The Two-Time Trump Voters Who Have Had Enough

Published

12 months ago

June 6, 2024

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The day after former President Donald Trump was convicted of 34 felonies, I sat down for a focus group with nine voters from across the country who voted for him twice and dont want to vote for him again. They are not, however, all committed to voting for President Joe Biden instead.

Quinta Jurecic: Trump, defeated

These are the double haters: the chunk of voters who are dissatisfied with both candidates, and are trying to decide which one is less bad. Although many of them are out on Trump, theyre struggling to get there on Biden. If Biden is going to win in November, these are the voters he must persuade to hold their noses and vote for him.

And theres reason to believe that Trumps recent felony conviction just made it a little bit easier for them to do it.

Many of the voters in this group had familiar stories: They supported Trump in the past as the lesser evil. They couldnt stomach Hillary Clinton in 2016. They were lifelong Republicans who couldnt imagine voting for a Democrat. Some of them remember watching The Apprentice and admiring Trump for his perceived business savvy.

But the events of January 6 and general fatigue with Trumps antics have made these voters not very likely or not at all likely to vote for him again in 2024.

I made my mind up quite a while ago that I wouldnt vote for him, Alex from Illinois said. I just said, I cant bring myself to do it.

Chuck from Ohio agreed: Theres no change in my desire to vote for Mr. Trump. He continued: Im not voting for the man, period, end of discussion.

For many of these people, Trump had already crossed a red line. His conviction is just more evidence of his deficient character and his unfitness for high office.

And his lack of remorse was another log on the fire. Theres no ownership whatsoever. Its always someone elses fault, Eileen from Illinois said.

Michele from Florida said, I want criminals to go to jail. That extends not just to Trump, but to Democrats like Senator Bob Menendez, she said.

Many talked about being repelled by Trumps disrespect for institutions. Some said they believed the trial was politicized, a con job brought by Bidens DOJ. And yet, most had faith in the process. While allowing for some political bias in the system, by and large they accepted the legitimacy of the guilty verdict.

I thought the trial was highly politicized, but in the hands of the jury, both sides had the chance to present their case, Ryan from Colorado said. And thats ultimately how it should have been done.

Michele agreed: Im tired of the nonsense, and I believed the testimony. And that is why I am happy that the jury found him guilty. And I think now that he is a convicted felon, hes completely unfit.

They may not be Trump voters anymore, but many of them are not fans of Biden.

When asked to grade Bidens performance, three gave Cs, three gave Ds, and three gave Fs. Only one admitted to ever voting for a Democrat, and Alex, the Illinoisian, said flatly: I will never vote for, probably, a Democrat in my life.

Read: How Donald Trump became unbeatable

Their complaints with Biden ran the spectrum: Stop giving away free money, Ryan said. Chuck wants to see Kamala Harris replaced as vice presidenthe thinks Liz Cheney would be better. One said Hunter Bidens conduct speaks poorly to Bidens parenting skills.

Some of them are third-party curious, but theyre wary because, as one said, I view any third-party candidate as kind of a vote for Trump. When asked how they would vote if the election were held today, only two said they would vote third-party. One said they would abstain, and another would write in a candidate.

The remaining five plan on voting for Biden. This isnt because they are fans of the president. Few had positive things to say about Bidens policy agenda. But they view him as the more palatable of two bad options.

As Chuck put it: I dont like Mr. Biden because Im concerned about his age. He may die in office and I think his vice president is not someone I want in the Oval Office either. But between the president and vice president, theyre still both better than Mr. Trump.

Spending 90 minutes with this group helps explain how the double haters are thinking about this race. Theyre not all united ideologically, but theyre united in trusting the judicial system over Trumpat least for now.

These voters dont speak for the majority; as swing voters, theyre marginal. But the margins will decide this race. The conviction confirmed what many of them already knew: Trump is unfit for office.

Whether or not voters like this go home to Trump or choose to support Biden over the next five months will be a big factor in deciding the election. A lot of variables are involved: whether Trumps daily chaos starts to make more of an impression; Bidens performance in the debates; prices and interest rates; the salience of issues such as immigration and abortion; and what Trumps sentence ends up being.

