Indicted April 4 on 34 felonies related to illegal hush money payments to adult film actress Stormy Daniels AKA Stephanie Clifford, NBC’s “Meet the Press” host Chuck Todd wondered how many more legal problems can Trump take. Running for President since Nov. 15, 2022, Trump faces more potential charges related to the 2020 presidential election, the Department of Justice probe into Jan. 6 Capitol riots and classified documents found during an Aug. 8, 2022 raid on his Mar-a-Lago residence. “[Trump] is so consistent in some ways in that you can’t help but wonder, is it why it’s been about to blunt the impact so far?” asked Todd. Todd marvels at how Trump continues unscathed by all his mounting legal problems. Whether Trump is really unscathed is anyone’s guess, considering he has little control know over whether more charges will follow soon.
If Todd really wants to talk about why Trump’s base could care less about his current legal troubles, Todd needs to look no further that how he reported for at least four years on the Russian hoax, endless broadcast and print stories about Trump’s alleged ties to the Kremlin. Trump was eviscerated by the constant drip of unfounded accusations in the broadcast and print press all due to former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton’ bogus opposition research AKA the Steele dossier. Former CIA Director John Brennan, the late Sen. John McCain (R-Ax.) and former FBI Director James Comey used Hillary’s fake dossier to investigate Trump and his 2016 campaign. Once Trump won the presidency Nov. 3, 2016, it didn’t stop Democrats and media from persecuting him with fraudulent accusations during his presidency. Todd gave countless broadcast reports about Trump’s alleged ties to Moscow.
So, if Todd really wants to know why Trump’s loyal following pays little attention to current indictments, it has to do with the fake charges over the years. Why would Trump’s base think any of today’s charges are legitimate? “Now, that said . . .it’s one thin to sort of survive what he’s dealing with in the two New York courtrooms . . .when you throw in Fulton County, if you throw in the federal government and the classified documents, there is a point where you have to ask, you know, ‘How much is too much?’” Todd asked. Whether any of the charges are legit or not, Todd does have a point that Trump’s becoming more radioactive by the day. Trump’s GOP rivals, like Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, are well-aware that as Trump’s legal problems mount, he’s going to be forced to drop out of the 2024 race. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) said today, Biden should win the 2024 race by a landslide.
Sanders has no crystal ball but you don’t have to be a psychic to figure on that the GOP needs to move away from Trump if they have any shot of winning the 2024 election. Most Republicans wants to take back the White House, not watch the GOP implode because of infighting, something once decried by President Ronald Reagan. Reagan’s first rule was not to attack fellow Republicans. Todd is right that Trump’s mounting legal woes will eventually affect his viability for the 2024 race. If Atty. Gen. Merrick Garland and his Special Counsel Jack Smith file charges against Trump for Jan. 6 or Mar-a-Lago classified docs, you can toss Trump 2024 to the wind. Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg’s case against Trump looks tenuous at best. But if Garland decides to file charges against Trump, it could spell doom for his campaign, injecting DeSantis with instant adrenalin.
Whatever recent polls show about the GOP field, including the recent Emerson College Poll that shows Trump beating DeSantis by 45%, it could all change in a heartbeat if another indictment happens. Todd can’t figure out how Trump’s base continues its loyalty with Trump’s mounting legal problems. Todd contributed to the fake Russian collusion allegations, reporting on fake news stories bout Trump over the last six years. Unable to admit he contributed to the fake news about Trump, Todd pretends he doesn’t know how Trump’s base keeps hanging around. No one thinks that another indictment wouldn’t impact Trump 2024 run. Sanders thinks that Biden could win by a landslide in 2024. It’s possible he’ll also lose a close election because recent polls show that 51% of Democrats don’t want Biden running in 2024, primarily because of his failed domestic and foreign policy.
Everything could change abruptly for the GOP 2024 presidential race when DeSanits announces his run in next few weeks. Until now, polls show Trump the frontrunner largely because other possible candidates like former New Jersey Gov. Chris Chrsistie or former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson have virtually no appeal to voters. DeSantis has the youth-and-charisma needed to give Trump as real run in 2024, assuming he’s not forced to drop out because of another indictment. Whether admitted or not by Democrats, DeSantis has the youthful vigor needed to develop a Pied Piper appeal with independents, looking for an alternative to Biden. Todd should confess he was part of the fake news for years making up phony stories about Trump’s alleged ties to the Kremlin. If Trump faces a DOJ indictment, look for his poll numbers to fall quickly, giving DeSantis a real opening.
About the Author
John M. Curtis writes politically neutral commentary analyzing spin in national and global news. He’s editor of OnlineColumnist.com and author of Dodging The Bullet and Operation Charisma.
