There are lots of ways to run a presidential campaign. William McKinley ran his 1896 campaign from his front porch. Biden’s 2020 campaign rarely left his basement. Plenty of incumbents have stayed in the Rose Garden. What kind of campaign is Trump running in 2024?
A courtroom campaign, of course. Trump has concluded that his martyrdom narrative works best if he shows up at his hearings, whether he is legally required to do so or not. The base obviously loves it, and it has clearly solidified his support with the GOP electorate during the primaries. But will it work in a general election?
Most Americans–the reactionary base excluded– want to hear what the presidential candidates plan to do to help them over the next four years. The martyrdom narrative doesn’t help with that. In addition, any discussion about Trump’s criminal activities isn’t going to win over swing voters. The courtroom campaign is not a viable option for November.