Progressives are missing the point in their universal condemnation and ridicule of Trump's performance today at his news conference. Trump knew what he was doing and he did it well. He was the victor.
To his supporters, and to himself, Trump came off as bold, determined and unbowed. He has a remarkable ability to seize and control the conversation.
Of course he was arrogant, insulting, deflecting, hyperbolic and self-aggrandizing. That won him an election. And for his base and for reluctant congressional Republicans, this press conference is going to play very well. It showed him as strong and unbeaten.
From Trump's point of view, in spite of being reviled by progressives, he defended his actions, positions and people quite forcefully and convincingly. He came across as honest and sincere in his concerns about fairness and mis-reporting, regardless of facts to the contrary.
Again and again Trump's powers of persuasion are underestimated by the Left. Trump owned that presser and was able to speak loudly and clearly to those who support him and to those who seem to be powerless to stop him.
His message was that he would not be deterred from making America great again. He won't be distracted by whatever scandal or criticism comes his way, even though he doesn't have the discipline to just let it go. As he said in his campaign, if he is punched, he punches back harder. That works for him.
Trump needs opponents to prove himself a winner. Today, he sparred with the international press corps and he won the bout.