Felon Irony: When You Can't Vote But You Could Win

The emergence of Trump's "mugshot" on August 24, 2023, failed to capture the interest of young liberal voters, who doubted its impact on his loyal base would shift focus away from their MAGA hero.  At the time, major news networks featured it prominently, turning it into a popular topic for late-night syndicated shows. CNN and similar outlets raised a crucial question: "Would Americans back a presidential candidate facing potential felony charges?" White House correspondents and Republican and Democratic strategists intensely debated how Trump's controversial past would affect his potential 2024 bid. Amidst the media frenzy and political discourse, we delayed asking whether a convicted felon can run for president. With that question now answered, a new one emerges: What does this mean for the 19 million disenfranchised Americans with criminal backgrounds? As the Republican National Convention inaugurates, Trump has officially clinched the nomination, and there is no going back. 

From his controversial 2005 remarks on grabbing women to his bold 2016 statements about being able to shoot someone on 6th Avenue,  and now a failed assassination attempt, Trump's steadfast followers have shown unwavering support, even in the face of 34 felony counts related to business record manipulation involving Stormy Daniels. Following the verdict, Trump issued a defiant message, stating that the real judgment lies with the people on November 5th, a statement not devoid of truth. Within a day of the ruling, he amassed nearly $50 million in donations, demonstrating his resilience in the face of ongoing legal challenges. Most recently, Trump has won another legal battle regarding mishandled documents. On Monday, July 15, Judge Aileen Cannon dismissed the case against Trump, claiming special prosecutor Jack Smith was illegally appointed by the Justice Department. 

Trump's legal issues highlight a troubling disparity in how power and privilege can shield individuals from being held accountable for their actions. Despite sharing a felony record with numerous Americans, Trump can still pursue political office (albeit without voting rights) and lead a relatively unaffected life despite this legal stain. This glaring gap raises critical questions about fairness and justice, particularly for marginalized communities, where individuals with similar backgrounds encounter significant obstacles to reintegration and civic engagement. Trump, who has frequently denigrated people who do not resemble him as "thugs" and "criminals," now finds himself labeled as such. If the crime doesn't define the criminal, then who is the “thug”, who is the “criminal”?

This situation has put activists in a challenging position. Despite not supporting Trump as a politician or a person due to his divisive rhetoric and actions, they find themselves advocating for his humanity. This dilemma underscores the complexity of the issue. While many seek accountability for Trump's misconduct, others understand the importance of criminal justice reform and the need to treat all individuals with dignity and fairness regardless of their status. The juxtapositions of Trump's legal troubles and the advocacy for formerly incarcerated individuals highlight the complex issues in discussions about justice and rehabilitation.

For many people of color reintegrating after incarceration, the prospects of finding meaningful work, stable housing, and realizing their version of the "American Dream" remain elusive. Discriminatory employment practices, limited housing options, and voting restrictions perpetuate a cycle of exclusion and inequity. The harsh reality is that reintegration post-incarceration often lacks the promised rehabilitation, instead presenting hurdles that hinder progress and reinforce systemic injustices.

As the nation grapples with the implications of Trump's legal battles, assassination attempts, and the broader issues of criminal justice reform, it becomes imperative to address the systemic barriers that restrict opportunities for marginalized communities. True democracy entails equal access to rights and opportunities, irrespective of one's past, and it is through acknowledging and dismantling these barriers that we can strive toward a more just and inclusive society for all.

America hasn't and will never be unfaithful to its white, heteronormative, male, homophobic first love —but today's generation is forcing us to answer why we continue to choose our abuser. And so far, it's not able to justify their devoutness, and even to its detriment, the devotion doesn't waver. And the dissonance is not just palpable;  it's suffocating. Along with the absence of rational thought, there is no space for those forced to be "othered," being forced to sit out of an election where half of the primary candidates get to wear their felony with pride and with the security of their base. From “Insurrection vs. Genocide” to "only two white men can be this belligerent in their audacity without any accountability,” we, the Americans, are compelled to choose between two unjust men, yet live under a punitive system.

Mishel WilliamsComment