There is an old, outdated adage about America. Perhaps you’ve heard it. “All politics is local.” That’s no longer close to true. With the rise of negative polarization, the increase in the power of the presidency, and the limited number of truly competitive congressional races—not to mention the ongoing losses of local news outlets that cover local politics—it’s now clear that all politics is national. We interpret virtually every race at every level for its impact on the race for president. Combine this new trend with the old tradition of turning to presidents in times of national crisis, and all eyes are on Donald Trump.

And so, when he tweets things like this:

Or says things like this: