Politics as a Defense Tactic: The Question of Trump’s Presidential Run
It is impossible to know how concerned Donald Trump is about the possibility of going to prison for any of the crimes for which he has been charged.
He contends the “Left’s witch hunts” could land him in prison for a total of 561 years. This may be an exaggeration, but if he is found guilty in any of the three judicial cases he faces, he could very well receive a prison sentence.
Therefore, while Mr. Trump says almost nothing during his court appearances, he is vociferous when addressing the court of public opinion. Seeking a verdict from tens of millions of electors, rather than a jury of 12. Delivered at the voting booth, not in court.
Will Hurd, a lesser-known former congressman, was shouted off the stage at a Republican dinner in Iowa last week when he stated that the only reason Mr. Trump is running for president is to avoid prison. But is he entirely incorrect?
The former president has already intertwined his election campaign and legal issues.
He utilizes the allegations against him as a significant campaign platform. In speeches, he informs his supporters that he is being prosecuted because the establishment – or “deep state” – fears he will be re-elected president.
He sends fundraising emails with the following message: “If these illegal persecutions succeed, if they’re allowed to set fire to the law, then it will not stop with me. Their grip will close even tighter around YOU.”
And he has already spent at least $40 million (£31 million) in campaign contributions on legal fees.
Read Also: Twin Rare Supermoons to Illuminate August Nights
Trump Vows Unwavering Presidential Campaign Amidst Verdict and Incarceration Threats
Mr. Trump has made it plain that no verdict or sentence will prevent him from continuing his campaign. That he will continue to compete for president even if incarcerated.
And that, if elected, he will use the authority of his office to halt any ongoing prosecutions or pardon himself for any convictions.
However, attempting to avoid his legal troubles by standing for president will quickly become a scheduling nightmare.
Mr. Trump has already scheduled a campaign event in New Hampshire for the following week, a significant distance from the court hearing that will take place two days later in Florida.
He is not required to appear on that date to hear the additional allegations lodged against him in the case of the stolen classified White House documents.
However, when the trials begin in New York in March, Florida in May, and Washington at an unspecified date, he will be required to attend the proceedings in person.
Even for a candidate who has access to a private aircraft, it will be difficult to campaign while on trial.
So far, each indictment against Mr. Trump has boosted his popularity in the polls and strengthened his hold on the Republican Party.
It may be a different story when Mr. Trump is competing against Joe Biden in the general election, as opposed to his rivals for the Republican nomination.
And when daily evidence against Mr. Trump is presented in court.
Yet again, it is Mr. Trump who sets the terms of the debate.
And focusing solely on himself.
Who cares about economic policy debates when the Trump trial cavalcade is in town?
Read Also: Fox News Reacts Strongly to Donald Trump’s Arraignment, Cries ‘Political War Crimes’
Source: BBC