Trump survives by Corum's Law. This is a famous, well-tested

The gentle hum of the café filled the air, blending with the steady rhythm of rain against the window. Jack sat across from Jeeny, his coffee cup resting in his hands as he stared out at the wet streets. Jeeny, sitting opposite him, seemed lost in thought, her fingers lightly tracing the rim of her cup.

Host: After a brief moment of silence, Jeeny spoke, her voice thoughtful but curious.

Jeeny: “I came across a quote from Jimmy Breslin today that made me think about the dynamics of power and survival. He said, ‘Trump survives by Corum’s Law. This is a famous, well-tested theory and is named after Bill Corum, who once wrote sports for the Hearst papers when they were in New York.’ What do you think about that? Do you think Trump really thrives by this law, and if so, what does it say about how power works in politics?”

Jack: He looked up, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. “Corum’s Law is an interesting theory—it’s essentially about how certain people, especially in the public eye, can survive not necessarily because of their talents or qualifications, but because they know how to manipulate or exploit the attention around them. Trump’s rise to power fits into that framework. He doesn’t always play by the rules or adhere to traditional forms of leadership, but he knows how to use controversy, drama, and media to his advantage. In a way, he thrives because he keeps everyone’s attention on him, and that keeps him relevant.”

Jeeny: “Exactly. It’s not so much about leadership in the traditional sense—it’s about survival in the spotlight. Trump has this ability to keep people focused on him, whether they love him or hate him. And by doing that, he controls the narrative, and in the world of media and politics, controlling the narrative is often the key to survival. It’s like he’s unpredictable, which keeps people engaged and, more importantly, keeps them invested in his story.”

Host: The rain outside had softened, leaving a quiet stillness in the café. Jack shifted slightly, his fingers still resting on his coffee cup as he continued.

Jack: “What’s fascinating about Corum’s Law is that it shows how public figures can survive even without having to follow traditional expectations of competence or morality. It’s more about staying visible, staying controversial, and keeping people talking. Trump has done that remarkably well—he’s been a lightning rod for discussion, for better or worse. And because of that, he stays in the public’s consciousness, which gives him power.”

Jeeny: “Right. It’s a bit of a paradox—because the more outrageous or controversial you are, the more people will pay attention to you, and the more you can leverage that attention to stay relevant. In Trump’s case, it’s like he’s unpredictable in a way that benefits him. He doesn’t have to play by the rules of traditional politics because he’s found a way to survive by using the rules of spectacle and media manipulation.”

Host: The conversation between them seemed to deepen, as if they were both reflecting on the nature of power in the modern political landscape. Jack set his cup down gently, his expression thoughtful.

Jack: “It’s also a comment on the media itself. We live in a world where the media often rewards chaos and controversy, and Trump has understood that dynamic better than most. He’s been able to turn his persona into a kind of self-sustaining machine. Every outrageous statement, every controversy, only feeds his presence in the media, and that keeps him alive in the public’s eye. He’s a product of the system as much as he’s a manipulator of it.”

Jeeny: “Exactly. It’s like he’s playing the game better than anyone else. It’s not about political strategy—it’s about staying visible, staying in the conversation. And in today’s world, being in the conversation is the most powerful position you can be in.”

Host: The rain had stopped, leaving a quiet calm in the air. Inside, Jack and Jeeny sat in the realization that Trump’s survival in politics wasn’t just about his policies or his actions—it was about his mastery of staying relevant in the media and keeping the public engaged. Jimmy Breslin’s reference to Corum’s Law serves as a reminder that in the modern world, the key to survival in the spotlight is less about substance and more about visibility, spectacle, and the ability to control the narrative.