This wasn’t so much a “Trump ploy” as it was trompe l’oeil–as early reports said he’d be endorsing Gingrich, and now they’re saying it’s Romney. (And I’ve been waiting for years to use that awful pun, so you had best be laughing right now.)

But really, the question is: can there really be anyone who cares what Trump says? And if so, is there any reason to think there is still hope for the country?

I jest, of course. People are always interested in celebrity endorsements. And that’s not indicative of a dangerously shallow approach to politics by press and populace alike.

I’m really not being sarcastic here. I’m actually trying to convince myself of that.