President Joe Biden criticized Donald Trump’s claims of a biased legal system, calling them reckless and dangerous. Biden highlighted the importance of the U.S. legal system and emphasized that no one is above the law. This condemnation came after Trump’s nearly three dozen felony convictions injected uncertainty into the presidential campaign. Biden’s denunciation was a significant shift in rhetoric, as he had previously avoided commenting on Trump’s legal troubles to avoid politicizing the prosecutions. The convictions stem from a hush money case related to the 2016 election.
As the trial in New York unfolded, Biden campaign aides began to address Trump’s legal issues, releasing statements and showing up at the Manhattan trial with actor Robert De Niro. While the campaign is not entirely shifting its focus to Trump’s convictions, they believe it aligns with their narrative that Trump prioritizes himself over ordinary Americans. Democrats see Trump’s convictions as evidence of his disregard for democracy, further supporting their arguments against him. The campaign hopes that the convictions will resonate with voters who may not have paid attention to the campaign or those who disdain Trump but find it hard to vote for a Democrat.
The Biden campaign acknowledges that the impact of Trump’s convictions on the election is uncertain. In response to the verdict, the campaign sent out fundraising emails emphasizing the importance of defeating Trump through the ballot box. They highlighted the stakes of the election, urging supporters to focus on democracy, personal rights, and the future of the economy. While the talking points emphasized that Trump will be the Republican nominee for president, they also criticized his behavior and urged voters to consider the issues that impact their lives.
Some Democrats are urging the Biden campaign to more aggressively seize on Trump’s criminal record, arguing that voters need to understand that a convicted felon is running for president. Despite the new developments, Trump remained defiant, declaring himself a “political prisoner” in a fundraising email. Biden did not directly respond to Trump’s claims but emphasized that the Manhattan trial was a state case, not a federal case. The Biden campaign is focusing on highlighting the differences between Biden’s platform and Trump’s behavior, urging voters to consider the impact of their choices on their lives and the country’s future.
