In a sharp contrast to President Joe Biden's active campaign schedule, former President Donald Trump seems to be more focused on his upcoming criminal trial than rallying his supporters. Trump's light campaign schedule, numerous golf outings, and scarce appearances on right-wing media have raised eyebrows and sparked speculation about his priorities.

Trump's concern is evident on his Truth Social feed, where he expresses stress and obsession over the impending trial. It appears that he never anticipated the case would reach this point, as he has exhaustively tried various tactics to delay the proceedings without success. Experts argue that his recent outbursts might serve as a self-soothing exercise to cope with mounting anxiety.

However, Trump's attempts to delay the trial hit another roadblock as a New York appeals judge swiftly rejected his latest request. Trump's lawyers argued that he had a First Amendment right to publicly attack witnesses and the judge's family members, but this argument failed to convince the judge to lift the gag order. Likewise, his appeal for a change of venue was also denied. Although Trump can still ask the full appeals court to hear his argument, it will not prevent the trial from commencing on Monday.

The forthcoming trial, often referred to as "the hush money case," focuses on Trump's alleged involvement in a scheme to silence tales of his extramarital affairs during the 2016 presidential campaign. Trump, along with National Enquirer publisher David Pecker and his former lawyer Michael Cohen, employed a method known as "catch and kill" to prevent the publication of damaging stories. For instance, former Playboy model Karen McDougal was paid $150,000 to keep quiet about her relationship with Trump.

The case also involves adult film actress Stormy Daniels, who initially approached the media in 2011 with her account of a sexual encounter with Trump. Cohen intervened to suppress her story, but after the release of the Access Hollywood tape, which featured Trump boasting about mistreating women, Daniels resurfaced. Cohen negotiated a $130,000 payment and a non-disclosure agreement on behalf of Daniels, with Trump's knowledge and approval.

While Cohen ended up in federal prison for his involvement in campaign finance violations, tax evasion, and lying to Congress, no charges were directly filed against Trump. However, evidence such as text messages and emails indicate that several members of Trump's campaign, including Kellyanne Conway and Hope Hicks, were aware of the hush money scheme.

The Manhattan District Attorney's Office maintains that this case goes beyond hush money, charging Trump with financial fraud to interfere with the 2016 election, a felony-level campaign finance violation. Alvin Bragg, the Manhattan DA, characterized the indictment as a charge of falsifying New York State business records, emphasizing the importance of accurate record-keeping in maintaining business integrity.

Although initial skepticism surrounded the case, it gained traction when a federal judge refused to move it to federal court, signaling its viability for trial. Unless the full New York Appeals Court issues a last-minute stay, Trump will face his first criminal trial as a former president, beginning next Monday. Trump's attendance will be mandatory, disrupting his frequent golfing schedule, but he has no choice in the matter.

Trump believes that his trial will garner sympathy from voters, leading him to make appearances on the courthouse steps to complain about the case. However, this strategy also risks reminding the public about his past controversies, ongoing corruption, and alleged criminal conduct.

As the trial approaches, Trump's worries continue to mount, and the implications for his political future remain uncertain. Only time will tell how the jury will decide, but one thing is certain: Donald Trump will be forced to confront his past actions in the courtroom.