In a stunning turn of events, former President Donald J. Trump was found guilty on all 34 counts in his hush-money trial in New York, setting off a wave of Democratic celebrations and Republican outrage. This verdict has handed President Biden a unique opportunity to shape the narrative of the upcoming 2024 election.
For over a year, President Biden has been framing the election as a choice between his leadership and a potential return to power by Mr. Trump, highlighting the former president’s actions that undermined democracy and the rule of law. Despite lagging in polls due to concerns about the economy and other issues, Mr. Trump’s conviction could be a game-changer in American politics.
The guilty verdict is expected to refocus attention on Mr. Trump, with Biden’s allies already labeling him as a felon. Governor J.B. Pritzker of Illinois called Trump a “racist, homophobe, grifter, and threat to the country,” adding the title of felon to the list. While President Biden has remained relatively silent on the matter, his campaign is gearing up to use the conviction as a central theme in the upcoming election.
Democratic groups wasted no time in capitalizing on the verdict, with MoveOn distributing “Trump is a felon” stickers and allies of the president emphasizing the criminal nature of Trump’s actions. The political fallout remains uncertain, with debates among operatives about the impact on voters and the potential for increased Republican turnout in response to the conviction.
As the dust settles on this landmark trial, the focus now shifts to how President Biden and his campaign will leverage this opportunity to shape the narrative of the 2024 election. With the stakes higher than ever, the outcome of this trial could have far-reaching implications for the future of American politics.