As former President Donald J. Trump is now a convicted criminal, the Democratic Party is faced with a crucial decision that will shape this year’s presidential race: Should they bring his felonies to the forefront of the election?
The path Democrats choose could not only impact President Biden’s prospects but also, they argue, the future of American democracy. Many Democrats view a vengeful Mr. Trump as a significant threat to the nation and are torn between celebrating his conviction and worrying about his ability to survive yet another political crisis.
Interviews conducted with over 50 Democrats post-verdict, including current and former lawmakers, party officials, and strategists, reveal a party eager to highlight Mr. Trump’s disqualification due to his conviction while also concerned that President Biden may not aggressively push this narrative.
Former Representative Beto O’Rourke of Texas, a Democrat who ran for the presidential nomination in 2020, emphasized the importance of reminding voters that Donald Trump is now a convicted felon and underlined the unprecedented nature of this development.
While Democrats urge President Biden to capitalize on Mr. Trump’s felonies, there is a range of opinions on how prominently to feature them in the campaign.
President Biden has adopted a cautious approach, addressing Mr. Trump’s legal troubles carefully while escalating his campaign’s rhetoric. A recent statement from his campaign referred to “Convicted Felon Donald Trump” for the first time.
Despite this, President Biden refrained from inflaming accusations of orchestrating Mr. Trump’s legal woes and maintained a measured tone in his remarks on the conviction, emphasizing the strength of the judicial system and distancing himself from the prosecution.
Senator Jon Ossoff of Georgia was less reserved, characterizing Trump as an aspiring tyrant who prioritizes ruling over leading the country.
The impact of Mr. Trump’s conviction on the 2024 campaign remains uncertain, but Democrats hope it will resonate with voters who have grown disillusioned with the political landscape.
Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts highlighted the contrast between Trump’s deceitful and chaotic approach and Biden’s efforts to build a better future for all Americans.
Despite varying pre-verdict polling results, Democrats believe the conviction could shift perceptions of Mr. Trump among voters, particularly independents and younger demographics.
Representative Pramila Jayapal of Washington State expressed surprise at the jury’s unanimous verdict, acknowledging Trump’s history of evading consequences.
Internal polling from the Biden campaign suggests that the conviction may resonate strongly with less engaged voters, such as younger individuals and those without college degrees, who are crucial to Biden’s electoral success.
President Biden’s messaging post-conviction emphasizes the rule of law and the jury’s impartiality, with campaign aides prioritizing issues like abortion rights, democracy, and the economy as central themes.
Democratic strategist James Carville advised President Biden to maintain a patriotic rather than partisan tone in addressing the conviction.
Mr. Biden’s succinct message on his campaign account, “No one is above the law,” underscores his commitment to upholding justice.
Democrats are divided on how to leverage Mr. Trump’s felon status in the upcoming campaign, with some aggressively highlighting it while others caution against overly partisan attacks.
House Majority PAC and other Democratic groups have sought to tie Republican incumbents to Mr. Trump’s criminality, framing them as supporters of crime.
The outcome of the 2024 election remains uncertain, but Democrats are buoyed by the potential impact of Mr. Trump’s conviction on voter sentiment, particularly in battleground states.
Faiz Shakir, who managed Senator Bernie Sanders’s campaign, noted a renewed energy in the anti-Trump movement following the conviction.
Democratic National Committee members offer varied advice to President Biden, suggesting strategies to appeal to diverse voter groups and capitalize on Mr. Trump’s conviction.
While Democrats are cautiously optimistic about President Biden’s re-election prospects post-conviction, lingering concerns from the 2016 election persist.
Democrats in battleground states acknowledge the challenge of convincing disengaged voters to reassess their views based on Mr. Trump’s conviction, highlighting the need for targeted messaging and outreach efforts.
Despite a surge in Republican fundraising post-conviction, Democrats remain focused on leveraging Mr. Trump’s tarnished reputation in the upcoming election.
As Democrats navigate the road to the 2024 election, they are bolstered by the prospect of facing a convicted felon in Donald Trump, offering a renewed sense of optimism for the campaign ahead.
While uncertainties persist, Democrats are energized by the opportunity to challenge Mr. Trump’s candidacy and reinforce their commitment to upholding the rule of law.
