So, did the Democrats fall into Trump's trap?

[Virginiá]

These articles always make me laugh. Yeah, Trump is so smart! All these dumb/damaging statements he makes day-in, day-out, nope, not gaffes, it's all 4d, wait no, 12d chess!

He's not executing any brilliant strategy. He's literally just a moron in regards to public relations/politics/government, with a massive ego and no self control. It's that simple.

[Virginiá]

He's also spending hardly anything on advertising, and Hillary is piling in millions for a tepid lead/tie at best. I don't think anyone could conclusively say either candidate is running a stellar campaign at this point.

That doesn't mean her paid media campaign was useless. She has a lot of vulnerabilities, isn't well-liked and has had an awful month. Something was going to give eventually, as paid media doesn't guarantee you a lead, even if your opponent is spending virtually nothing.