Trump’s Verdict: Little Impact on Re-Election Bid
Two weeks ago, Donald Trump became the first former U.S. president convicted of criminal charges. He was found guilty of 34 felonies related to falsifying business records to hide a hush-money payment to a porn star.
Despite this historic verdict, the reaction from the public has been minimal, and polls show little change in support for Trump as he runs for re-election.
Experts suggest this muted response is due to a combination of factors: strong support from the Republican Party, which has normalized Trump’s actions, and the perception that he is a victim of a political “witch-hunt.” Trump’s narrative of persecution and impunity has resonated with his base, reinforcing their loyalty.
The media’s focus on the “hush-money” aspect rather than framing it as fraud against the American people has also played a role in dampening the public’s reaction.
Trump’s strategy has energized his supporters, with his campaign raising significant funds following the verdict.
Polls indicate that the majority of Republicans remain unaffected by the conviction, while a smaller proportion of independent voters view it negatively.
Despite this, Trump and Biden are still neck and neck in the race, showing that the verdict hasn’t significantly swayed voter opinion.
Looking ahead, the outcome of Trump’s upcoming sentencing in July could influence public opinion further. However, experts believe any shifts in support will likely be minor but could still impact the tightly contested election.
This analysis is based on insights from an article by Joseph Stepansky on Al Jazeera【source: Al Jazeera】.