If Trump is indicted how does it affect his chances in the general?

[Tekken_Guy]

How does a Trump indictment affect his chance in the general?

[Tekken_Guy]

Locks down the primary for Trump, and supercharges R turnout. However, would that be enough to stop the cratering with everyone else?

How does it supercharge R turnout? Is there any room for it to grow?

[Tekken_Guy]

I think an indictment over the Stormy Daniels' payoff actually helps him a little. It's old news and it seems like a reach to make it a significant charge, and it gets the shock-impact of "Trump was indicted" out of the way long before the election.  So, like Barr kneecapping the Mueller Report, it actually helps by lessening the impact of potentially more serious charges relating to document mishandling, Georgia, and his attempted coup.

I think the goal for Democrats is to make him a martyr with GOP primary voters to ensure his nomination, then beat a weakened Trump in the general. DeSantis will be a way more formidable foe.

[Tekken_Guy]

I think an indictment over the Stormy Daniels' payoff actually helps him a little. It's old news and it seems like a reach to make it a significant charge, and it gets the shock-impact of "Trump was indicted" out of the way long before the election.  So, like Barr kneecapping the Mueller Report, it actually helps by lessening the impact of potentially more serious charges relating to document mishandling, Georgia, and his attempted coup.

I think the goal for Democrats is to make him a martyr with GOP primary voters to ensure his nomination, then beat a weakened Trump in the general. DeSantis will be a way more formidable foe.

It's too early to say whether Trump or DeSantis are the more formidable nominees. Both have severe flaws that could be accentuated or minimized depending on the political context of 2024.

The important think is that Democrats think Trump is the weaker nominee based on the 2022 results. Whether or not he actually is is a different story.