Trump’s interview with Bret Baier has, understandably, gotten a lot of attention. It’s been pointed out that Trump didn’t help his legal case, but since there isn’t much help to be had there, I’m not sure how much that matters.
I believe Trump’s legal defense has to be, first and foremost, getting elected president to squash the case; and, failing that, getting pardoned by a Republican president in the event Trump doesn’t win the nomination; and failing that, convincing enough people that the case is unfair so a juror simply refuses to convict.
Given that the first step to becoming president is winning the GOP nomination, last night has to be considered a success for him. Trump had some rocky moments, especially when Baier asked about all the former officials who are no longer with him, but otherwise he was confident, unshakable, and charismatic. Bret Baier is an excellent interviewer and can’t be steamrolled like Kaitlan Collins. Still, Trump was a dominant presence.
There’s a long way to go until people caucus and vote, but Trump’s stage presence and ability to project strength are going to be as hard to match as ever.