And just like that, with an assist from a local Democratic district attorney in a state no Republican has carried since 1984, it seems that rather than revisiting old grievances, a newly aggrieved Trump has moved one step closer to the Republican nomination. Lindsey Graham seemingly spoke for the GOP, while making little distinction between opposing an allegedly politicized prosecution, supporting Trump, and defending America itself.

“This is the most irresponsible and dangerous decision by a prosecutor in the history of the country,” the South Carolina Republican said. “He’s opened up a Pandora’s box against the presidency itself.”

[I’d be cautious about assuming any lasting impact in the primaries. This is the first reaction; the rallying around Trump is in regard almost entirely to his legal status, not his position in the 2024 race. In a few days, we’ll see more nuance around these points from everyone Wegmann mentions, especially those who plan to run against Trump. Ron DeSantis’ declaration that Florida would not “cooperate” in an extradition effort was an easy position to take, since (a) Trump’s lawyers already had said he would surrender in Manhattan, and (b) governors have nothing to do with the extradition process. About the only way DeSantis could take action would be to turn down a request to use state troopers to take Trump into custody — otherwise, extradition is mainly a judicial issue. This passion probably will start to fade as soon as Trump gets booked, even if the issue itself will remain (rightly) on the table. — Ed]