Former US president Donald Trump has pleaded not guilty to 34 felony counts in a Manhattan courtroom relating to alleged misconduct during his time in the white House.
But with prosecutors asking for a US spring, 2024 trial – this could have serious implications on Trump’s candidacy in the next presidential election.
Nine News political editor Charles Croucher said a Trump trial so close to the election “would dominate everything”.
“A January trial would suck all the oxygen from the Republican primary battle,” Croucher said.
“Regardless of how many candidates there are the Iowa caucus is on January 5, it would take away from the debates.
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“Then it is New Hampshire, then it’s South Carolina, then it’s Nevada and Super Tuesday – this happens quickly and this will dominate everything and other candidates who have to pick a side.”
Croucher asked who will be willing to vote for a twice-impeached, at least once indicted president.
“It could be twice, three, four times indicted president by that stage,” he said.
Whatever the outcome, Croucher said Trump will likely still have the backing of his core supporters seen at Mar-A-Lago but whether those at campaign rallies or general electors will go with him remains to be seen.
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