Colorado Supreme Court's Decision Boosts Trump's Political Standing
The recent decision by the Colorado Supreme Court to bar Donald Trump from the state's ballot is actually a political gift for the former president, according to political insiders from both parties.
While some Democrats fear that this decision could potentially benefit Trump in the upcoming November elections, Republican elected officials wasted no time in rallying around Trump and showing their support.
Even those Republican officials who have not officially endorsed Trump for the 2024 presidential nomination immediately spoke-up in response to the ruling.
Senator Thom Tillis introduced a bill aimed at preventing states from blocking presidential candidates from their ballots, while Florida Governor Ron DeSantis interpreted the decision as a Democratic attempt to aid Trump's campaign.
DeSantis expressed his concerns, stating, "They're doing all this stuff to basically solidify support in the primary for him, get him into the general, and the whole general election's going to be all this legal stuff." He further criticized the decision, calling it unfair and an abuse of power. However, he also acknowledged that this strategy might work and give President Joe Biden or the Democratic nominee an advantage in the general election.
The decision by the Colorado Supreme Court comes at a time when Trump is already facing criminal charges in multiple cases. Each indictment appears to solidify his political base and has allowed him to frame himself and fellow Republicans as victims of persecution by the Democrats in power. This narrative has resonated with Trump's supporters and has become a central argument for his political campaign.
One key question is whether this ruling will further strengthen Trump's narrative and resonate with swing voters if he advances to the general election.
During a recent speech at the University of New Hampshire, Trump argued, "You know, we talk about democracy, but the whole world is watching the persecution of a political opponent that’s kicking his ass," referring to President Biden.
Biden, on the other hand, has consistently portrayed Trump as a threat to democracy and used this message against Trump supporters in the 2022 midterms, which resulted in several GOP candidates losing their races. Now, some Democrats close to the president fear that the decision to bar Trump from the ballot in Colorado could flip the script and blunt Biden's message.
A source familiar with discussions involving senior White House and Biden campaign officials expressed their frustration, stating, "They're pissed." The decision makes it appear as if Colorado is attempting election interference through non-elected Democratic-appointed justices with funding from 'shady left-wing donors.'"
While the Supreme Court could potentially overturn the state court's ruling at any time, Trump is already reaping political rewards from this decision.
Shortly after the ruling, he sent out a fundraising pitch, and House Speaker Mike Johnson called the decision "a thinly veiled partisan attack" on Trump's candidacy.
Even one of Trump's rivals, Vivek Ramaswamy, pledged to withdraw from the Colorado primary ballot if Trump is not included, acknowledging that the ruling would likely boost Trump's poll numbers. The impact of the decision is not limited to Republicans, as Democratic strategist Chris Kofinis believes that it feeds into Trump's persecution complex and will likely strengthen him.
David Axelrod, a top adviser to former President Barack Obama, described Trump's courtroom challenges as "battery packs" on the GOP campaign trail.
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With Trump already holding significant leads over his Republican rivals in national and state-by-state polling, the Colorado decision further hampers his opponents' campaigns, depriving them of attention and time ahead of the crucial Iowa caucus.
Matt Gorman, a former top campaign aide to Senator Tim Scott, highlighted the importance of time and attention in the lead-up to the caucus, stating, "Instead of his opponents being able to contrast themselves with Trump, they're forced to rightly defend him."
This sentiment is echoed by Republican candidates who quickly responded publicly, taking Trump's side to avoid angering primary voters who view Trump as a victim of partisanship.
Former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley, while vowing to "beat him fair and square" regardless, emphasized the importance of not allowing judges to decide who can and cannot be on the ballot.