A focus group of likely voters following former President Trump’s conviction revealed a stark divide, with many expressing strong support for Trump, admiring his willingness to break the law to defend their views.
The group, featuring 11 voters who previously supported Trump, discussed the impact of Trump’s conviction and how it influences their voting intentions. Despite the historic verdict, many said it wouldn’t sway their decisions for the November election.
Participants were split on the significance of Trump’s guilty verdict in the New York trial, which made him the first-ever former president convicted of a crime. While some were torn, others remained staunchly in his camp.
“Inflation, the economy, immigration, and abortion were cited as the ultimate determinants of their votes,” the Times notes.
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James, a 53-year-old from Iowa, argued, “They’ve been going after Trump since 2016. Democracy is about the will of the people. I don’t think most people wanted him prosecuted on these charges.” He questioned the jury’s decision to convict Trump.
Jonathan, 37, from Florida, passionately defended Trump, saying, “You have to remember why Trump is the choice of millions. His supporters don’t hold him to the same ethical standards. He’s the antihero, the Soprano, the ‘Breaking Bad,’ the guy who does bad things on behalf of the people he represents.”
Hilary, 55, a social worker from California who voted for Trump in 2016, refused to vote for a convicted felon but expressed reluctance to support Biden. This sentiment was echoed by others in the group.
“Trump is not a moral compass for many of his supporters. He’s the bad guy that’ll do things on their behalf,” she told The New York Times. Despite her concerns about Biden, she added, “I can envision voting for Biden and then needing a very stiff drink.”
Hillary, struggling with her decision, said, “I can’t imagine voting for Trump. Kennedy is a nonfactor, and Biden’s — oof. Got to love it.”
Frank, a 65-year-old from Arizona, remarked, “The more I see Trump dealing with this, the less confident I am in him. A president needs integrity and ethics. I’m leaning toward Biden, even though I don’t like him either.”
The focus group showed a common concern for the state of American democracy following the verdict.
“It’s on a dangerous road,” said Jorge, a 52-year-old from California.
“Absolute hyperbolic chaos,” replied Logan, a 31-year-old lawyer from Oklahoma.
Many participants still had reservations about supporting a specific candidate. Jonathan emphasized the importance of the economy, stating, “As an independent, my No. 1 factor is economics. Under Biden, I make more money, but under Trump, my money was worth more. I’m waiting to see who Trump chooses as his vice president.”
John, 58, from Pennsylvania, said the verdict turned him away from Biden. “Biden now is off the table. He looks ungracious and incredibly weak. Many undecideds might run to Robert Kennedy Jr.”
Reflecting on Trump’s first impeachment, John added, “I was highly critical of Trump in 2019. He lost my vote then, but I expected more from Biden. This verdict seems to energize Trump supporters, maybe lighting a fire in them.”
Shantel, 33, from California, predicted a Trump victory despite leaning toward Biden. “I see more people leaning toward Trump as time goes on. This verdict might energize them,” she said.
