Is the media starting to get to Donald Trump -- just a little?

[Commentary] By now, we all know the routine. Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump says something controversial or incorrect, reporters ask him about it and, instead of reconsidering his choice of words or tone, he doubles down. Trump doubles down so often that he ought to negotiate royalties from KFC (which seems like an actual thing he might do). In a couple recent instances, however, Trump has in fact changed his behavior and rhetoric after facing intense criticism from the media -- after originally doubling down, come to think of it.

Trump’s modifications suggest that 1) despite his say-whatever-I-want bluster, he actually can be influenced by the media, and 2) he might be trying to appear more presidential, thinking he could have a real shot to win. We’ve always known that Trump pays very close attention to everything that is said about him in the press. His twitter feed is a constant stream of media commentary. You don’t monitor your coverage that intently if you don’t care about it. Still, Trump has shrugged off criticism plenty of times before. And on minor points, he’ll probably continue to do so.