Thread by @costareports

During the course of reporting my latest story, WH officials + top Trump aides described Trump as deliberately playing to the base but also unbound from both convention & party. After 2 year run w/ GOP control, said focus is on core voters & core instincts, not moving to center.

They also said the shutdown has been instructive and revealing. You don't see Trump huddling with Ryan or McConnell. It's a tight inner circle (Pence, Kushner, etc.) and his own reactive navigation of the political minefield he faces... wants to rally base ahead of tough year

A few tidbits from notebook... Gingrich said he respects Mattis but Trump is doing the right thing to get the Cabinet more in line with the president's own worldview. Expects more of this + says Trump's FP moves reveal a new assertiveness on policy even as process is criticized.

Steve Moore, who's a Powell critic and friend of many in WH, told me he expects Fed knocks to continue into 2019. A base play of sorts: “Most blue-collar workers don’t pay attn to the Fed, but they get that Trump is fighting for them and trying to get them a bigger paycheck.”

Last thought.. A contrarian view from John Brabender, a Pence ally. He says shutdown is partly theater & Trump could still move to center.

“It’s de facto playing to the base so he can get it done and move on. He can’t get reelected with only his base but he needs the symbolism."