evidence: Speaking to Newsweek, Todd Landman, a professor of political science at Nottingham University in the U.K., said it was "unlikely" the party "will deny" Trump the nomination after sentencing. "The sentencing date has been set by the court, where the sentencing decision itself will reflect the guidance in the law, and which will take into account the initial probation report and the relative contrition of Mr. Trump," he said. "I understand that Mr Trump has not presented himself for the initial probation interview and he has been publicly highly critical of the conviction, both of which signal a lack of contrition or remorse. Polling since the verdict has shown a softening of support among independent voters and criticism from Mr. Trump's most ardent supporters. Some members of the Republican Party have publicly stated that he should stand down as a candidate, which at this stage is highly unlikely. The sentencing date comes days before the RNC Convention, where again it is unlikely the party will deny him the nomination. Mr. Trump will appeal the decision, but the legal process involved means that any final decision from appeal will likely not be known until after the election. Thus, regardless of the sentence that is issued or even when it is issued, Mr. Trump will be a convicted felon at the time of his nomination and throughout the rest of the campaign."