For now, Bidens team should capitalize on the verdict by trying to come across as the sane, pro-rule-of-law candidate. And the conviction fits well with the presidents message of dont compare me to the Almighty; compare me to the alternative. He can now stand on the debate stage and say, America isnt the kind of country that will put a convicted felon in the White House.

If, in our present political climate, nothing is dispositive, Bidens ability to make such a clear statement is certainly a plus.

Politics

US Senate moves forward with GENIUS stablecoin bill

Published

3 hours ago

May 20, 2025

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US Senate moves forward with GENIUS stablecoin bill

The US Senate has voted to advance a key stablecoin-regulating bill after Democrat Senators blocked an attempt to move the bill forward earlier in May over concerns about President Donald Trump’s sprawling crypto empire.

A key procedural vote on the Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for US Stablecoins Act, or GENIUS Act, passed in a 66-32 vote on May 20.

Several Democrats changed their votes to pass the motion to invoke cloture, which will now set the bill up for debate on the Senate floor.

Republican Senator Cynthia Lummis, one of the bill’s key backers, said on May 15 that she thinks it’s a “fair target” to have the GENIUS Act passed by May 26 — Memorial Day in the US.

Government, United States, Stablecoin — *The US Senate voted 66-32 to advance debate on the GENIUS stablecoin bill. Source:* *US Senate*

The GENIUS Act was introduced on Feb. 4 by US Senator Bill Hagerty and seeks to regulate the nearly $250 billion stablecoin market — currently dominated by Tether (USDT) and Circle’s USDC (USDC).

The bill requires stablecoins be fully backed, have regular security audits and approval from federal or state regulators. Only licensed entities can issue stablecoins, while algorithmic stablecoins are restricted.

Several Democratic senators withdrew support for the bill on May 8, blocking a motion to move it forward, citing concerns over potential conflicts of interest involving Trump’s crypto ventures and anti-money laundering provisions.

The bill was revised soon after to receive enough bipartisan support to proceed to a vote.

Hagerty’s stablecoin bill builds on the discussion draft he submitted for former Representative Patrick McHenry’s Clarity for Payment Stablecoins Act in October.

Magazine: Crypto wanted to overthrow banks, now it’s becoming them in stablecoin fight

Entertainment

‘I recognise the error and upset caused’ – Gary Lineker releases statement as BBC departure confirmed

Published

5 hours ago

May 20, 2025

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'I recognise the error and upset caused' - Gary Lineker releases statement as BBC departure confirmed

Gary Lineker has confirmed he is leaving the BBC after this season’s Match Of The Day and will no longer present its World Cup coverage.

It comes after the 64-year-old “apologised unreservedly” for sharing a social media post illustrated with a rat – which has been used to represent Jewish people in antisemitic propaganda, including Nazi Germany.

In a statement on Monday, Lineker said: “Football has been at the heart of my life for as long as I can remember – both on the pitch and in the studio.

“I care deeply about the game, and about the work I’ve done with the BBC over many years. As I’ve said, I would never consciously repost anything antisemitic – it goes against everything I stand for.

“However, I recognise the error and upset that I caused, and reiterate how sorry I am. Stepping back now feels like the responsible course of action.”

Analysis: BBC can breathe easier after Lineker leaves

Lineker said he deleted the post when he learned about the rat’s symbolism, adding he would “never knowingly share anything antisemitic”.

In a separate video posted to Instagram, the pundit added: “I’ve stood up for minorities and humanitarian issues and against all forms of racism all of my life, including, of course, antisemitism, which I absolutely abhor.

“There’s no place for it and never should be.”

He went on to thank the “brilliant, talented” people he has worked with and described his relationship with the BBC as “long and wonderful”.

He added: “But it’s the right time for the organisation and myself to go our separate ways.”

Lineker’s last appearance on the BBC will be on Sunday 25 May, the final day of the season.

What are the BBC guidelines on impartiality?

Gary Lineker signed a five-year deal with the BBC in 2020, under which he agreed to adhere to their impartiality rules.

The rules were then updated after his return to Match Of The Day in 2023.

The latest regulations say high-profile BBC presenters should be able to express their views on political issues as long as they stop short of campaigning.

It does not clarify what would constitute political campaigning for the big-name presenters.

