CNN's Sara Murray believes a not-guilty verdict in the former president's criminal trial would provide a major boost to his political aspirations and undermine the Democrats' chances of retaining power.
A CNN reporter has sounded the alarm, cautioning that a verdict of not guilty in Donald Trump's criminal trial in New York would severely damage the Democratic Party's prospects in the upcoming election. According to CNN political correspondent Sara Murray, an acquittal would be the "worst-case scenario" for Democrats, boosting Trump's chances of victory over President Biden in the tight race.
Murray explained that a Trump acquittal would allow him to portray himself as a victim of political persecution, undermining the legitimacy of prosecutors and the Department of Justice. She argued that the former president could use this narrative to rally his base and sway undecided voters.
Legal analysts on MSNBC, however, expressed confidence in a guilty verdict. Anti-Trump attorney George Conway asserted that the evidence against Trump is overwhelming and that the jury would find it difficult to acquit him. Former U.S. Acting Solicitor General Neal Katyal echoed this view, predicting a high likelihood of conviction.
The case against Trump revolves around hush money payments made by his former lawyer, Michael Cohen, to adult film actress Stormy Daniels in 2016. The prosecution alleges that Trump authorized these payments and covered them up to conceal an alleged affair with Daniels and protect his 2016 election hopes. Trump has pleaded not guilty and denies any wrongdoing.
Democratic and Republican pollsters believe that a conviction or acquittal is unlikely to sway voters, as they have already formed strong opinions about the two candidates. However, Murray maintains that an acquittal could be a game-changer for Trump, energizing his base and appealing to undecided voters.
Americans from across the country have expressed mixed views on the trial. Some, like Brad from Clovis, California, believe it is a "kangaroo court" and that Trump will be acquitted. Others are more skeptical of Trump's innocence.
The jury is expected to deliver closing arguments on Tuesday, leaving the nation in suspense as it awaits the verdict. An acquittal could have profound implications for the Democratic Party and American politics as a whole, while a conviction could further divide the country and set the stage for a highly contentious election.
