Includes bibliographical references (pages [301]-316) and index.
Formatted Contents Note:
Reformed: 1999-2000. At a crossroads, Trump test-markets Trump the political brand -- Playing the part: 2000-2010. Trump finds a TV persona, sharpens his skills at attacking rivals, and grows in national stature -- Settling on a political voice: 2010-2013. Trump builds a political team and slowly learns the power of social media -- The race before the race: 2013-2014. A productive detour onto the gubernatorial trail in New York -- To the escalator: 2014-2015. A popularist politician emerges -- Epilogue: The centre cannot hold.
Summary, etc.:
Between 2000 and 2015, when Trump announced his candidacy, he was able to identify an unserved political constituency, hone a persuasive message that appealed to their needs, and deliver it effectively, despite intense media opposition. Salkin and Short provide a nonpartisan oral history which shows that Trump had carefully planned his bid for the presidency since he launched what many considered to be a joke candidacy in 1999. His business, media, and political dealings from this era serve as a guide for understanding the man, his mindset, and his every action. -- adapted from jacket