Gli Italiani, Berlusconi, and Darn Old Trump

        So, can Mr. Trump maintain momentum?  Can he buy the presidency?  Let's look at a few comparisons between Mr. Trump and Mr. Berlusconi, Italia's former premier.  Both men are billionaires, amassing personal fortunes by way of shrewd business sense, good timing, luck, and an ability to negotiate to get what one wants from any deal.
      Most importantly, both men know the importance of media manipulation.  Mr. Berlusconi established his empire in media, controlling television channels across the Italian landscape, generating fabulous amounts of advertising income for his company, funding his expansion into other related businesses.   As an owner, Mr. B was able to control content and satisfy the public's taste, whatever they happen to be at the moment.   Mr. Trump was educated in finance and understood the importance of partnerships and contracts when it came to developing real estate and hotels across the country.  He also understood the importance of manipulating bankruptcy law to his benefit, especially when certain unforeseen economic conditions soured an investment.  He also understood branding, selling his "Trump" brand as any other asset.  As his experience increased, he realized, as does Mr. Berlusconi, that personal exposure, properly managed, can affect overall business success.  hence, he became a TV personality, the face of the show, The Apprentice.
      Then the two realized the benefits of marrying entertainment with politics; a natural progression.  Mr. Trump is taking this marriage to new heights.  Mr.  Berlusconi had problems here, suffering the indignity of prosecution and conviction for a variety of civil criminal acts while in office.  Mr. Trump assumes that he can buy his way into the White House, a few billion here, a few billion there, and, voila, the Oval Office is his!  He then moves the country in the direction he wants, the direction of the Trump Brand, no less.  The media in the USA has fallen victim to his manipulation.   Using the bully pulpit, he has been able to receive astonishing media coverage- free of charge.  Say outrageous things- see it in print; see it on social media, see it everywhere.   Pander to the populist sentiment, bring out the fears of the middle class: lack of jobs and opportunities and an ineffective, tone-deaf Federal government.
      Another area that provides endless topics of interest are the personal foibles of both men.  With all their funds, they can party hardy.  In Italia, it's Bunga-bunga parties complete with young women eager to share the limelight with the rich and famous.  Mr. Trump is identical in this field.  married three times, he makes no apologies for his indiscretions nor his appetite for excess when it comes to young, beautiful women who flock about him like bees to honey.

Trump, Cruz, and Rubio: Look at that Darn Old Face