Originally published at: https://talkingpointsmemo.com/cafe/some-trump-supporters-regret-their-2024-votes-over-trumps-handling-of-epstein-files-per-new-poll
This article is part of TPM Cafe, TPM’s home for opinion and news analysis. It was originally published at The Conversation. Has President Donald Trump survived the latest and most serious firestorm of controversy over the Epstein scandal? Or has the Trump administration’s handling of the release of information concerning the prosecution of Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted child sex trafficker…
3 Likes
As with all things Republican, those expressing that they are unhappy enough to likely vote differently next time will fall in line when meaningful choice time arrives.
We need to give them more reasons to be unhappy with TFG than just Epstein, although their disregard for all his other lies is telling.
Edit: and disappointing.
10 Likes
When I hear Joe Rogan saying he regrets his vote for Cheeto, I wait for the next question, “Do you regret not allowing the nice black lady on your show?” … 
…
15 Likes
While there are no election do-overs, it is clear that the Epstein scandal has hurt Trump among his base of voters.
I remember how low his poll numbers went after the committee on the Jan 6 coup attempt laid out so clearly the wrong that had been done.
And yet here we are.
Until the tech lords are done with him or Vance, we’re stuck with Republicans.
10 Likes
Womp, womp!
2 Likes
Another reason: selling access (aka bribery) to a fare-the-well. An article in a recent New Yorker lays this out:at How Much Is Trump Profiting Off the Presidency? | The New Yorker. Looks like about 10K times the POTUS salary.
6 Likes
If a dumb fuck like me is not surprised by anything Trump does how can his core supporters be surprised?
I don’t know anyone in power or influence but I listen to all sides and most important I read.
77 million voters live in the same World I do so they have no excuses.
5 Likes
Who cares?? Trump and Trumpians are waging military, legal and extra-legal civil war against a large section of the population, and TPM thinks what Epstein nuts think and might do is important? Elections fetishism, utter disorientation and gotcha journalism running amok.
2 Likes
Nice work, UMass team
2 Likes
As Josh says, don’t self womp. We’ll be done with republicans when we get our act together and vote in enough Dems.
8 Likes
And part of that strategy can be in reminding folks that crossed over to vote “R” or worse, for Trump – look what happened next. Ya want to do that again? Of course you don’t!
And look who has been trying to stop them from doing all those things you didn’t vote them in to do? That’s right! We Democrats! (or “Us Democrats” if you’re in a less learned part of the nation). So who should you vote for THIS time? NOOOOO! Not the same old Trumpy Republicans! You’re smarter than that! (etc)
Well, you can see why nobody has hired me to write campaign stuff…
5 Likes
Hey, we can all rest easy — Gym Jordan, himself no stranger to pleading ignorance in a coverup of sex crimes against young people, says that Maxwell’s interview, taken by Trump’s personal lawyer in exchange for a sweetheart deal, proves Trump did nothing wrong.
You know, the Trumpers’ incompetence and dishonesty would be hilarious if didn’t involve the trafficking and abuse of children.
WORST. COVERUP. EVER.
7 Likes
Okay, I see the problem… 
4 Likes
I think endless messaging on billboards and social media, short and sweet
Republicans gave Musk private information
Republicans gave your tax dollars to billionaires
Zuckerberg and Musk don’t pay taxes for their protection - you do
9 Likes
How can this issue possibly hurt that man. He will continue to froth out his hate and vengence and ignore Congress. John Roberts doesn’t have the spine to reel him in. I doubt the mid terms will shake things up enough to remove him. In short, we are stuck with him for his term.
3 Likes
Even more significantly, we find that among 2024 Trump voters, negative views of Trump’s handling of the Epstein files are associated with an increased desire to make a different choice if the 2024 election could be rerun.
The 2024 election will not be rerun.
More specifically, among Trump voters who believe that the president has mishandled the release of the Epstein files, more than one quarter – 26% – indicate that they would not vote for Trump if they had the opportunity to vote again in the 2024 election.
They will not have the opportunity to vote for Trump again in the 2024 election.
But if Trump fails to satisfy his political base, perceptions among Trump voters that he has mishandled the controversy could reduce enthusiasm and participation in the elections. Even if the share of Republicans alienated by the Epstein controversy is relatively small, this could hurt Republicans in close contests.
if … could … if … could …
With over a year to go, the facts on the ground will likely change. But as of today, the controversy over the release of the Epstein files remains relevant. Whether the president responds in a manner that satisfies his voters is a question that could have important political consequences.
August 2025: Release the Epstein Files!
September 2025: Release the Epstein Files!
October 2025: Release the Epstein Files!
November 2025: Release the Epstein Files!
December 2025: Release the Epstein Files!
January 2026: Release the Epstein Files!
February 2026: Release the Epstein Files!
March 2026: Release the Epstein Files!
April 2026: Release the Epstein Files!
May 2026: Release the Epstein Files!
June 2026: Release the Epstein Files!
July 2026: Release the Epstein Files!
August 2026: Release the Epstein Files!
September 2026: Release the Epstein Files!
October 2026: Release the Epstein Files!
November 2026: He didn’t release the Epstein Files!
5 Likes
And in cities under federalized National Guard occupation, there should be billboards saying this:
Guardsmen! Do not obey unlawful orders. Do not fire at peaceful demonstrators. “Just following orders” is no excuse under the Uniform Code of Military Justice.
4 Likes
I’d try billboards
Guardsman! your fellow Americans aren’t the enemy, foreign billionaires are
1 Like
SHOOT A PROTESTOR, GO TO JAIL.
2 Likes
Maybe an image of a former German concentration camp guard next to
THEY FACED JUSTICE FOR THEIR CRIMES
2 Likes