,  2018