Americans are still divided over their opinions of former President Donald Trump and whether he paid hush money to cover up a relationship with an adult film star. However Trump supporters have started to expect a conviction and they also support legal immunity for former presidents. Amid the former Presidents legal troubles (the hush money case is one of five current court cases against the Republican candidate) and the widespread disapproval of incumbent President Joe Biden, the two party candidates remain effectively tied.
During the first weeks of the hush-money trial in New York, his supporters opinions have strengthened, 70% of Trump Supporters describe the case as not very or not at all serious. This from an Economist/YouGov poll, unchanged from a poll two weeks ago-before the trial began. 44% to 38% of Americans say Trump should be convicted rather than he shouldn’t. 34% to 26% more likely to say he wont be convicted versus he will be. Though the share of Trump supporters who expect a conviction has risen to 20% from 14%.
Opinion has then shifted towards legal immunity for former presidents, mostly among Trump supporters. Those who say presidents should not have immunity from being charger for actions while president is 60%, down six points. Among Trump fans, they were closely divided two weeks ago, but now 47% to 31% say presidents should have immunity than shouldn’t.
More Americans disapprove than approve of the job of Biden. 37% strongly or somewhat approve of his handling the job overall. 29% approve of his job on inflation and 39% on jobs and the economy,
The election is thus far, very close. Trump is the choice of 44% while Biden has 43% of voters. More say Trump will win than Biden, 44% to 36%.
Each candidate receivers equal support from supporters saying they will definitely vote in November. 85% among Biden and 87% among Trump. Trump has the edge when it comes to enthusiasm, 43% of his supporters say they are “extremely enthusiastic” to vote for him in November, compared to 33% of Biden fans.
Robert F Kennedy JR receives 3% of support nationwide. He is fighting to be on the ballot in most states. He is equal among Republicans (2%) and Democrats (2%), he is doing only slightly better among independents, 5%. 31% of registered voters are satisfied or enthusiastic about Kennedy as a candidate. Only 3% say they would vote for him.