MELANIA TRIUMPHS – AT 2:41 P.M. ET:   She doesn't get anywhere near the credit she deserves, but Melania Trump is rising in public esteem.  She deserves the applause.  She's an intelligent, spirited woman who has a feel for people, and it's clear she works hard at her work.  From The Hill: 

A majority of Americans have favorable views of first lady Melania Trump 11 months after President Trump took office, according to a new Gallup poll.

Fifty-four percent of Americans polled said they viewed the first lady favorably, up 17 points from January when only 37 percent of Americans viewed her favorably. 

By comparison, President Trump is viewed unfavorably by a majority of Americans in the poll. Fifty-six percent view the president unfavorably, while 41 percent view him favorably. 

While the first lady's popularity has climbed by double digits in the poll, the president's has stayed relatively the same from his 40 percent to 55 percent favorable-unfavorable rating from January.

The first lady got a later start in Washington than her husband. While the president took office in January, the first lady didn't move into the White House until June, after her son finished the school year.

Since settling into her role, the first lady has maintained a more public presence, attending events such as a Toys for Tots campaign on Wednesday and showing off the official White House Christmas decorations earlier this month. 

COMMENT:  It will still be a struggle for Melania because of the sheer hatred directed at her husband by the media.   She has conducted herself with class and dignity, unlike many of her media critics.

December 16, 2017