Does it hurt or help that Trump plays the media?

MAJ Charles Blake chiming in though I rarely get on the politics train. Media is a tool. It can be used to distract from the real issues. Misinformation can be reported on purpose. I'm not a big Obama fan but about every time he's "playing golf," something newsworthy happens. The public crys about this silly past time. But on a golf course, some of the biggest deals have been made. Out of the limelight and eye of the media. No sound bytes. I think the role of the president has changed from what was initially envisioned. My opinion is that the role of the president is to keep every reporter focused on him/her so that everyone else can get the real work done. For example. Think how many meetings a commander must attend. An hour with the top, an hour with the subordinates. God knows how many hours compiling statistics and running down some obscure information. Now think about how the second in command, the Vice, operates. He/she is not the face on the magazine, front page, commander's call etc; with a few exceptions, most VPs have faded into non celebrity status. Not having to be the face allows freedom to operate, to walk amongst the people/squadrons, talking one on one, listening to the problems and victories first hand. The position of first spouse does this as well.

Back to Trump. He acts the buffoon. Loud, seemingly thoughtless, impulsive and insulting. Unfortunately, he neglected to take care of many of his staffers. The staffers that were busy reporting on the pulse and concerns of whatever state he was going to stump next. The media doesn't like him. I don't think the media is too fond of Hillary either. But from what I've observed (and I try to watch as little of the debates and speeches as possible) Trump knows how to get the media focused on him. My original opinion is that the thoughtless impulsive insulting man didn't realize what he was doing, people loved that persona in "Celebrity Apprentice" ..."You're fired!" But someone is coaching him. He has eyes and ears everywhere, we're in the homestretch. He can hire someone to write for him and read the TelePrompTer. He knows manipulation. His face is the one people have in the front of mind. Fair and unbiased media is a myth. Donald knows that. He makes sure his name is repeated every single day, many uninformed voters vote soley on name recognition. If the media wants him to go away, they must not say his name, print his name, email his likeness, lampoon his statements. I don't see this happening, unwittingly, the media has helped him get his face, name, and comments in every household. Now I'll return to my RP posts lite. (See Chisolm Trail)

IMHO I feel that it'll hurt him, as he will oft times concern himself with the issue of the moment in order to garner more Re-Tweets and YouTube hits instead of focusing on his message.

Personally, I think it helps as he plays into public distrust of the media that doesn't like him anymore.