Yes, getting $55 million in free media attention from just eight sources sure does turn primaries into a bargain, and there’s no sign that Trump’s mug is going to give the orange pixels in our screens a break anytime soon. But as we move toward general election season, there’s still a sneaking suspicion that Trump might need some of the trappings of an actual campaign. After all, a candidate might have to raise a few funds, get out the vote, and support down-ticket candidates. Yet Trump isn't preparing for any of that.
Donald Trump is a candidate without a campaign – and it’s becoming a serious problem.
Republicans working to elect Trump describe a bare-bones effort debilitated by infighting, a lack of staff to carry out basic functions, minimal coordination with allies and a message that’s prisoner to Trump’s momentary whims.
Trump’s whim of the moment is a jingoistic nationalism and ugly nativism that’s two parts terrifying and one part simply embarrassing.
Veteran operatives are shocked by the campaign’s failure to fill key roles. There is no communications team to deal with the hundreds of media outlets covering the race, no rapid response director to quickly rebut attacks and launch new ones, and a limited cast of surrogates who lack a cohesive message.
Trump keeps claiming he will have “great people” and “the best people” to fill roles in his administration. So why can’t he even find people to build a campaign? Internally, Trump’s staff is involved in a civil war between those who want to professionalize the campaign and follow a more traditional path, and those who want to continue Trump’s impulsive toddler tendencies. It’s also desperately short of muzzle-handlers and people who can direct a laser pointer when Trump needs to be distracted.
The campaign source described the overall situation as “dysfunctional” and warned that if Trump failed to hire a full communications team by the convention, they would likely lose the election.
Carry on, Donald. Carry on.