[Nifster]

Use comprehension. The media were lap dogs for Clinton and Obama and all things dim.

Trump owns the media because he uses them for his own purposes, excoriates them at will, and does not give a rat’s behind what they say about him.

Your analysis lacks

[trisham]

The media were lap dogs for Clinton and Obama and all things dim.

Trump owns the media because he uses them for his own purposes, excoriates them at will, and does not give a rat's behind what they say about him.

*****************************

Well said.

[AFreeBird]

Precisely. The media is not for Trump. But he plays them like a fiddle. The more accurate phrase these days is: The media has been p0wned by Trump.

They are his pawns to play.

[Hiddigeigei]

I don't know about owning the media, but Trump reminds me of the humorous French expression, "Cet animal est très méchant. Quand on l'attaque il se défend." The best translation I know is, "this animal is very wicked: just see what happens when you kick it."