Trump's election gamble: White House or prison risk looms

Defeat in the race for the highest office in the United States deals a significant blow that no candidate soon forgets. For Trump, this year's election is a "doomsday," with a result that could either lead him back to the White House or threaten him with imprisonment, according to David Smith, head of "The Guardian's" Washington bureau.

Throughout his business and television career, Donald Trump has often skirted ethical and legal boundaries. He has faced numerous investigations, lawsuits, and hefty fines. His life has been rife with large-scale scandals, yet he has consistently managed to avoid accountability.

"He developed a reputation as a guy who gets away with it," said Gwenda Blair, author of a Trump biography. A notable example is the legal troubles involving Trump University, an institution accused of fraud and misleading advertising. In 2016, Trump agreed to a $25 million settlement and shut down the company.

His charitable foundation also faced accusations of misusing funds for private and business purposes. In several court cases, Trump and his companies were ordered to pay significant compensation in civil fraud instances.

According to "The Washington Post", during Trump's four years as president, he lied or misled on various issues over 30,000 times – ranging from the number of attendees at his inauguration to the results of the 2020 election.

Trump has also been charged in multiple cases, including conspiring to overturn the 2020 election results and illegally retaining classified documents from the White House. Although the number of cases suggested he would spend the campaign balancing rallies and court appearances, he has been able to delay many proceedings.

Nevertheless, Trump has managed to turn his legal challenges to his advantage, portraying himself as a martyr persecuted by hidden hostile forces. In this narrative, it's the Democrats who pose a threat to American democracy.

John Bolton, Trump's former national security adviser, remarked that each time accusations were made against Trump, his support in the polls seemed to increase. With every new charge, Trump presented it as further proof of his persecution, skillfully flipping the situation in his favor. Bolton likened this tactic to the work of a skilled con artist.

If Trump wins the election, he is likely to take steps to halt the ongoing proceedings against him. If he loses, his legal issues may again overshadow his future like dark clouds. It is worth noting that "The Guardian" previously endorsed Kamala Harris's candidacy in an editorial article.