Biden primary challenger Dean Phillips claims hush money case against Trump has 'backfired', Internet calls it 'election interference'

WASHINGTON, DC: In a recent interview, Rep Dean Phillips, D-Minn., insisted that the New York criminal case against former President Donald Trump has had unintended consequences for Democrats who anticipated it would be their "salvation."

Speaking with CNN's Manu Raju, Phillips stated, "I think the New York cases, if anything, may have backfired against those who thought that it would be the salvation. But I don't think the New York cases are exactly what Democrats were hoping they would be."

Political and legal ramifications of Trump's hush money trial spark debate

The case in question involves Trump facing 34 counts of falsifying business records related to hush money payments made to adult film star Stormy Daniels prior to the 2016 election.

As the trial approaches its conclusion with closing arguments expected this week, the political implications of the case remain a hot topic of discussion.

Phillips, who launched an unsuccessful primary challenge against President Joe Biden last year, is not alone in his assessment. Raju interviewed several lawmakers to gauge their opinions on whether a potential acquittal might boost Trump politically. Legal experts have suggested that while a conviction is likely, it is by no means guaranteed.

Rep Jamie Raskin, D-Md, downplayed the potential impact of an acquittal on Trump's political fortunes, stating, "I don't really think so. I think, you know, Donald Trump's character is clear to the world."

Similarly, Sen Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn, highlighted the widespread awareness of Trump's alleged misconduct. "The broad centrist middle of the American people, I think, understand what he did and why it is so abhorrent," Blumenthal told CNN.

He also expressed frustration with the slow pace of legal proceedings, noting, "I'm already deeply disturbed that Donald Trump has succeeded in slow-walking one or more of those cases."

The prosecution's case against Trump revolves around demonstrating that he sanctioned the payments to Daniels and subsequently altered business records to hide them, all with the aim of safeguarding his 2016 presidential campaign.

Former US Acting Solicitor General Neal Katyal argued that the prosecution had a "common sense" case against Trump and predicted a high likelihood of conviction. "I suspect that it’s going to be successful," Katyal told host Jen Psaki on her MSNBC show on Sunday.

However, the potential ramifications of a conviction are complex. A guilty verdict would trigger an immediate appeal, potentially prolonging the legal battle. In the interim, Biden and other political opponents could use the conviction to label Trump a convicted felon on the campaign trail.

CNN's Sara Murray highlighted the challenges Democrats face if Trump is acquitted.

"Acquitted is the worst-case scenario for Democrats because then, it's the only trial you have and Donald Trump gets to go out there and say Joe Biden's prosecutors, which again, not true, came after me. His Department of Justice came after me and they still didn't convict me. I'm still innocent," Murray explained.

She also noted the possibility of a hung jury, which would leave Trump's fate to the voters.

Trump has consistently proclaimed his innocence, entering a plea of not guilty to all charges and refuting any involvement in an affair with Daniels. Conversely, the prosecution has concentrated on illustrating that Trump orchestrated the payments as a component of a larger scheme to ensure his election triumph.

Political analysts and pollsters suggest that the outcome of the trial may not significantly sway voters. According to a recent Quinnipiac University survey, 62% of registered voters indicated that a guilty verdict would not influence their vote for president. Only 15% said it would make them more likely to vote for Trump, while 21% said it would make them less likely.

Public opinion on the case is sharply divided. Fox News collected reactions from Americans across the country, with many dismissing the trial as a "total farce." Brad from Clovis, California, described it as a "kangaroo court," adding, "If it's not thrown out, I'd be shocked."

Phillips' comments set social media abuzz

Social media platforms have been buzzing with reactions to Rep. Phillips' comments.

"Dean Phillips let all the cats out of all the bags. 'Backfired against those that thought it would be the salvation.' Salvation of who, of what?" one posted on X.

"It's illegal to bring false charges against people just to keep them from winning the presidential election," another insisted.

"I’m so sick of the dems lying and going after Trump for the same things they do," someone else fumed.

"This is Election Interference from the Democrats!" a comment read.

"Many many democrats need to go to jail for what they've done to Trump," another chimed in.

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