MINNEAPOLIS— In five months, Minnesotans will join the rest of the country at the polls to vote for the next president.
But how will the former president Donald Trump’s criminal conviction influence votes?
A poll taken after the guilty verdicts in New York shows that Mr Trump is statistically close to President Biden, with Mr Trump leading at 44% compared to Mr Biden’s 43%. It’s the same result the poll produced when voters were surveyed before the verdict.
However, some polls conducted after the verdict indicate that a conviction will reduce Trump’s support. A Reuters/IPSOS poll shows that 10% of Trump supporters say they are now less likely to vote for him.
Trump can still run for president as a convicted felon, but if elected he may be unable to make state visits due to probation conditions.
“There are several countries in the world, including Britain and Canada, that do not allow convicted criminals into their countries,” said political analyst and Hamline professor David Schultz.
Meanwhile, Larry Jacobs, a political analyst and professor of politics at the University of Minnesota’s Humphrey School of Public Affairs, says the purse strings continue to overshadow the former president’s legal troubles.
“If you’re convicted of a crime and you still have 85 or 90% supporting your party, that shows you’re going to be pretty strong in the general election,” Jacobs said.
Democratic strategist Abou Amara says it will come down to this question for voters.
“It’s really about: Can we get a convicted felon in the White House, or should we get four more years?” Amara said.
Talking Points is broadcast live every Wednesday and Thursday at 6:30 PM and 9:30 PM CBS News Minnesota.
NOTE: Above is an example of Talking Points presented on “The 4.”
Esme Murphy
