With Trump’s pronouncement that the presidential process is rigged, Wake Forest University communication professor John Llewellyn, can offer insight into how Trump has successfully used conspiracy theories to gain support.

"In these conspiracy-enhancing 'conversations' that Donald Trump promotes with the assertion that 'he's heard about' whatever topic is being raised, he is fanning the flames of his listeners' fantasies,” Llewellyn said. “They want to believe that world events are driven by sinister forces and Trump is encouraging, even validating, those beliefs.”

Llewellyn studies and teaches rhetoric, analyzing persuasive language from the nation’s most prominent politicians, coaches and civil rights leaders. He’s also an expert on the public figure apology.