Biden Campaign Stays Focused on Key Issues Amid Trump’s Trial Outcome Uncertainty
As President Joe Biden’s campaign remains steadfast on abortion rights and democracy, the impact of Trump’s trial verdict on the 2024 election campaigns is under scrutiny. The Democratic strategy is poised to maintain its focus on critical issues regardless of Trump’s conviction or acquittal, with potential messaging adjustments in the event of a guilty verdict.
Trump’s New York Trial Verdict Could Impact 2024 Election Campaigns
May 28, 2024, 12:04 p.m. ET
As President Joe Biden’s reelection campaign waits for a potential verdict in former President Donald J. Trump’s criminal case in Manhattan, a strategic decision has been made to stick with their primary campaign issues: abortion rights and democracy, regardless of the outcome. The Biden campaign may not substantially change its approach, even if Trump is convicted, viewing it as potentially altering voter perceptions minimally.
On Tuesday, Biden’s campaign held a news conference outside the Manhattan courthouse, featuring speakers like Robert De Niro and former U.S. Capitol Police officers, who focused on Trump’s attempts to overturn the 2020 election and his involvement in the Capitol riot rather than the trial itself.
If Trump is acquitted or there is a hung jury, the Democratic strategy will focus on quickly moving past the event while maintaining attention on critical issues such as democracy and women’s rights. However, should Trump be convicted, subtle reminders may feature more prominently in their messaging. Internally, there have been discussions about referring to Trump as “convicted felon Donald Trump” on social media.
The Biden campaign sees limited evidence that a guilty verdict significantly reshapes the presidential race and aims to avoid reinforcing Trump’s narrative of victimhood. Biden has kept comments about Trump’s legal matters light, reserving direct statements for non-legal matters.
Despite conforming to a reserved approach, Biden’s campaign has recently intensified personal attacks. Doug Emhoff, Vice President Kamala Harris’s husband, labeled Trump a “known antisemite,” and Robert De Niro narrated a campaign ad criticizing Trump for his actions post-2020 election loss.
Polling indicates ambiguous impacts of a conviction on voter behavior, with a Quinnipiac University poll showing minimal change in Trump support among Republicans. Still, 23% of independents reported they would be less likely to back him post-conviction.
Democrats like Representative Robert Garcia argue that a Trump conviction should significantly factor into the campaign narrative. The Lincoln Project plans to capitalize on any conviction with targeted advertisements, highlighting Trump’s criminal status in key battlegrounds.
Notably, a potential Trump victory in the 2024 election could disrupt the progress of other legal cases against him, a concern for many Democrats. Legal experts rate the Manhattan case as the least serious amongst pending charges.
Harris Visits D.C. Farmer’s Market
Vice President Kamala Harris visited the DuPont Circle Farmers Market, where she was shown a whiskey bottle with her face on the label. The whiskey, named “MADAM,” was produced by Republic Restoratives distillery in honor of her vice presidency. The limited edition blended whiskey, first released in 2021, remains available for purchase.
Harris’s visit over the Memorial Day weekend saw positive interactions with the public, with Harris remaining consistent in her preference for promoting local businesses.
Co-founded by Pia Carusone, Republic Restoratives is known for its political stance and producing politically themed alcohol like “Rodham” Rye Whiskey and “I’m Speaking” Rye whiskey, celebrating significant female political figures.
Conclusion
The Biden campaign is cautiously optimistic that its strategic focus will resonate more with voters despite the outcome of Trump’s trial. The Manhattan case represents potential pivotal moments in American politics, especially with the historical aspects of a convicted former president running for office.