So, no emergency, yet

On Trump's big applause line, the sound of silence was stunning

President Donald Trump told Congress on Tuesday that the economy would crash and no policy work could be done if lawmakers investigate his administration or stand in the way of his plans to withdraw U.S. troops from Afghanistan and Syria.

The lines, delivered early in his State of the Union address, were so clearly designed to draw cheers from his Republican allies that they even included a rhyme scheme.

"An economic miracle is taking place in the United States — and the only thing that can stop it are foolish wars, politics, or ridiculous partisan investigations," he said, eliciting an ovation from the GOP.

But then, as he asserted himself further on matters of war and the separation of powers, Trump went a bit too far.

"If there is going to be peace and legislation, there cannot be war and investigation," he said. "It just doesn't work that way!"

Instead of applause, Trump was met at first with a brief moment of lightly scattered laughter and a few lonely claps — and then came steely silence as the president stood at the podium looking at lawmakers.

. . . .

For Trump, the withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan and Syria represents the delivery of a campaign promise — and a potentially powerful plank in his re-election platform.

"As a candidate for president, I loudly pledged a new approach," he said. "Great nations do not fight endless wars.”

That line, which reflects the sentiments of many voters, including many Democrats, drew mild applause in the chamber.

Of Afghanistan, he said, "We do know that after two decades of war, the hour has come to at least try for peace ... it's time."

In 2016 and again now, Trump has bet that the voting public is at odds with politicians in Washington about continued U.S. engagement in foreign wars. 

One data point that supports that theory: when the Senate voted this week to announce its opposition to hasty withdrawals, most of the Democrats running for president or considering bids voted against the amendment and, essentially, with Trump.

And that last shows the influence of the move to the left among Democratic candidates.

But meanwhile Democratic media continue to beat up Trump from a globalist perspective, and have actually embraced that McConnell move.