An autoimmune disease or condition is one in which the body’s defenses turn on its own tissues, causing malfunction or weakness, and leading to illness or death.

It is tempting to think that in relation to politics, President Trump has one or even is one in person, as the only politician thus far who has been able to ding or defeat him has been none other than himself. No sooner does he say something gracious, do something well, or comport himself well enough that his approval ratings start to inch its way up from its normal low standing, then he arrests its momentum and sends it back down.