… Sarah Ellison reports that Trump is exploring the possibility of a television or other media venture that would cater to his loyalists. “According to several people briefed on the discussions, the presumptive Republican nominee is examining the opportunity presented by the ‘audience’ currently supporting him,” she writes. “He has also discussed the possibility of launching a 'mini-media conglomerate' outside of his existing TV-production business, Trump Productions LLC.”
Why is Trump shunning reporters from some of the biggest news organizations? At least partly because they dared utter unfavorable words about some of this conspiracy-mongering, but possibly because he wants to confine all the Trump news to … Trump News. He wants to be the first and last stop for the inside scoop on all things Donald.
Yes, Trump is happy enough that he’s been gifted $55 million worth of free media coverage. But even better would be if Trump could make money off of just opening his mouth.
In a way, it’s the ultimate evolution of everything he’s tried to do. Trump Tower had to have an actual tower. Trump Steaks had to deliver at least some form of mystery meat. Even Trump Water required someone to crack open a tap.
But Trump TV? The primary product is nothing but hot air, and Trump has plenty of that. With his own TV channel to sell to cable and satellite services, Trump’s every rant becomes a source of revenue. And if there is space for commercials, there’s still plenty of room to market Trump Tinfoil Hats and Trump Muslim Detectors and Trump Portable Walls at regular intervals.
… if this is Trump’s plan, it makes sense. Perhaps he grasps a truth the official Republican Party has refused to acknowledge: The conservative base is a subculture. It is a numerically large subculture, but a subculture nonetheless.
There aren’t enough angry white racists to win a presidential election, but there are plenty to power a successful television channel. Trump doesn’t have to be a genius to figure that out (see: Palin, Sarah).
And maybe this is just speculation, but hey, if Trump can run a campaign based on conspiracy theories, it seems only right to have a few conspiracy theories about his campaign.
Don’t forget to look for Chris Christie’s show around 3AM. It’ll be between two infomercials. Like a bridge.
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