“winning the day’s news cycle”
He won it. Didn’t back down on wall. Government workers will get their backpay and pay for at the next three weeks.
Now the workers will be happy but will fear their pay being stopped in three weeks. If their pay is stopped again I think the Democrats will get more of the blame.
Meanwhile Trump will now give the State of the Union speech in the House chamber. Odds are that will help Trump.
Also, in his speech today Trump gave a very good case for the wall.
Agreed.
In addition to your excellent points, I would offer: he is today the one seen as going the extra mile to get the paychecks out. And - Pelosi remains the one who ridiculously argues that walls (national security) are immoral.