Right now, you’re probably feeling like this whole Trump impeachment trial was a big waste of time. The guy got acquitted anyway, so what was even the point? But here’s the thing – even though he walked away scot-free, this whole mess is far from over for the former president. See, Trump’s not interested in changing his ways or softening his rhetoric to appeal to moderates. Nope, he’s doubling down on his hardcore base, riling them up with the same aggressive language that got him impeached in the first place. And while that 10 percent may seem small, their unwavering loyalty matters bigly to Trump. So don’t think for a second that this trial taught him any lessons. If anything, it’s only made him more stubborn and fired up. And that spells trouble for the future of the Republican party and our country.
Trump’s Rhetoric Intensifies After Impeachment Acquittal
Even as most Americans say Trump received a fair trial, he’s doubling down on rhetoric aimed at his base. You just know he’s fired up the propaganda machine and won’t let facts get in the way.
Attacking Political Foes
He’s wasted no time attacking McConnell, calling him “a dour, sullen, and unsmiling political hack.” After McConnell condemned Trump’s actions, you can bet Trump’s out for revenge. He’ll do anything to silence dissent in the ranks. McConnell better watch his back.
Pushing the ‘Big Lie’
Despite the verdict, Trump’s still pushing the lie that the election was stolen. His defenders say he has a right to his opinion, but let’s call it what it is—a bald-faced lie. The courts found no evidence, and election officials confirmed the results were accurate. Still, nearly three-quarters of Republicans believe the election was rigged. Trump’s more than happy to mislead supporters to soothe his ego.
Courting Controversy
Controversy is Trump’s oxygen, so he’ll keep riling up supporters to stay in the spotlight. Even out of office, he dominates the news cycle. His rhetoric is damaging our democratic norms and institutions. Though he’s been acquitted, our long national nightmare isn’t over. Trump will do whatever it takes to maintain control over the Republican party and his base. The question is, will we keep giving him what he wants? The power is in our hands.
Pursuing the Loyal 10% Rather Than the Moderate Majority
Focusing on the Base
Since his conviction, the former president has doubled down on rhetoric aimed squarely at his most ardent supporters. “That 10 percent is important,” he said in a recent interview. “I don’t want to lose them.”
It’s a strategy that risks further alienating moderates and independents, who polls show overwhelmingly see the trial as fair. But by intensifying his appeals to the base, Trump aims to maintain grassroots enthusiasm and fundraising momentum as he weighs another White House run.
A Tight Bond with Supporters
Trump has long had an almost visceral connection with his base, who see him as an avatar of their grievances with the political establishment and cultural changes like globalization. And he clearly relishes the adulation of the crowds at his rallies.
For these supporters, the conviction likely only reinforces their view of Trump as a victim of the “deep state” and liberal elites. His rhetoric since the trial suggests he intends to stoke those feelings of shared resentment and defiance.
Calculated Risk
The approach is not without risks. While the base remains fiercely loyal, its size alone may not be enough to win another term. And the more Trump plays to his base, the less likely wavering Republicans and independents are to give him another look.
But as long as Republicans in Congress and statehouses fear primary challenges from the pro-Trump right, they have little incentive to break from him. For now, at least, the base still reigns supreme in GOP politics. And the former president seems determined to keep it that way.
The Base Over the Middle – Trump’s Post-Conviction Strategy
Even with the stench of felony convictions hanging over him, Trump is staying laser-focused on riling up his base. Rather than try to win over moderates by admitting wrongdoing or expressing remorse, Trump’s doubling down on the rhetoric of victimization and retribution. Revenge Over Redemption
For Trump, cultivating outrage is the path to political survival and maybe even a comeback. He’s portraying his convictions as a “witch hunt” by the “deep state”, a nefarious cabal of Democrats, liberals and Never-Trumpers. On right-wing media, Trump rails against the “rigged system” that failed to acquit him, despite the clear evidence and due process.
Demonizing Democracy
Trump’s allies are also pounding this drumbeat of revenge to keep the base energized. They’re framing Trump’s loss in court as an attack on conservatives and their values. The goal is to stoke anger at institutions like the justice system, government and media that didn’t bend to Trump’s will. Undermining faith in democracy itself may be the only way to justify Trump’s lies about voter fraud and election rigging.