The guidelines also stress the importance of “high standards of civility in public discourse”, which includes treating others with respect, even in the face of abuse and not using offensive or aggressive language.

The policy only applies to presenters outside of its news coverage. News presenters are still subject to stricter impartiality guidelines.

‘A defining voice in football coverage’

Also confirming Lineker’s exit, BBC director general Tim Davie said: “Gary has acknowledged the mistake he made. Accordingly, we have agreed he will step back from further presenting after this season.

“Gary has been a defining voice in football coverage for the BBC for over two decades. His passion and knowledge have shaped our sports journalism and earned him the respect of sports fans across the UK and beyond.

“We want to thank him for the contribution he has made.”

Alex Kay-Jelski, the BBC’s director of sport, said in an email sent to staff that it had been a “difficult” and “emotional” week.

He went on to say: “It is sad to be saying goodbye to such a brilliant broadcaster and I also want to thank Gary for his years of service. As ever, if you have questions, you know where I am.

“Let’s finish the season strongly with Gary’s final show, enjoy an incredible summer of sport and look forward with excitement to what lies ahead.”

Lineker announced in November he would step down from Match Of The Day this year, but was set to return to front the World Cup in 2026, as well as FA Cup coverage.

The former England star was temporarily suspended from the BBC in March 2023 after an impartiality row over comments he made criticising the then Conservative government’s asylum policy.

He will be replaced on Match Of The Day by Gabby Logan, Kelly Cates and Mark Chapman, who will share the presenting role from the next Premier League season.

Lineker has hosted Match Of The Day since 1999 and has been the BBC’s highest-paid on-air talent for seven consecutive years.

He joined the programme having started as a BBC Radio Five Live presenter, also working on the broadcaster’s former flagship sports show Grandstand during his early years in broadcasting.

The Leicester-born presenter is also the co-founder of podcast producing company Goalhanger, which makes the popular The Rest Is History series and its spin-offs about politics, football, entertainment and money.

His parting ways with the BBC also includes the licensing deal for Goalhanger podcast titles on BBC Sounds, which ends this year, the PA news agency reported.

Entertainment

BBC can breathe easier that fallout from Lineker’s social media won’t land at its door

Published

5 hours ago

May 20, 2025

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BBC can breathe easier that fallout from Lineker's social media won't land at its door

Did having a social conscience force Gary Lineker off the BBC? Or was becoming increasingly vocal politically just too problematic?

The former England captain was given an exemption, as a freelancer working outside of news and current affairs, from impartiality rules the BBC’s staff have to abide by – despite being the broadcaster’s highest earner at £1.35m.

That meant he was even handed BBC primetime coverage recently, in which he critiqued the BBC’s coverage of the Middle East conflict, disputing the news side’s decision-making.

Silence on Gaza, he claimed, equates to complicity.

And Lineker has sought to show empathy with those suffering in Gaza and the mounting Palestinian death toll from IDF strikes, which Israel says are targeted at Hamas.

He has, however, faced accusations of inconsistency by being silent on other conflicts in Sudan and Yemen.

And also for showing little public concern for hostages taken by Hamas during the terror of 7 October – including Emily Damari, a fan of one of his former clubs, Tottenham Hotspur.

Highly-selective commentaries have been shared, often from fringe groups.

And then came last week’s rat emoji, which appeared on an anti-Zionist post shared on Instagram, which Lineker reposted and said he later deleted when he learned about the rat’s symbolism.

Images of rats have in the past been used to represent Jewish people in antisemitic propaganda, including in Nazi Germany.

The incident produced an unprecedented apology from the ex-footballer, who said he was unaware of connotations offensive to Jewish people.

As BBC Director General Tim Davie said: “The BBC’s reputation is held by everyone, and when someone makes a mistake, it costs us.”

The lack of public response from the BBC to Lineker’s apology made his future seem increasingly untenable.

Now, three decades broadcasting on the BBC will end under a cloud of controversy rather than celebration.

Lineker is even freer to give opinions – particularly through his podcast empire – and many do want to listen to him and welcome his status being used to highlight the plight of the besieged.

But the BBC can breathe easier knowing the fallout from social media posts won’t land at the corporation’s door.