The media are losing their handle on this campaign — not that they ever had much of one

The Washington Compost ^ | March 27, 2016 | Callum Borchers

[E. Pluribus Unum]

The notion that the media could control a presidential campaign was always bogus. News organizations enjoy the ratings and readership delivered by Donald Trump — just ask CBS boss Les Moonves — but they haven’t made him the Republican presidential front-runner. Voters who ignore or even embrace his venomous brand of politics and the many negative stories about him have done that.

If it were up to the press, John Kasich would be the GOP nominee.

But whatever control the media did have feels lost after a week that began with a distasteful, super PAC-sponsored ad campaign featuring a mostly nude Melania Trump and ended with a tabloid rumor about extramarital affairs by Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Tex.).

[E. Pluribus Unum]

BS. They always controlled it. Trump blew up their cozy little arrangement.

Not Cruz. Without Trump, Jethro Bush would already have enough delegates.

[Lurkinanloomin]

Without Trump, this would look entirely different.
We would now be looking at the “presumptive nominee”, Yeb!
They have always previously been able to manipulate the process to get the amnesty candidate that the Cheap Labor Express paid for.

Trump has disrupted their playbook.

In fact he stole it and is using it against them.

[uncbob]

Voters who ignore or even embrace his venomous brand of politics

Typical left wing logic

[SueRae]

Spot. On. Not only that, Bernie should thank Trump. In one speech, he completely kneecapped Clinton and introduced the 90’s to a whole new generation.

[vette6387]

“Not Cruz. Without Trump, Jethro Bush would already have enough delegates.”

Right you are! Cruz is only getting a bite of the apple because of Trump. Jethro would already be the nominee right now absent Donald Trump.

[pfflier]

The media has consistently defined the character of candidates, particularly Republicans and conservatives. Just look at the pictures they use of Trump vs the hildabeast.

I have not seen one picture of Trump where he is not snarling or jabbing a finger out. Yet, all the pictures of the hildabeast are of some benevolent grandmother with just the right amount of smile.

[SamAdams76]

On that we can agree. If Donald Trump or Ted Cruz did not enter this race, Jebbie Bush would have had this all sewed up by now. I shudder to think about all the pro-Jeb posts we would be reading on this forum too. Perhaps we would even get subjected to the daily threads that used to get posted on GWB, featuring prayers to Jeb and gushing photos of him and whatnot.

My liquor bill would be much higher, that's for sure.

[Bon mots]

[AEMILIUS PAULUS]

The media has taken a heavy blow, but it will maintain its grip on public opinion. “Three weeks of press treatment and the truth is recognized by all.” Oswald Spengler

[Pollster1]

If it were up to the press, John Kasich would be the GOP nominee.

Actually, if it were up to the press, Jeb would be the GOP nominee.

If it were up to the press, Christie would be the GOP nominee replacing Jeb.

If it were up to the press, Rubio would be the GOP nominee replacing Christie.

If it were up to the press, Kasich would be the GOP nominee replacing Rubio.

If it were up to the press, Cruz would be the GOP nominee replacing Kasich.

But it's not up to the press (I hope!).

[TEXOKIE]

bumping ur comment!

[SunkenCiv]

Voters who ignore or even embrace his venomous brand of politics and the many negative stories about him have done that.

Partisan Media Shill Alert!