Democrats have insisted that Donald Trump's "hush money" trial is about the law, rather than politics. But that facade could unravel in the coming days as President Biden prepares his response to the verdict.
According to Politico, the Biden camp has decided to exploit the trial's outcome to argue that his electoral opponent is unfit for office.
The move comes with risks for Biden, whom Trump has accused of leading a coordinated law enforcement "witch hunt" to derail Trump's 2024 campaign.
Biden intends to address the verdict from the White House to send a message that the trial has nothing to do with politics.
But this move could instead fuel the perception of an improper fusion between Biden's campaign and the power of government, which Trump says has been weaponized against him.
Biden has already taken numerous mocking swipes at Trump over his court obligations, which have interfered with his ability to campaign.
Using the verdict to attack Trump, without making it look political, will be a tough needle for Biden to thread.
If Trump is found guilty, Biden's campaign will refer to Trump as "convicted felon Donald Trump" on social media going forward.
If Trump is acquitted, Biden's circle is preparing to respond to Trump saying that he defeated a political witch hunt orchestrated by the White House. Some Democrats have urged Biden not to comment at all. They trust that a guilty verdict would do enough damage to Trump without Biden weighing in.
“I don’t think it’s important to rub it in,” said Rep. Don Beyer (D-Va.). “I don’t think anybody on our side should be reacting with glee. It just should be a tragedy that an American president has been convicted of real crimes.”
Biden's careful, secret deliberations are at odds with his party's talking points that Trump is facing a serious and impartial legal process untainted by politics. Biden plans to emphasize the rule of law regardless of the outcome, Politico said. By highlighting the verdict, Biden hopes to send the message that Trump is a chaotic figure.
“This is an important moment and the president first and foremost needs to stress that the American system works, even and especially in an election year,” said one of the four people granted anonymity to discuss the matter with Politico.
“And in a measured way, it becomes part of his argument against Trump too: Do Americans really want this?”
Closing arguments will be held Tuesday, and a verdict is possible this week.
