Letter from John A. Rudy

Trump May Prevail In Spite of Charges

Donald J. Trump’s indictment and possible conviction and imprisonment in New York—as well as possible future federal or other state indictments, convictions and imprisonments for violations of the criminal statutes of those jurisdictions—will not prevent him from running for president in 2024 even while incarcerated. There is precedent in our history for just that circumstance.

In the election of 1920, Eugene V. Debs, a perennial presidential candidate, was in prison for sedition. He remained on the Socialist Party ballot and received 3.4 percent of the popular vote for president.

Mr. Trump’s supporters, therefore, should not fret. If he continues to run, they will be able to vote for him whether he is in prison or not. They, and all other Americans, should stand by and let the legal process in all jurisdictions run its course. Who can say? Trump may ultimately be found not guilty on all counts in all jurisdictions.

John A. Rudy
Cooperstown