It’s getting increasingly annoying to watch people who ostensibly know a lot about politics going on television and saying things that I am reasonably sure they don’t really believe. Lately, it has been analysts talking up Donald Trump’s chances of winning the GOP nomination. What viewers are hearing from pros on television is very different from what is being said off camera. For those hosting television shows, my guess is that it is the simple equation that Trump’s appearances and his pronouncements, even if only on the phone, equal higher ratings, happier “Suits” (the network bosses), and more lucrative deals next time the “talent” negotiate contracts. For journalists who are invited to go on television to be interviewed or participate in panels, talking about Trump equals more invitations to appear on shows. Yes, it’s true that Trump has been underestimated since his initial rise back in June. He rose higher and faster than nearly anyone believed, and he has lasted longer than even starry-eyed supporters thought possible. Trump has consolidated the populists and less ideologically driven voters on the right
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