Democrats ready to charge ahead as possible Trump indictment looms

Despite their reputation for hand-wringing, Democratic party strategists are not showing signs of concern about a possible indictment of former President Donald Trump. The Grand Jury in New York state may issue an indictment against Trump for allegedly covering up hush money payments to porn star Stormy Daniels made by his personal lawyer, Michael Cohen, in 2016, in exchange for her silence about their alleged affair. Democrats are concerned that if such an indictment is issued, it may overshadow or jeopardize other investigations being conducted by federal authorities and state prosecutors in Georgia, specifically the inquiries into his efforts to overturn the 2020 election and the January 6 attack on the Capitol.

Some Democrats are expressing disappointment that Trump is not likely to be indicted first on a more serious charge involving his attempts to carry out a coup and destabilize democracy. However, other party strategists argue that an indictment for the hush money payments would only enhance Trump’s standing among his base, but would also confirm his amorality among the rational Republicans and independent voters who cost him his re-election, especially suburban and college-educated women.

There is disagreement amongst Democratic strategists on whether or not it is helpful to speculate about the politics of the Trump investigations. One strategist emphasized that regardless of the order in which the cases are filed, it is essential that they are done based on strong evidence and by the book. Another strategist insistently criticized the Republicans for amplifying Trump’s claims that the New York prosecutors are politically motivated or for keeping quiet after the ex-president encouraged protests. This strategist added that no person is above the law, and if the evidence supports an indictment, then he should be indicted.

The Third Way think tank co-founder and Clinton administration alumnus, Matt Bennett, stated that it is profound un-American to claim that someone is above the law, except for their favorite strongman. Meanwhile, Christopher Hahn, a former Chuck Schumer aide and host of the Aggressive Progressive podcast, expressed his lack of concern about any New York indictment.

It remains to be seen what the outcome of the investigation will be, but Democrats are getting ready for the issuance of an indictment.