Lets not forget how networks underestimated Trump and led to him getting a lot of coverage, and it resulted in him gaining in popularity to get elected his first term to spread the infection.
That's the mistake the left keeps making. They think logic can win out against effective faith based movements founded upon hate with a belief a higher power is on their side. And they waste time debating against something that appeals to the averge person who is desperate and angry. Which is why facism is trending.