Trump Derangement Syndrome. It started off and remains a disorder amongst liberals. However, I’m starting to fear it’s becoming a thing amongst some conservatives. Actually, let me rephrase. I’m fearing it’s starting to become a thing amongst some conservative media members.
I say this not to downplay the biggest story of the week. A former President being indicted (for the second time in three months) is a major story that should be covered. However, do I think local talk shows should be non-stop, wall-to-wall obsessing over Trump and jockeying for position with butt-kissing monologues to land their next interview with the 45th President? Absolutely not.
Trump Derangement Syndrome can now also be applied to those who obsess over this from a pro-Trump perspective every single day.
We could also give this another name: “Trump Privilege”.
What is “Trump Privilege”? It is when you’re not burdened by the real world, everyday issues of millions of Americans, that you have the time, mental energy, and emotional bandwidth to care obsessively about a former President who, yes, is clearly being politically targeted, but also, if you actually read the 49-page indictment, may have waltzed his way right into a bear trap.
I don’t believe that the average conservative-minded Kansas Citian is waking up every day and thinking about Donald Trump. In the case of our city, I believe that 500,000 residents in Jackson County, Missouri (home to most of Kansas City), are beyond appalled at their tax assessments that are coming in this week and are, on average, up 30-40%. You have working-class families wondering if they can afford to stay in their own homes, as they also deal with two years of inflation.
I think they’re also talking at the water cooler about how the Kansas City Royals announced their two final locations for where they would want to relocate inside the Metro. I think they’re worried about a 911 dispatcher shortage that is resulting in record-long hold times, along with a city being down 300+ cops and trending towards a potential record year for homicides.
Every market is different, but I genuinely don’t think anyone that isn’t either on Donald Trump’s payroll, related to him, or suffering from “Trump Privilege” is waking up every morning obsessing over this latest indictment.
It’s a huge story. It should not be ignored. But for all the years of mocking CNN, MSNBC, and others for their Trump Derangement Syndrome, don’t become them from a different lens.
A segment of your audience will remain rabid over this one issue, but the broader audience has a wider range of interests, is seeking knowledge on a variety of topics, and wants to be entertained, surprised, and presented thought-provoking content unique to your market, beyond how Trump might be getting hosed.
Yes, play the hits, but don’t burn them out faster than they’re already burning
Pete Mundo is a weekly columnist for Barrett Media, and the Vice President of News/Talk for Cumulus Media, while also hosting “Mundo in the Morning” and programming KCMO Talk Radio in Kansas City. Previously, he was a fill-in host nationally on FOX News Radio and CBS Sports Radio, while anchoring for WFAN, WCBS News Radio 880, and Bloomberg Radio. He’s also the owner of the Big 12-focused digital media outlet Heartland College Sports. To interact, find him on X @PeteMundo.
