[NOTE: I don’t usually write about politics on this blog, but the communications issues this year are fascinating me.]
I’ve started listening to iTunes playlists in my car rather than turn on the radio and hear the latest Donald Trump story.
I’ve stopped reading Facebook because my timeline is full of friends’ comments about the latest Trump story.
Folks, he’s won. Not the battle for the presidential election, but the war for the eyes and ears of America. Love him or hate him, he’s all we’re talking about. I haven’t seen a story on Hillary Clinton’s plans, policies, or speeches since that lovely Democratic convention a few weeks back.
The Democratic Party and the Republican Party are playing a traditional game of lacrosse. Or perhaps polo. Something obscure.
By contrast, Trump is playing NFL Football: Good Trump vs. Bad Trump, and most of what’s happening on the field is an over-the-top half-time extravaganza.
Guess which contest has the big viewing audience? And all the advertisers?
Even if Trump loses badly in November (or quits the campaign before election day, which I believe he will) he has changed the face of political communications in America.
Not for the better, in my opinion, but probably irrevocably. History books will talk about this campaign — though whether there will be many educated people left to read them is a whole other question.