Democrats have a strategy for handling the federal indictment of Donald Trump on charges related to his mishandling of classified materials.
It would be easy enough to blanket the airwaves with attack ads, given the seriousness of the allegations, but Democrats for now aren't politicizing the prosecution and are waiting for Republicans to finally turn on the twice-impeached, twice-indicted former president, reported The Daily Beast.
“Their entire brand was premised on the idea that they’re ‘tough on crime’ but now they’re running behind a standard-bearer who is indicted for obstruction of justice,” said Democratic strategist Jesse Ferguson. “How long before they have to run an ‘I’m not a crook’ ad?”
President Joe Biden has consistently avoided comment on special counsel Jack Smith's work and has denied speaking to attorney general Merrick Garland about the case, and few Democratic lawmakers or politicians have publicly spoken about the indictment, which aligns with the stance laid out by the Democratic National Committee.
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“The calculus everyone is making right now is: Shut the f*ck up, let the Republicans kill each other, let things play out while we focus on Biden’s accomplishments and economic wins—and let that in itself be the contrast,” said one Democratic strategist. “It’s like when your ex is a gambling addict or doing coke — you let everyone see it. You don’t have to beat them when they’re down. You just have to look hot and post bikini photos.”
Some of Trump's GOP challengers have attacked him over the federal charges, while many Republicans have defended his conduct, and Democrats are hoping that highlights the party's extremism.
“I don’t think the indictments themselves will settle the election, but the reaction to them from Trump and his supporters attacking law enforcement will be used to further the narrative about the extremism and anti-democratic tendencies of the MAGA Republicans,” said Democratic operative David Brock.
