I've had to change my mind about Trump's ability to control the press and the narrative.

On the Kavanaugh conflict, the Democrats believed the Kavanaugh accusation would play out differently, that Republicans would resist and obstruct, but Trump saw how they were playing and chose not "to play into their hands."

the accuser, Christine Blasey Ford, might not appear at the scheduled hearing — "Kavanaugh’s Accuser Has Yet to Confirm Appearance at Monday Hearings" (NYT):

The mysterious silence from Dr. Blasey and her lawyers was another turn in a drama that has gripped the Capitol since Thursday....

Dr. Blasey, thrust suddenly into a spotlight that she never sought, has been inundated with vulgar email and social media messages, and even death threats.... Dr. Blasey, who has two teenagers, has moved out of her house, is arranging for private security for herself and her family, and is effectively in hiding, [an unnamed person close to her told the NYT]....

Note: another "unnamed person" as a source for the Times.

Now we learn that even Jeff Flake says if the accuser doesn't testify, he'll support moving forward to a vote.  When you've lost even Jeff Flake, you've lost.

Amazingly, once again, Trump has outplayed and out gamed the Democrats and their allies in the press.