On Saturday, the day after racist thugs rioted against each other in Charlottesville, Virginia, Donald Trump addressed the situation. He gave a thoughtful and measured response that set an appropriate tone. Trump was correct in his assessment that the “hatred and bigotry” on display came from “many, many sides.” Trump, however, did not name names of the various warring thug organizations but rather chose to focus on broadly reminding Americans that we are fellow citizens of one nation. He stated, “We have to come together as Americans with love for our nation, and really, I say this strongly, with true affection for each other.” Trump continued, “Above all else we must remember this truth. No matter our color, creed, religion or political party, we are all Americans first. We love our country, we love our God, we love our flag, we’re proud of our country, we’re proud of who we are.” He then challenged Americans to “restore the bonds of trust and loyalty between one another. We must love each other, respect each other and cherish our history and our future together.”

It was a good, unifying speech, but it didn’t fulfill the mainstream media’s agenda. The MSM had already determined that the only acceptable narrative was to unequivocally condemn only white supremacists, not the so-called “antifascists” who showed up ready to fight them. To mention the fact of racism and bigotry espoused by the other groups is to violate the politically correct dogma of the day, which preaches that only white racists can truly be called out for their vile bigotry. Since Trump didn’t specifically condemn the KKK, neo-Nazis and white supremacists, the MSM labeled him a racist. Subsequently, anyone who dares to offer any defense of Trump has also been tarred with the “racist” epithet.

Even some conservative commentators and lawmakers seem to have drunk the MSM’s Kool-Aid as they admonished Trump for not being stronger in condemning the KKK and white supremacists. The trouble is that no one seems to have actually listened to Trump’s speech. They’re too busy trying to lay blame for the violence at Trump’s feet that they refuse to actually hear what he had to say.

So, on Monday, Trump decided to respond to the growing media-created fervor. He addressed the nation once again on the Charlottesville riot. Trump reiterated, “We must love each other, show affection for each other and unite together in condemnation of hatred, bigotry and violence. We must rediscover the bonds of love and loyalty that bring us together as Americans.” And this time Trump added, “Racism is evil. And those who cause violence in its name are criminals and thugs, including the KKK, neo-Nazis, white supremacists and other hate groups that are repugnant to everything we hold dear as Americans.” Of course, that message is too little, too late for the Trump Derangement Syndrome crowd.

But it’s not too late at all. In his Inaugural Address, Trump said, “When you open your heart to patriotism, there is no room for prejudice. … Whether we are black or brown or white, we all bleed the same red blood of Patriots, we all enjoy the same glorious freedoms, and we all salute the same great American flag.” It’s been his message all along. The media just don’t want you to know it.