The link is to another excellent commentator, who I read daily along with Jay. This one particularly pertinent concerning Jay's assertion Republicans will have to choose between the rule of law and the rule of Trump. The interview with Sununu is disgusting, the cowardice of the Ford foundation board equally so. Not much hope for the rule of law, I think. The Republicans made the choice a long time ago.
She and Joyce Vance (Civil Discourse) are two of my go-tos EVERY morning! Agree w/you totally on Sununu... where did our courage as a people go? When did we forget how to stand for what is right?
Simple question and I have an answer, at least an answer that I BELIEVE TO BE ACCURATE, but as always, I may be incorrect.
I believe the question you pose, by using the words “us” and “we” creates some confusion. “We” are not everyone and never has been. This country has always been filled with religious zealotry, racist, misogynists, bigots and others such that those not in their camp, tended to group with those more similar to ourselves.
Simple example: when my ex was with the women’s studies program at our local university many years ago, I started telling her about a total wingnut on th4 radio that was calling people like her “femi-Nazi.” Her response was “no one is going to listen to someone like that.” I tried to tell her that people were listening to this guy. She was not concerned.
We all know how that went.
The problem has always been here but many more liberal people chose to not see it and discounted those in the FLY OVER states. We all saw the Jimmie Swaggarts and other religious crazies and just ignored them as outliers. They were not outliers.
Thus, I believe the WE and US have some complicity by not having your eyes open or listening to the SENTINELS in our society. The ugly underbelly has never been an underbelly but pervasive throughout our country. If you are not black, ask some black people about the truth in this country. I’m not black but I try to keep my eyes open and communicate what I see. Crickets, crickets.
Well said....I was "asleep" for years and tapped into HCR, Jay Quo, Joyce Vance, Robert Reich, Adam Kinzinger.....eye opening!! Grateful to be connected to people who follow these truth seekers.
It seems that we are prone to want to believe glorious myths about ourselves rather than see the truth of events. For example, we all learned that the north won the civil war. Yes the north won the physical war but then assassinated Lincoln which allowed Johnson—the southern VP—to undo most of the vision and protect the southern property owners. Slavery was out of the bottle and could not reinstated but he paved the way for Jim Crow. With the help of southern political chicanery the ideals of the civil war were never accomplished even to this day. This suggests that the civil war is ongoing.
Remember Cecil B. DeMills “Birth of a Nation?” How about Disney’s “Song of the South?” When in elementary school when me and fellow students were singing songs from our school song book there were many pro-south songs including one called Ole Black Joe about black former slave being sad and missing his master. Even as an elementary student it was clear to me that we were being forced to sing southern Propaganda BS. My country’s original sin is still unresolved in an unrepentant country.
“concerning Jay's assertion Republicans will have to choose between the rule of law and the rule of Trump.”
Jays assertion is wrong. As is to often the case he’s acting as if something hasn’t yet happened.
Republicans made their choice already, multiple times. At every opportunity they have chosen Trump and rejected the rule of law.
People should say so and stop pretending Republicans haven’t already made that choice. It’s just being being an enabler and coconspirator to their lies.
I thought he was talking about the 20% or so of Rs who so far have not supported Trump. The ones who voted for Haley. They'll make their choice on Election Day.
You are correct in your assertion that republicans continually choose TFG over the rule of law — so far. IMO there’s a distinct difference between knowing TFG has committed criminal acts and seeing him convicted by a jury of committing criminal acts.
Pre-conviction, there’s wiggle room. I don’t like what he did, but he hasn’t been convicted. Post-conviction, the wiggle room is gone.
Dave McCormick is running for US senator in PA. His hedge fund invested $200M in ~20 Chinese companies producing weapons. (I think many people would agree that’s not a good idea.) When the US sanctioned those companies, the hedge fund divested their assets. McCormick says the fund followed the US government.