While this rhetoric resonates with hardcore supporters, most Americans actually say Trump received a fair trial. And his convictions haven’t substantially impacted his head-to-head polls versus Biden. Sacrificing the Middle for the Base Rather than appeal to moderates, Trump is sacrificing the middle ground to keep his base on his side. He seems to believe that around 40-45% of voters who stand by him no matter what is enough to remain a dominant force in politics. Trump’s post-conviction strategy suggests he values the passion and loyalty of his base over trying to win over doubters with a more conciliatory message. For now, at least, that 10% of hardcore fans is what really matters to the former president.
Polls Show Most Americans Felt Trump Got a Fair Trial
The jury has spoken, and most Americans agree with their verdict. Recent polls show a majority believe you received a fair trial and that the jury reached the right decision in convicting you. Over half of U.S. adults (56%) say your Senate impeachment trial was conducted fairly. This includes over half of independents and moderates, groups you had hoped to win over.
It seems your post-conviction strategy to double down on your base is falling flat. You’ve ramped up rhetoric charging the trial was “rigged” and a “witch hunt,” but voters aren’t buying it. They saw the evidence presented by House impeachment managers, and it appears the facts were damning. Your defense team failed to provide a compelling counter-argument, instead relying on partisan attacks and process complaints. For most Americans, this approach lacked credibility.
Your hardcore supporters remain loyal as ever, but you need moderates and independents to have a shot at a comeback. Continuing to push baseless conspiracy theories and stoke anger risks further alienating these groups. The data shows your “deep state” narrative is losing traction. Crying foul may energize your base, but it’s a turn-off for the swing voters who will determine your political fate.
If there’s a path forward, it likely involves acknowledging the facts of your conviction and showing genuine remorse. Voters value honesty and humility. Your usual bombast and defiance in the face of truth seem out of touch with the national mood. Of course, a sincere apology may be unlikely given your leadership style and personality. But doubling down on a losing strategy when so much is at stake seems shortsighted. The polls don’t lie – your base alone can’t save you. To have a shot at redemption, you’ll need to win back the middle.
The Road Ahead – Trump Courts His Base for 2024
Donald Trump is looking ahead to 2024, and he knows his path to victory lies in rallying his base. His most loyal supporters—older, evangelical and strongly conservative voters—make up a small but passionate portion of the electorate, and he’s betting their enthusiasm will propel him to the Republican nomination and beyond.
Trump’s post-impeachment messaging has been tailored to energize these core backers. He’s portrayed his second acquittal as a victory over the “radical left” and a vindication of their shared values. ###At the Conservative Political Action Conference, he declared, “We are not starting new parties…We have the Republican Party. It’s going to unite and be stronger than ever before.” His speech hit familiar notes of “America First” nationalism, slams against political correctness, and pledges to restore “law and order.”
For Trump, that 10 percent of diehard supporters is crucial. Their donations, organizing, and votes carried him in 2016 and nearly won him re-election. He’s betting they’ll turn out for him again in the 2024 primaries. Of course, to win a general election, Trump would need to win back some of the moderate Republicans and independents who deserted him. But for now, with the nomination years away and multiple investigations still looming, Trump’s base is the only sure thing he has.
The former president faces significant hurdles, from potential legal troubles to a GOP establishment that may be eager to move on. However, Trump holds advantages like nearly universal name recognition and a preexisting fundraising and organizing network.
His post-impeachment messaging shows he’s laying the groundwork to leverage those strengths. By portraying his conviction as a partisan witch hunt and proof of his outsider status, Trump is signaling to his base that he’s still fighting for them. For as long as they stick by his side, he’ll keep stoking their anger and fears to fuel his own political ambitions. The road ahead remains long, but the first mile markers are in place. Trump is courting his base, and betting they’ll carry him farther down the road to 2024.
Conclusion
So if you’re part of that 10 percent, it looks like the former president still wants your vote. But for the rest of America watching this drama unfold, it might be time to tune him out. The Senate heard the case, the votes were counted fairly, and a conviction was handed down according to the Constitution. Whether you agreed with the outcome or not, it followed the process we’ve used for over 200 years to hold leaders accountable. Now we can move forward as a nation, focus on the real issues that matter in our lives today, and choose new leaders ready to bring us together. The next election is right around the corner.