Special Poll
According to a new Harvard CAPS-Harris poll reported by The Hill, more than half of the voters believe former President Trump has committed crimes for which he should be convicted. The poll reveals that 55 percent of voters suspect Trump of criminal activities, coinciding with the initial trial of four criminal indictments against him in New York.
Moreover, 53 percent of those surveyed believe that Trump’s legal challenges render him an unsuitable candidate for the presidency, despite his current campaign for a return to the White House. Conversely, 57 percent perceive the legal actions against him as “lawfare,” suggesting a tactic by Democrats to eliminate a political adversary using the judicial system. However, 43 percent view these prosecutions as fair and non-political.
The poll also indicates a split in perceptions of Trump’s future legal outcomes: 49 percent of respondents think he will be convicted of crimes, while 51 percent believe he will not.
The ongoing trial in Manhattan addresses accusations of falsified business records linked to a payment made by Trump’s former lawyer, Michael Cohen, to adult film actress Stormy Daniels during the 2016 election. According to the poll, 51 percent think the hush money case is justified based on actual crimes, whereas 49 percent argue it is an attempt to block his presidential race.
Trump is also facing legal scrutiny over his handling of classified documents and his conduct related to the transfer of power following President Biden’s 2020 election victory.
Mark Penn, co-director of the Harvard CAPS-Harris poll, commented, “Voters think that former President Trump may be guilty of crimes, but this does not seem to deter his supporters. Even potential convictions bring the race to a virtual tie.” The poll suggests that if Trump is convicted in his cases concerning document handling or election interference in Georgia, the anticipated Biden-Trump rematch this fall would be closely contested, with each candidate garnering about 50 percent support.