Jackie Calmes: I watched a Trump rally so you don't have to. But you need to know what he's saying
Donald Trump famously benefited from billions in free media in his 2016 campaign — way too much, as some in the business later conceded. Back then he was a ratings monster; cable TV networks covered his rallies start to finish as millions of Americans tuned in out of horror or glee at his shameless shtick: What would he say next?
Eight years later, the networks have pulled back. Even Faux News no longer gives the former president as much attention. Their viewers have Trump fatigue, his and alike. Only obscure right-wing channels that cater to MAGA types carry the full rallies in real time; the rest provide video snippets,
