The political fallout from Trump’s sexual abuse verdict

BBC News:

A New York jury has concluded that it is more likely than not that Donald Trump sexually abused and defamed E Jean Carroll. The verdict may be a harbinger of political and legal damage to come.

While the ruling may not make a dent in Mr Trump’s base within the Republican Party, where his supporters view the US legal system with scepticism and have stood by him through all manners of adversity, it could have a lasting sting.

The response of two Republican senators highlights the risk this moment poses to his 2024 bid to regain the White House.

“It has a cumulative effect,” said Senator John Thune of South Dakota. “People are going to have to decide if they want to deal with all the drama.”

“I don’t think he can get elected,” warned John Cornyn of Texas. “You can’t win a general election with just your base.”

In the end, Mr Trump may have been his own worst enemy in this case.