So, even though it’s obvious investing in China’s military industry isn’t in the best interests of the US, McCormick willingly did so. Until the US government forced the divestment.
I’m thinking there’s a similar force at work with TFG’s actions, with the conviction in the role of sanctions.
I get the "innocent until proven guilty" and even Trump should be. BUT... I don't believe any of those who say "I won't vote for him if he's convicted." No matter what happens in Trump's trials they will, as they repeatedly have, choose him over the rule of law. They may say they won't, but they will.
There is overwhelming evidence that Trump was a) an absolute disaster for the country while in office and b) will be even more of a disaster if re-elected. Anyone who is still considering voting for him is doing so because his crimes and incompetence and OUTRIGHT DECLARATIONS THAT HE WANTS TO END THE CONSTITUTION AND PUT HIS POLITICAL OPPONENTS IN JAIL don't bother them.
They know they would get (rightly) criticized if they say "I'm going to vote for Trump because I like what he's going to do to people I don't like." so instead they go with a slightly more acceptable sounding "Well, I guess I won't vote for him if he's actually convicted." And when he is convicted, they'll move the goal post to "Well, that was just a small hush money scandal [wrong, it isn't] and has nothing to do with him as a candidate [again, not true]." or "That charge was a political witch hunt so doesn't count." or some other similar nonsense.
Are you familiar with Lance Rosen? He has a Substack that is amazingly full of perceptive, readable, exhaustively researched material. He also brings decades of political experience from working with the Who's Who of the political arena.
I highly recommend giving him a read. I looked him up after he posted a very thoughtful comment on HRC that made me want to find out more about him.
Pardon me. I was arguing with someone about poor communication as I wrote that response and screwed up my response to you. That is on me and I apologize. .
Heather Cox Richardson has a weekly Facebook Live presentation when it fits her schedule which is most weeks. She calls it Politics Chat and asks for questions from the viewers ahead of the chat. It is at 4PM EST but can be seen at any time through her postings on Facebook. I highly recommend it. I have been following her and reading the daily letters for years because of her unique viewpoint as a scholar of the Republican Party and American political history.
These are two good recommendations and will check them out. I confess I was surprised at how useful and informative I have found these Substack commentators. Jay's legal and political acumen has been particularly helpful and on point, and HCR's backgrounding and historical perspectives equally so. So as a plug I urge everyone to subscribe with the monthly fee to Jay if you can afford it, if not the bigger fee (which I confess I pay cuz I can afford it and it makes a good contribution). I will check these two recommendations out.
Disgusting? I’m not disgusted. Why? Because I have become inured to the BS Republican Party ever since Nixon and his southern strategy. Nothing, no matter how low, suprises me about the Republican Party. Conversely, nothing about the stupid Pollyannish vision of the Democrats surprises me.
Thanks for the great summation, counselor. My one question: Even though this looks like a likely candidate for probation, will the judge weigh the fact that the consequences of the crime seem magnified (at least to me) because it resulted in tricking a large enough number of people to vote for him that he essentially grifted his way into the presidency?
Keep in mind, too, the fact that despite the gag order, #TraitorTrump continues to attack the judge’s daughter and more. If I was Judge Merchant, I’d put him in prison for that alone.
Me too! It is not illegal for a man to pay off his mistress. What Trump did to hide the money through illegal business practices with shady accounting is the crime. This trial is not about his affairs and it is not the hush money, but you'd never know that from how it's being reported.
Seriously. There are some things the NY Times is still slightly good for, and this is probably one of them, but I'll save a LOT of time just waiting for Jay's reports. No need at all to read the others. I even like Jay's legal stuff better than Lawfare, which is pretty good, so that's saying a lot.
Thank you for this analysis! I hope it gave you some healthy distraction while you anticipate today's 20 week appointment. <3
You'll get, and are probably already getting, tons of stories and advice about becoming a parent. Count me in with this funny story. =)
My husband couldn't come to the ultrasound where it was possible to learn our baby's likely sex. We'd decided we didn't want to know. But my scientist brother offered to come along to the appointment as support.
