Right-wing media personality Steve Bannon encouraged former President Donald Trump to focus on attacking President Joe Biden rather than criticizing Judge Juan Merchan who is overseeing Trump’s criminal hush money trial. Trump and Biden have secured their party nominations for the upcoming presidential election, but voter sentiment suggests that a rematch of the 2020 election is unpopular. Polls show the two candidates in a close race, with hypothetical general election matchups suggesting a tight competition.
Bannon, who was convicted in 2022 for contempt of Congress, discussed the 2024 election and Trump’s campaign efforts during an interview. He emphasized the need for Trump to redirect his focus on challenging Biden instead of the judge in the courtroom. Trump, who recently became the first former president to stand trial in a criminal case, faces charges related to falsifying business records regarding hush-money payments to Stormy Daniels. Despite pleading not guilty and denouncing the case as politically motivated, Trump has been placed under a gag order due to his public statements.
The prosecution has accused Trump of violating the gag order with his social media posts targeting Merchan and others involved in the case. Trump has claimed that Biden is using the trial to interfere with the election without evidence. Bannon suggested that Trump’s campaign should focus on targeted strategies similar to those used in 2016, emphasizing key counties in seven states. Although Trump has challenged Biden to a debate, the logistics of arranging such an event may be complicated due to the need for agreed-upon rules and a structured format.
While Biden has expressed willingness to participate in a debate with Trump, concerns have been raised about whether Trump would adhere to the rules set by the Commission on Presidential Debates. Trump’s campaign has called for an accelerated debate schedule with additional events beyond the standard three organized by the commission. The Biden campaign is wary of Trump’s compliance with debate rules and may have reservations about the logistics of arranging the debates. As the election approaches, the focus remains on the strategies of both candidates in engaging with each other and the voters on key issues.
