TRUMP TRIUMPHS – AT 9:56 A.M. ET:  Like him or not, Donald Trump is on a roll.   The man has a political knack.  He fights and fights back.  He's all over his opponents.  I don't favor his nomination, but I cannot deny his effectiveness.

Right now he's fighting off a major challenge from Ted Cruz, and it seems to be working.  From Fox: 

With just over a week until the first 2016 election contest, Donald Trump takes the lead in Iowa -- and maintains his big advantage in New Hampshire.

That’s according to the latest round of Fox News state polls on the Republican presidential nomination contest.

Trump bests Ted Cruz in Iowa and now receives 34 percent support among Republican caucus-goers. Trump was at 23 percent in the Fox News Poll two weeks ago (January 4-7).

Cruz is second with 23 percent -- down a touch from 27 percent. Marco Rubio comes in third with 12 percent, down from 15 percent. No others garner double-digit support.

Among caucus-goers who identify as “very” conservative, Cruz was up by 18 points over Trump earlier this month. Now they each receive about a third among this group (Cruz 34 percent vs. Trump 33 percent).

There’s been a similar shift among white evangelical Christians. Cruz’s 14-point advantage is now down to a 2-point edge.

COMMENT:  Cruz has been hurt by Trump's questioning of Cruz's legal eligibility to be president.  Also, Trump has changed his speaking style somewhat, something that's been noted by several analysts.  He's trying to sound more like a presidential candidate and less like a political thug.  When he speaks calmly, and without rancor, he can be effective.

January 25, 2016