I told the person doing the ultrasound that we just wanted to know whether things were developing OK & we didn't want to know "boy or girl".
BUT - As I'm on the table hearing all about the umbilical cord, heart, fetal activity, my brother was also at the screen so I heard them both say excitedly at the same time, "And there's his penis!"
Jay Kuo: When Jesus accepted fine scents from a loving woman, Judas Iscariot reprimanded Jesus for not rejecting the gift and for not redirecting attention to the poor. Jesus disagreed with Judas, "For you always have the poor with you, but you will not always have me." (New Revised Standard Edition, Matthew 26:11.)
So, to paraphrase, somewhat sacrilegiously, perhaps: "For you will always have Trump with you, but you will not always have . . . your beautiful child at 20 weeks."
The real story is that your beautiful child is 20 weeks old and undergoing one of her first medical exams.
As the Dad of a 50-year-old daughter, I remember her first events -- her birth; taking her home from the hospital; her first changes; her first baths; her first shots; her weigh-ins.
I speak to you as a Dad: Take time to breathe; LOVE and cherish -- as I am sure you do -- that little child; hold the child; cherish the first medical exams, that 50-years-later will be fresh in your memory as part of the movie.
Trump is a narcissist. Trump doesn't need ALL of your attention, though Trump would really want that.
I love that you share from your little child!
May you, your wife, your child be healthy and enjoy long life and love together!
Your wise and loving insight brought tears to my eyes... my baby is today celebrating his 33rd birthday! Those milestones (and the memory of his dad timing my contractions while watching the Masters' tournie) have been in my thoughts all day. 😊
I really hope someone keeps us updated on a play-by-play ... so disappointed this isn't televised because I sure would love to watch him squirm in real time.
"Trump’s lawyers will seek to undermine the credibility of Cohen as a felon and a known liar, but it will always come back to this: Cohen was lying on behalf of Trump. Now Cohen wants to clear the record."
Trump's lawyers would have to be seven kinds of stupid to push Cohen.
First, he's a lawyer and knows how to conduct himself in a courtroom. He won't be tricked by Trump's lawyers mainly because Cohen is way smarter than they are.
Second, he already served time for admitting his wrongdoings on behalf of Trump. He has loads of credibility. He had his "come to Jesus" moment that did not allow him to serve Trump anymore. He followed his conscience, he didn't want his children to be ashamed of him and his actions. He's entirely credible because he was willing to go to prison to end his involvement with Trump.
Third, Cohen is not going to let himself be used to defend Trump. Trump's lawyers are so inept they will probably make Cohen look MORE believable rather than less.
This MAY fall into the category of "wishful thinking" (which I attempt to limit to the playing of golf, and not the practice of law), but that being said, I am going to wallow shamelessly in it for a bit. Thank you, hippiechick.
Actually seeing these trials play out like a crime show is 1) what will move the needle for many independents and 2) why Trump is trying to delay every case.
One really interesting aspect is how much of Trump's dementia will be evident. If the press can capture that, it might sway public opinion even more than the facts of the case.
His dementia may not show in the courtroom, but the photo at the top of nytimes.com today shows not much sleep last night and a noticeably receded hairline! ;/)
I suspect there is going to be cumulative effect between the stress and exhaustion. I doubt Trump has ever had to show up for anything 4 days/week, X hours/day. He certainly didn't as President. Between that and staying up half the night ranting on Liar's Social, I expect it will accelerate his cognitive decline. Could be speaking in tongues by the end of the trial.
You probably won't see much of that in courtroom stuff; he appears to be "sundowning" - symptoms of dementia show up more clearly as the day wears on into night. His evening rallies are showing more and more of this. The slurred and/or made-up words are evidence of this, and they are becoming more frequent.
