Donald Trump Is Exploiting the Coronavirus Pandemic to Sell Campaign Swag

[babylonsister]

https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2020/04/donald-trump-is-exploiting-the-coronavirus-pandemic-to-sell-campaign-swag/

April 23, 2020
Donald Trump Is Exploiting the Coronavirus Pandemic to Sell Campaign Swag
Classy.
David Corn


Though President Donald Trump has been not big in the empathy department during the coronavirus pandemic—he more often talks about his own TV ratings than the tens of thousands Americans who have died during the crisis—the Trump campaign wants his supporters to know that Trump truly cares about them during this time of tragedy and hardship. As proof of Trump’s deeply felt concern, his campaign is offering to send his devotees a set of Trump-Pence pint glasses. All for just a contribution of $31.

Yes, the Trump campaign is exploiting the coronavirus to sell campaign swag to Trump supporters. And it is claiming this is a beneficent act on the part of Trump himself.

snip//

This sounds like a bad joke. But it’s not. While tens of thousands of Americans are dying, Trump and his campaign decided he could console his supporters and show them he’s on their side by peddling them campaign tchotchkes. And this email—sent out with the subject heading “Cheers”—also requested contributions of $250 and more. What could be more Trumpian? I will recognize this is a difficult period for you and other Americans by offering you the opportunity to help me.

The Trump campaign’s fundraising emails often have the whiff of grift. They frequently tell supporters they can join an exclusive group of donors—become part of the Trump Gold Card Member circle!—and be placed on a list of names that Trump will review personally, as long as they send in a donation immediately. (It can be as small of $35.) This is all bunk and goes above and beyond the usual political sales pitches.

Now the coronavirus pandemic has been seized upon by the Trump campaign as a marketing opportunity. Especially, given that so many Americans are currently self-isolating in their homes. In other recent fundraising solicitations, the campaign has peddled “BRAND NEW Trump-Pence 2020 Playing Cards.” Two decks for “only” $30. And the email for this offer proclaimed this was another special deal, for Trump has “requested that we give you EARLY ACCESS to get these iconic cards before anyone else.” Moreover, the email stated, this is the perfect time to buy playing cards: “We know you’re at home right now, doing your part to Keep America Safe, and there is no better way to keep yourself entertained AND support your President than by purchasing our Official Trump-Pence 2020 Playing Cards.” Another campaign email offered an “Official Trump Puzzle” for $45. This note, too, declared that during a time of social isolation “there is no better way to pass the time with family AND show your support for President Trump than by purchasing a Trump Puzzle.”

Trump glasses, Trump cards, Trump puzzles. They’re part of a long tradition: Trump Steaks, Trump Vodka, Trump University. If there’s a chance to sell something, Trump will give it a try. (Another recent email from the campaign promoted Trump-Pence welcome mats.) Blatant commercialism and self-promotion is no surprise for Trump. That is his brand. But this week he and his campaign showed that they can surpass the usual Trumpish crassness by using the horrific coronavirus nightmare to make a buck by selling pint glasses bearing the campaign’s logo. How long can it be before Trump and his campaign attempts to raise money by hawking MAGA face masks?

[Skraxx]

1. "We Elected Trump and All We Go Was This Lousy Virus!"

[Backseat Driver]

2. Makes me want to sing:

Take me out to the ballgame
Take me out to the park
Buy me some peanuts and crackerjack
I don't care if I ever go back
Let me rout, rout, rout for the home team
If they don't win it's a shame
for it's one, two, three strikes - you're out
At the old ball game



What a real horror show this is! I couldn't even finish the "Walking Dead" series, fantasized entertainment, when public sentiment began cheering on the zombies!

[SoonerPride]

3. I'll say one thing about Bloomberg

He was a real billionaire and didn't ask for one fucking cent. He had deep pockets and spent like he had plenty to burn. I had never seen so many primary commercials. Of course it didn't help him.

But he wasn't a pretend rich guy like Agolf Twitler.

He was actually rich.

I hope he opens up those spigots again on attack ads this fall. That is something I would enjoy very much.

[Demonaut]

4. recent:

Trump Pence Keep America Great |


Bob,

You voted and my team listened.

I told my team to let everyday American Patriots, like YOU, pick the design of our BRAND NEW Gold Card, and I couldn’t be happier with the result. In fact, you picked the exact same card I did - I knew you wouldn’t let me down.

After receiving over 500,000 votes, I am proud to present you with the beautiful Gold Card that was voted the WINNER by YOU:

Official Trump 2020 Gold Card

Official 2020 Trump Gold Card Members from all around the Nation will be THE MOST important group of supporters when it comes to our re-election efforts, and I really want YOU to be a part of it.

To join, all you have to do is contribute $35 and you’ll automatically become an Official 2020 Trump Gold Card Member and receive your PERSONALIZED Gold Card.

Please contribute $35 or more by 11:59 PM TONIGHT to activate your membership and we’ll send you your PERSONALIZED Gold Card. >>

Official Trump 2020 Gold Card

CONTRIBUTE $65

CONTRIBUTE $55

CONTRIBUTE $45

CONTRIBUTE $35

CONTRIBUTE ANY AMOUNT

I really want you on my team as an Official 2020 Trump Gold Card Member. The membership comes with a great deal of responsibility and I know you’re up for the challenge.

I’ve asked my team to send me the names of the FIRST round of Patriots who step up and join before 11:59 PM TONIGHT, and I expect to see your name on there. Don’t let me down.

[renate]

5. "The membership comes with a great deal of responsibility and I know you're up for the challenge."

"The membership costs $35 or more and I know you're a rube."