The nation is on the edge of its seat as the first criminal trial of a former president, Donald J. Trump, nears its conclusion in Manhattan. With the witness list winding down, closing statements could come as early as Tuesday, leaving a Manhattan jury to determine whether Trump will campaign this fall as a convicted felon.
The political impact of this historic trial is uncertain, with experts divided on the potential outcomes. Republican strategist Mike Murphy believes that the current political climate, characterized by a lack of acceptance of impartial facts, makes it difficult to predict the consequences of the verdict. However, the verdict will undoubtedly be a pivotal moment in the race.
The case, which focuses on charges of falsifying financial records related to a hush-money payment made to a porn star, is the only one of Trump’s four indictments expected to conclude before Election Day. The gravity of the charges, including accusations of trying to thwart the peaceful transfer of power in 2020, adds to the significance of the trial.
As the trial nears its end, both the Trump and Biden campaigns are gearing up for the potential impact of the verdict. Trump’s team is prepared to fight against what they call the “Biden Trial Hoaxes,” while the Biden campaign has largely avoided direct commentary on the trial.
With the possibility of a guilty verdict looming, the country braces for a potential turning point in the political landscape. Whether Trump’s base will stand by him, or if swing voters and traditional Democratic constituencies will be swayed, remains to be seen. The outcome of the trial could have far-reaching implications for the upcoming election and the future of American politics.