( read Jeff’s post) Phonemic paraphasias” — the substitution of non-words for words that sound similar — are not normally seen until a patient enters the moderate to severe stages of Alzheimer’s.
Some examples of Trump’s non-words: Beneficiaries becomes “benefishes.” Renovations become “renoversh.” Pivotal became “pivobal.” Obama became “obamna.” Missiles became “mishiz.” Christmas became “Crissus.” Bipartisan became “bipars.”
This is a fundamental breakdown in the ability to use language. If you were talking to your father on the phone and he did this you would think he is having a stroke. There is no healthy older person who speaks th
TFG has gotten away with everything his entire life.
And I am sick of it.
Witness the Jan 6th insurgents. Witness Reality Winner. How quickly they were tried and are serving their sentences.
TFG has never once paid the price for his criminality.
Lordy I hope this one time he does even if it’s probation.
And I don’t think it’ll change any republicans mind. They are continuing to support a lying, treasonous, 88 count 4x indicted, emoluments violating, document stealing, grifting, convicted rapist criminal.
Sunnunu’s interview made me want to puke.
They KNOW exactly who and what he is and will vote for him anyway.
https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/april-14-2024
The link is to another excellent commentator, who I read daily along with Jay. This one particularly pertinent concerning Jay's assertion Republicans will have to choose between the rule of law and the rule of Trump. The interview with Sununu is disgusting, the cowardice of the Ford foundation board equally so. Not much hope for the rule of law, I think. The Republicans made the choice a long time ago.
She and Joyce Vance (Civil Discourse) are two of my go-tos EVERY morning! Agree w/you totally on Sununu... where did our courage as a people go? When did we forget how to stand for what is right?
Republican courage (oxymoron if ever there was one) got up and walked out of the room--following the money.
Simple question and I have an answer, at least an answer that I BELIEVE TO BE ACCURATE, but as always, I may be incorrect.
I believe the question you pose, by using the words “us” and “we” creates some confusion. “We” are not everyone and never has been. This country has always been filled with religious zealotry, racist, misogynists, bigots and others such that those not in their camp, tended to group with those more similar to ourselves.
Simple example: when my ex was with the women’s studies program at our local university many years ago, I started telling her about a total wingnut on th4 radio that was calling people like her “femi-Nazi.” Her response was “no one is going to listen to someone like that.” I tried to tell her that people were listening to this guy. She was not concerned.
We all know how that went.
The problem has always been here but many more liberal people chose to not see it and discounted those in the FLY OVER states. We all saw the Jimmie Swaggarts and other religious crazies and just ignored them as outliers. They were not outliers.
Thus, I believe the WE and US have some complicity by not having your eyes open or listening to the SENTINELS in our society. The ugly underbelly has never been an underbelly but pervasive throughout our country. If you are not black, ask some black people about the truth in this country. I’m not black but I try to keep my eyes open and communicate what I see. Crickets, crickets.
Well said....I was "asleep" for years and tapped into HCR, Jay Quo, Joyce Vance, Robert Reich, Adam Kinzinger.....eye opening!! Grateful to be connected to people who follow these truth seekers.
As someone said recently, "There's always been a George Wallace faction in the US. It used to be Democrats. Now it's Republicans."
It seems that we are prone to want to believe glorious myths about ourselves rather than see the truth of events. For example, we all learned that the north won the civil war. Yes the north won the physical war but then assassinated Lincoln which allowed Johnson—the southern VP—to undo most of the vision and protect the southern property owners. Slavery was out of the bottle and could not reinstated but he paved the way for Jim Crow. With the help of southern political chicanery the ideals of the civil war were never accomplished even to this day. This suggests that the civil war is ongoing.
Remember Cecil B. DeMills “Birth of a Nation?” How about Disney’s “Song of the South?” When in elementary school when me and fellow students were singing songs from our school song book there were many pro-south songs including one called Ole Black Joe about black former slave being sad and missing his master. Even as an elementary student it was clear to me that we were being forced to sing southern Propaganda BS. My country’s original sin is still unresolved in an unrepentant country.
