Trump's GOP Rivals Grapple With Strategy As His Legal Woes Dominate 2024 Presidential Contest
Huff PostLOADING ERROR LOADING BEDMINSTER, N.J. — Just last week, former Vice President Mike Pence said he hoped federal prosecutors would not bring charges against former President Donald Trump. Trump’s Republican opponents privately concede that the former president’s considerable political strength is likely to grow stronger, at least in the short term, as GOP voters, key officials and conservative media leaders rally around him. “People absolutely love this president, and I believe his base is going to turn out.” FILE - Former President Donald Trump gestures after speaking at Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, N.J., June 13, 2023, after pleading not guilty in a Miami courtroom earlier in the day to dozens of felony counts that he hoarded classified documents and refused government demands to give them back. “That tells us that many Republicans are ready to move on — they just need to see another candidate step up and show they can lead and win.” Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley gestures while addressing a breakfast gathering at Saint Anselm College, Wednesday, May 24, 2023, in Manchester, N.H. via Associated Press So far, Trump’s rivals are still trying to find their footing as the former president commands a big lead in early Republican primary polls. “His words have set the standard.” Veteran Republican strategist Ari Fleischer warned that it would take time to understand the political impact of Trump’s growing legal challenges.