Rick Wilson: There are dangerous times ahead. Remain vigilant.

[EarlG]

17. "...in some ways makes him more formidable for 2024 against Biden."

Presidential campaigns are never easy, but I just don't see how all these criminal charges make Trump more formidable than he was in 2016 (when he just managed to squeak into the presidency by a hair) or in 2020 (when he lost).

Trump's base is rock solid and yes, he likely will win the GOP nomination. But you can't win a presidential election with just your base. Do most Americans -- the middle-of-the-road types, the swing voters, the people who vote but don't pay daily attention to politics -- do they want to re-elect a candidate they already rejected in 2020? Especially if that candidate is a proven shitheel who has done nothing since he left office but spew hate, incite violence, and get himself charged with dozens of serious crimes? Not to mention the whole "leaving critical national security secrets about the defense of the nation lying around in bathrooms and showing them off to anyone he wants to impress" thing...

Wilson is right in that it's essential to remain vigilant -- of course it would be foolish for Biden and other Democrats to coast for the next year and just assume that Trump has no chance. He has to be beaten again, and soundly. But I'm not sure I buy the idea that he is somehow more formidable now than he was in the past. Election night 2016 was his peak and it's been pretty much all downhill since then, not just for him, but for many Republican candidates who attached themselves to him.