• by Wayne Friedman , Staff Writer, June 12, 2023

Think six months from now, when the former President is out on the campaign trail amid a new TV advertising campaign that is starting up.

Specifically, how does one factor in a public trial -- although probably not televised -- when Trump needs to make a campaign stop or is debating other Republican presidential candidates?

You could see a TV advertising campaign taking shape featuring Trump visuals, documents, and shadowy figures in dark silhouettes.

Maybe a voiceover in a serious tone addresses the innocence of Trump. Or a smiling Trump pats a child on the head. A voice could then show menacing visuals of “deep state” Washington, DC types lurking in the shadows. 

The voiceover could then say that DC swamp politicos are pulling the strings -- forcing the Department of Justice into making an indictment that claims Trump took secret documents -- on purpose, with no remorse or respect for the law -- and then tried to obstruct justice and issued false statements.

In other words, Trump will not look to combat all Republican candidates. Trump could win that easily -- according to many polls. The indictment would only embolden voters. So those TV ads will amp up fund-raising -- which has already started. 

Perhaps six months in, he will gain more than the $250 million he initially made days after the November 2020 election tied to supposed “legal” costs. So perhaps Trump might be secretly smiling.

More to the point: How do competitive Republican Presidential candidates respond -- on paid TV advertising or otherwise?  Do they address it, attack it, or otherwise?

Perhaps the end of a Trump TV campaign ad will cut to the mahogany desk. Then to the Mar-a-Lago beach house, amid beach balls, and some wet documents on the floor. 

There could be a close-up shot of floating and wet documents with clear markings: Top Secret, and words appearing on screen. “These are mine”, says Trump. “I'm still the President.”