The Washington PostThe Washington Post

Sexual abuse verdict renews Republican doubts about Trump's electability

By Isaac Arnsdorf

10 May 2023 · 6 min read

Editor's Note

The Post reports on the mixed reactions to the Donald Trump verdict within the Republican Party. While some regard the former president as a liability, others argue the outcome won't have an impact.

A New York jury's finding on Tuesday that Donald Trump was liable for sexually abusing the writer E. Jean Carroll in the 1990s and then defaming her is rekindling debate within the Republican Party about the former president's electability as he consolidates an early polling lead for the 2024 nomination.

Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), who hasn't endorsed anyone in the GOP primary, said Tuesday that "a verdict like this doesn't put a checkbox in the positive category" and suggested it would "for sure" be a liability in a general election.

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