Biden skewered as his campaign mulls 'Convicted Felon Donald Trump' nickname ahead of hush money verdict

WASHINGTON, DC: President Joe Biden is set to address the nation following the verdict in former President Donald Trump’s hush money case.

Biden’s response, which will come from the White House, aims to underscore the non-political nature of his statement, according to sources from Politico. The impending verdict has intensified political tensions, with both Biden’s and Trump’s teams preparing for all possible outcomes.

Historic hush money case nears conclusion

The trial, which has been ongoing for over a month, is in its final stages. Closing arguments are scheduled for Tuesday, and the jury could begin deliberations as early as Wednesday, May 29.

The case centers on allegations that Trump and his former lawyer, Michael Cohen, orchestrated a cover-up involving a hush money payment to porn actor Stormy Daniels ahead of the 2016 presidential election. Daniels claims she had an affair with Trump in 2006, an allegation Trump denies.

Trump faces 34 felony charges related to falsifying business records tied to the payment. His defense has consistently argued that the prosecution’s key witnesses, Cohen and Daniels, lack credibility.

Moreover, Trump's lawyers maintain that hush money payments are not inherently illegal and that Trump’s primary concern was avoiding embarrassment for his wife, Melania.

Thus far, President Biden has refrained from commenting on the trial. However, his administration has planned a carefully worded statement to follow the jury’s decision. The president’s team intends to highlight the importance of the judicial process and the rule of law, regardless of the outcome.

Biden campaign mulling new nickname for Trump

If Trump is convicted, Biden's campaign is prepared to leverage the verdict as evidence of Trump’s unsuitability for office. One strategy under consideration is to refer to Trump as "Convicted Felon Donald Trump" in campaign communications, a tactic aimed at provoking Trump and his supporters.

A conviction, however, does not necessarily mean jail time; it could result in a fine, probation, or a jail sentence, with Trump expected to appeal any conviction.

In the event of an acquittal or a hung jury, Biden’s team anticipates a strong counterattack from Trump, who would likely claim vindication from what he has repeatedly termed a political witch hunt.

The trial’s verdict is expected to have significant repercussions for both Biden and Trump as the 2024 presidential campaign heats up. Biden's cautious approach is partly influenced by his son Hunter’s legal troubles. Hunter Biden is set to face his own trial in Delaware on June 3 for gun charges, and he also faces nine tax-related charges.

President Biden has deliberately kept his distance from both trials to avoid any appearance of interference.

Political analysts suggest that the Trump trial may not significantly impact voter behavior.

According to a CBS News/YouGov poll, approximately three-quarters of Americans are aware of the trial, but opinions on Trump’s guilt are evenly divided. Similarly, a PBS Newshour/NPR/Marist poll indicated that 55 percent of Americans are not closely following the case.

Biden faces backlash online

The potential for Biden’s campaign to adopt a new nickname for Trump has already sparked quite a backlash on social media. Critics defended Trump vehemently, alleging bias and double standards, particularly in light of Hunter Biden’s legal issues.

"They had the nickname before the trial. This was the whole point," one posted on X.

"The only felon I see is Biden along with Hunter! He makes Trump look like a SAINT," another wrote.

"Biden is the felon, nothing says predetermined outcome like announcing you're giving a speech after verdict before closing arguments even happen, feeble-minded fascist dictator," someone else alleged.

"Everyone with a brain can see through the lawfare/election interference. I just hope that those who are involved in it don’t cry when they are arrested next year," a comment read.

"All of this has been carefully & craft-fully planned! ALL PLANNED just like the 2020 election, January 6th, the Russia hoax, the unconstitutional Mar-A-Lago raid.. on & on," another insisted.

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