Trump's Bigly CNN Win

Declaring that he is “ready” for another one, presidential contender Donald Trump, in the words of the hood, came out “like a fat rat” while appearing on CNN last week. Many thought that Trump was making a big costly mistake appearing on the network, but to Trump with the setup in place with friendly faces in the audience, Trump felt right at home. It didn’t matter who the moderator was at CNN asking the questions, as Trump in his usual style, did things his way. And what did you expect? By now, we(I do)should know that when Trump has the stage, the script goes out of the window and his supporters love it. CNN and all of the networks know that Trump loves and basks in the limelight as media pundits say that Trump sucks all of the air out of the room when he is around other conservative politicians. Talk about free campaign advertising, CNN served up the whole platter to Trump. Trump’s performance no doubt put some serious pressure on those who say that they are running, which is shown by their unwillingness to say anything negative about Trump, even though he has just been found liable for sexual battery against E. Jean Carroll in a New York courtroom. His so-called political nemesis, Florida governor, Ron DeSantis has been as quiet as a church mouse, not commenting on the trial or Trump’s performance on CNN. There are those who will lose interest in supporting DeSantis if he does not make an announcement soon that he is going to run, as the polls show Trump maintaining a “healthy”, though not commanding lead. If DeSantis thought that the rape trial would derail Trump, then he doesn’t know his potential(?) opponent. A further illustration of Trump’s hold over the Republican Party and the contenders who have thrown their hats in the ring was done by Nikki Haley. Haley may think that she is a reincarnation of Sarah Palin as a “strong” woman candidate but took a dive when commenting about Trump. When asked for comment concerning the rape trial, Haley made a Louisiana crawfish proud when cornered. She backpedaled. Haley was asked if the Republican Party was undermined by someone who was found legally liable for sexual battery on a woman. Haley’s reply was that she “was not on the jury, nor was she the judge”, that both voices were heard, a verdict was rendered and an appeal is on the table. Haley also said that where Trump goes (White House?) after, the American people “will make a decision based on that.” A jury of American citizens has already made a decision. This is the same Nikki Haley who complained when Don Lemon said that at 55, she was “past” her prime, but says nothing when Trump called Carroll a “whack job”. You don’t win waiting for your opponent to fall, especially when the home base is there to catch him. If that had been Joe Biden instead of Trump, Haley and other conservative women backing Trump would still be talking.

If anyone says that CNN “didn’t know” what they were doing, they are wrong. The network saw an opportunity to score some rating points. Why not? Trump hasn’t exactly been keeping any company on Fox lately. He probably won’t go on MSNBC and face journalists like Rachel Maddow or Lawrence O’Donnell, especially O’ Donnell who has been calling a lie every time Trump opens his mouth. Trump hasn’t filed one lawsuit against O’Donnell, not one. Trump would always call Fox or CNN and talk on air, but not MSNBC. Now one has to wonder what Trump’s debate strategy will be. He can have town hall after town hall, say whatever he wants, and hardly get much feedback from moderators. Trump will say whatever he wants, especially if it is in front of friendly faces. The only thing that Haley, DeSantis, and company can hope for, is a big legal hammer that knocks Trump out of the race, or God forbid, nature runs its course on us humans. If that doesn’t happen, they can join Ted Cruz and bow to the king. Remember, the world is watching. So is God.