The political spotlight of a presidential election shifts from the criminal trial of a former president to a sitting president’s son, as Hunter Biden faces federal gun charges. President Biden is expected to issue an executive action limiting asylum at the southern border in an effort to counter Trump’s advantage on immigration. Democrats will also highlight extreme right-wing policies on abortion as the campaign heats up before the first presidential debate.
The guilty verdict in Trump’s hush money trial raises questions about the impact on the upcoming election, with polls showing Americans believing the verdict was right. Republican support for Trump despite his conviction signifies a turning point where the party appears to disregard the rule of law. Trump’s claims of being a victim of ‘weaponization’ and ‘dangerous’ political persecution are met with skepticism, as Democrats reject the notion that he could not get a fair trial in New York.
Hunter Biden’s trial on federal gun charges, set to begin, could counter claims of partisan prosecution by the GOP, especially as a Democratic senator is also on trial in New York. The trial comes after the president’s son pleaded not guilty and has been shown support by his father. Democrats are trying to use Trump’s conviction to win over independent and moderate voters, while also highlighting Republican policies on abortion. The broader campaign message focuses on issues like housing costs and high prices, contrasting with Trump’s economic message.
Trump’s absence from the campaign trail due to the trial has not diminished his supporters’ enthusiasm, as he plans to embark on a fundraising swing. While Trump emphasizes economic issues and criticizes Biden’s policies, Democrats are focused on stressing the importance of Trump’s conviction and autocratic rhetoric, as well as their own agenda. The economic argument between the two campaigns is emerging as a key factor in the upcoming election, indicating that Trump’s legal challenges may not be the deciding factor in the end. As the campaign intensifies, both parties are strategizing to win over voters and gain momentum in the lead-up to the election.
