There was similar hype on social networks, where hints that Trump’s campaign was an intricate plot by Putin were even less subtle. Pro-government experts and foundations made no secret of their support for Trump and simultaneously tried to come up with reasons why America would vote for Trump. The essence of the Russian coverage of the U.S. campaign was that a victory for Trump would be a victory for Russia.
This Trump myth was successful: he has quite a few admirers in Russia, many of whom supported him more fiercely and sincerely than any Russian parties or parliamentary candidates. The U.S. presidential campaign became an integral component of Russian public life.
The catch was that Russian audiences were being prepared for the idea that Trump would be prevented from winning, cheated of his victory despite the support of the common people. This was the message conveyed by WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, and Trump himself spoke of expected falsifications and violations.
So on one hand, Russian TV viewers hoped that under the good Trump, the United States would stop plotting against Russia, there would be peace on earth, and the new U.S. president would immediately repeal economic and political sanctions slapped on Russia over the Ukraine conflict. On the other hand, TV viewers were being prepped for the announcement of a stolen victory, which would serve as yet more proof that the shortcomings of the Russian electoral system are par for the course, and that fraud and falsifications can be found everywhere.
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