Why do you agree or disagree with this?

Use the learning content from

• United States of Distraction Chapter 2,3, & 4
• America's Great Divide, Part 2

TO ANSWER THIS QUESTION

In comparison to Barack Obama's campaign - or maybe even in comparison to any political campaign ever - Donald Trump used the media as an extremely powerful weapon. His background in entertainment meant he was comfortable on screen, and also meant that he was aware of exactly what it took to garner attention and views. Per this module's video, one of his staff members said that "[Trump] told me he would say whatever it took to keep the red light on." (America's Great Divide, Part 2) That seems pretty spot on. Obama never came off this way, both to the public, and the media. Trump's personality is exactly what media outlets desire. He was loud, inflammatory, and just garnered attention - good and bad." His 2016 campaign both offended and energized people, but like the corporate media, it rarely informed them." (Huff & Higdon, 2019) Few people were unaware of who Donald Trump was when he began his presidential campaign, and "the media cashed in by spotlighting his provocations and scandalous conduct, and the Trump team attracted more followers and power as a result of the increased coverage and exposure." (Huff & Higdon, 2019) With news outlets able to milk the man's persona for ages, his following only grew larger and larger. The larger his following got, the more power he was obtaining. The fact is that way before the beginning of his campaign, "Trump has rarely disappointed the press, and always seems to provide the provocation and controversy needed for attracting attention." (Huff & Higdon, 2019) Even today, the man is no longer president, yet his ways continue to garner the attention of both the media and the public.