Today, the focus is on the full conviction of Donald Trump and how this may impact the upcoming election. The historic nature of Trump’s conviction raises questions about his future in politics.
A New York jury has found Donald Trump guilty on all 34 counts against him. This marks the first time a former US president has been convicted in a criminal case. Trump was convicted of falsifying business records to conceal hush money payments to former porn star Stormy Daniels, with whom he allegedly had an affair. The conviction occurred in his hometown and the case was one of the more sensational legal battles he faced.
On the day of the verdict, Trump showed little emotion as he learned his fate, closing his eyes and slowly shaking his head. Addressing the media outside the courtroom, he declared the verdict a “disgrace” and vowed that “the real verdict” would be delivered by the people on Election Day, November 5.
Judge Juan M. Merchan released Trump on his own recognizance and scheduled his sentencing for July 11, just four days before the Republican National Convention, where he is expected to be nominated as the party’s candidate. Prosecutor Alvin L. Bragg has not revealed whether he will seek a prison term. Trump could face up to four years in prison or potentially receive probation, and he plans to appeal, which could delay any potential imprisonment.
The jury, composed of 12 New Yorkers, deliberated for nearly 10 hours before reaching their decision. The case involved allegations that Trump committed fraud to hide hush-money payments to porn star Stormy Daniels during his first White House run. The trial, marked by tabloid intrigue and secret payoffs, included testimony from a diverse array of witnesses, ultimately focusing on Trump and his former fixer, Michael D. Cohen.
Cohen paid Daniels $130,000 to silence her story of a sexual encounter with Trump, with the payment disguised as legal expenses. The defense argued that Cohen lacked credibility and that Trump had not falsified any records.
Trump’s legal challenges are not over, as he faces three other indictments in different states. However, this trial was the first to reach a verdict, highlighting the seamy details that have made Trump a controversial figure.
Reactions to the verdict will likely reflect the nation’s political polarization. House Speaker Mike Johnson called it a “shameful day in American history,” while President Biden urged voters to keep Trump out of the Oval Office.
Despite the conviction, there is nothing in the Constitution that prevents a felon from serving as president. Trump’s base may see him as a political prisoner and a victim of a Democratic conspiracy, while his adversaries view the conviction as overdue justice.
Trump’s lawyers criticized the prosecution’s use of a state statute to elevate the charges to felonies, arguing it was a stretch of the law and could form the basis for an appeal. Defense attorney Todd Blanche minimized the case, calling the false records mere “pieces of paper.”
The consequences of this verdict are uncertain. Trump once famously said, “I could stand in the middle of Fifth Avenue and shoot somebody and I wouldn’t lose any voters.” This statement highlights the unwavering support he has from his base, and various outcomes are possible.
Firstly, Trump might use the conviction to rally his supporters, presenting himself as a victim of a biased system, which could bolster his campaign.
Secondly, the image of a presidential candidate unanimously convicted by a jury is significant. This verdict is harder to dismiss than other scandals and might weigh heavily on his campaign.
However, public opinion on Trump has been deeply entrenched for a long time. This conviction is unlikely to change the fundamental views that Americans hold about him.
Ultimately, the election may be won by the candidate who can best mobilize their voters, influenced by the narratives both sides create from this situation and by developments in the coming months. The memories of Trump’s two impeachment trials are still fresh, but their long-term impact on his political career remains ambiguous.
The exact impact of Trump’s conviction on the election is uncertain. The political landscape in the US is highly dynamic, and the next few months will be crucial in determining the outcome.
