VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — A jury convicted former president Donald Trump on 34 felony counts Thursday, related to “hush money” payments to adult film star Stormy Daniels. It’s the first time ever a former president has been convicted of a crime.
With the conviction comes questions about how Trump’s campaign will proceed and if the decision will affect results at the polls.
Virginia Wesleyan University associate professor of political science Dr. Leslie Caughell says this likely won’t change most voters’ opinions.
“This is obviously new ground we’re treading,” Caughell told 13News Now on Thursday. “For the most part you don’t expect a verdict, guilty or not guilty to change many people’s minds.”
However, Caughell explained, for undecided voters, this could have a big impact.
“Particularly for people in swing states, this could be very meaningful.”
This verdict could have an impact on Trump’s donors, said Caughell. She explained they may think twice about making political contributions if they could be used to pay legal fees.
She explained, “this case is going to continue to draw upon his campaign war chest. If you’re a donor, it might be more difficult to write a big check knowing you’re not just writing a check for a campaign donation.”
13News Now also talked to voters at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront Thursday evening. Supporters of Trump told us they’re still planning to vote for him.
“Everything they’re doing is to slander him and bring him down,” one man said.
Another explained, “if he was convicted violent criminal, it would be different, but this is a victimless crime.”
Meanwhile, those previously opposed to the former president said this only deepens their dislike of Trump.
One voter told us, “it’s embarrassing for Americans. Who wants someone like this representing us?”