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| Phos, wouldn't it be simpler to believe that if there were a media/establishment conspiracy to keep Trump out they would have exagerated Trump gains at the early stages? That might have motivated some marginally convinced voters to vote for Clinton. | |
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They were operating on triggered emotions, which I'm sure they felt for themselves. They convinced themselves first and foremost. There certainly was collusion. CNN and other outlets, for example, directly asked the Clinton campaign for ideas on what to ask Trump. The Clinton campaign manhandled and manipulated reports and publications to tow the line. Wikileaks show these interactions.
As for being clever enough, well, the emotional approach can be effective, but not necessarily the most clever.