Trump's Criminal Case and Campaign: A Risky Bet

Former President Donald Trump is blurring the lines between his legal defense and his presidential campaign, betting that he can sway public opinion to bolster his legal case and generate enthusiasm and campaign contributions from his supporters. Trump's legal calculation is that his pressure campaign against the Manhattan district attorney will lead to his acquittal and deter other prosecutors from seeking additional indictments. Politically, Trump's strategy is to paint himself as a victim of Democratic persecution, generating sympathy and goodwill to aid his campaign for a third consecutive Republican presidential nomination.