Former fixer Michael Cohen is set to testify in the trial involving a hush money payment made by Donald Trump to an adult film star and efforts to cover it up. Trump’s lawyer has been grilling Cohen, trying to undermine his credibility and portray him as obsessed with taking down the ex-president. The trial is moving quickly towards a climax that could impact the upcoming election.
There are two key strategic questions remaining in the trial: whether Trump will testify, and how many witnesses the defense will call. The outcome of the trial will determine whether a major political party will nominate a convicted felon for president for the first time in history. The trial has significant implications given the accused’s former status as president and his potential to win back the White House.
The sudden scheduling of presidential debates before either party has officially nominated their candidate is a notable development in the election cycle. Biden has accepted two debate invitations, setting the stage for him to face off against Trump. This could be a risky move for Biden, who could be criticized for his age or giving legitimacy to Trump, who has been indicted. However, Trump may have set a low bar for himself that could allow Biden to outperform expectations.
The Supreme Court’s upcoming decision on Trump’s immunity claims could also have a significant impact on the campaign. If the court delays his trial until after the election, it could shift the focus of the election away from Trump’s legal issues. Trump’s lawyers have been working to delay his trials until after the election to potentially give him a chance at returning to power and halting federal trials against him. This raises the possibility of a different political landscape in the lead-up to the election.
The outcome of the hush money trial could influence undecided voters in swing states. A guilty verdict or acquittal could sway opinions of Trump, especially among Republicans. While some polling suggests Republicans may hesitate to support Trump if he is a convicted felon, the hush money case is seen as less serious compared to other legal issues he faces. The trial is also being portrayed as politically motivated by Trump and his supporters, potentially as a way to counteract a possible conviction. As the trial nears its conclusion, other factors that could determine the election are also coming into play.
