With his son Hunter currently facing federal firearms offences and scheduled to go on trial for tax offenses later in the year, President Biden is likely to be under significant emotional strain, said Rudalevige in a June 6 interview with ABC (Australia). However, he added, his son’s legal troubles could actually help Biden and his campaign by highlighting the President’s “willingness to let the justice department operate independently”—this at a time when GOP voices are accusing Biden of “weaponizing” the department to go after Donald Trump. On June 4 Rudalevige was featured on Live Now Fox television talking about the impact of Trump’s recent felony conviction in the so-called “hush money” trial. When asked how the conviction may influence the election, Rudalevige predicted that there could be some effect “at the margins, in that little group of people who might genuinely be undecided or might have some qualms about voting for someone who is … a convicted felon.” With the upcoming election expected to be very close, he added “every vote counts quite a lot and every little shift could matter.” NPR quoted Rudalevige in a May 31 report titled “What Trump can and can

Global Media Turns to Bowdoin’s Rudalevige for US Political Insight

On Jun 7, 2024

TL/DR –

Hunter Biden, son of President Biden, is facing federal firearms offences and is scheduled to go on trial for tax offenses later in the year, which may increase emotional strain on the President but might also aid in highlighting his independent operation of the justice department. Trump’s recent felony conviction in the “hush money” trial may influence the election, particularly among undecided voters or those uncomfortable voting for a convicted felon. President Biden recently announced plans to limit asylum seekers at the southern border, a move that is seen as typical of presidents around election time as they attempt to demonstrate leadership amid congressional gridlock.

President Biden, under emotional strain due to son Hunter's legal issues, may benefit from these troubles as they underscore his 'willingness to let the justice department operate independently'

Rudalevige on the Impact of Hunter Biden’s Legal Problems and Trump’s Felony Conviction on Elections

In a June 6 interview with ABC (Australia), Rudalevige discussed the repercussions of Hunter Biden’s pending legal issues on President Biden, who is likely under emotional stress. He suggested that these issues could fortify Biden’s campaign by showcasing his commitment to an independent justice department, amidst GOP allegations of using the department to target Donald Trump.

Kingpin of Old Laws: Trump’s Strategy Stirs Controversy

Rudalevige was cited in an NPR report on Trump’s and his team’s attempts to discover new meanings in old laws when new laws don’t pass. The 1798 Alien Enemies Act is one such law under investigation by Trump’s team.

Biden’s Executive Action: Limits on Asylum Seekers

President Biden announced plans to limit asylum seekers at the southern border, a move Rudalevige explained in a Washington Post article as typical for presidents close to election day as they endeavor to demonstrate leadership despite congressional stalemate.

‘By Executive Order’ Explores Constraints of Presidential Power

In his latest book, By Executive Order: Bureaucratic Management and the Limits of Presidential Power, Rudalevige explores the formulation of executive orders within the executive branch, revealing how this restricts the president’s unilateral action capability.

—
Read More US Political News