In "How Democracies Die," Steven Levitsky discusses how Donald Trump transformed political campaigning by leveraging old media in innovative ways. By generating controversy, he managed to capture significant free coverage from mainstream outlets, effectively sidestepping traditional funding methods and party endorsements. This strategy showcased his ability to resonate with a media landscape increasingly dominated by digital discourse.

Levitsky portrays Trump as a candidate uniquely suited for the evolving political climate, where new communication methods amplify contentious messages. Trump's approach not only redefined campaign strategies but also highlighted the intersection between media dynamics and electoral politics, marking a significant shift in how candidates engage with the public and the press.