No argument here.
“concerning Jay's assertion Republicans will have to choose between the rule of law and the rule of Trump.”
Jays assertion is wrong. As is to often the case he’s acting as if something hasn’t yet happened.
Republicans made their choice already, multiple times. At every opportunity they have chosen Trump and rejected the rule of law.
People should say so and stop pretending Republicans haven’t already made that choice. It’s just being being an enabler and coconspirator to their lies.
I thought he was talking about the 20% or so of Rs who so far have not supported Trump. The ones who voted for Haley. They'll make their choice on Election Day.
You are correct in your assertion that republicans continually choose TFG over the rule of law — so far. IMO there’s a distinct difference between knowing TFG has committed criminal acts and seeing him convicted by a jury of committing criminal acts.
Pre-conviction, there’s wiggle room. I don’t like what he did, but he hasn’t been convicted. Post-conviction, the wiggle room is gone.
Dave McCormick is running for US senator in PA. His hedge fund invested $200M in ~20 Chinese companies producing weapons. (I think many people would agree that’s not a good idea.) When the US sanctioned those companies, the hedge fund divested their assets. McCormick says the fund followed the US government.
So, even though it’s obvious investing in China’s military industry isn’t in the best interests of the US, McCormick willingly did so. Until the US government forced the divestment.
I’m thinking there’s a similar force at work with TFG’s actions, with the conviction in the role of sanctions.
I get the "innocent until proven guilty" and even Trump should be. BUT... I don't believe any of those who say "I won't vote for him if he's convicted." No matter what happens in Trump's trials they will, as they repeatedly have, choose him over the rule of law. They may say they won't, but they will.
There is overwhelming evidence that Trump was a) an absolute disaster for the country while in office and b) will be even more of a disaster if re-elected. Anyone who is still considering voting for him is doing so because his crimes and incompetence and OUTRIGHT DECLARATIONS THAT HE WANTS TO END THE CONSTITUTION AND PUT HIS POLITICAL OPPONENTS IN JAIL don't bother them.
They know they would get (rightly) criticized if they say "I'm going to vote for Trump because I like what he's going to do to people I don't like." so instead they go with a slightly more acceptable sounding "Well, I guess I won't vote for him if he's actually convicted." And when he is convicted, they'll move the goal post to "Well, that was just a small hush money scandal [wrong, it isn't] and has nothing to do with him as a candidate [again, not true]." or "That charge was a political witch hunt so doesn't count." or some other similar nonsense.
My sanity wants me to close my eyes and sing la-la-la.
Your scenario is as plausible as mine. Maybe the hardcore follow your script and those with some sanity remaining follow mine? Maybe?
That is why the MSM lies, and misrepresents the case. To give them cover to say just that.
Trump endorsed Dave McCormick recently.
Are you familiar with Lance Rosen? He has a Substack that is amazingly full of perceptive, readable, exhaustively researched material. He also brings decades of political experience from working with the Who's Who of the political arena.
I highly recommend giving him a read. I looked him up after he posted a very thoughtful comment on HRC that made me want to find out more about him.
He does mean karaoke too
🙂
Thanks for the heads up!
Or open your eyes and look. Do we really need others to tell us what we see?
Then why are you on this page?
Is that what you believe is happening here?
That Jay posts stuff to tell us what we see?
Pardon me. I was arguing with someone about poor communication as I wrote that response and screwed up my response to you. That is on me and I apologize. .
Heather Cox Richardson has a weekly Facebook Live presentation when it fits her schedule which is most weeks. She calls it Politics Chat and asks for questions from the viewers ahead of the chat. It is at 4PM EST but can be seen at any time through her postings on Facebook. I highly recommend it. I have been following her and reading the daily letters for years because of her unique viewpoint as a scholar of the Republican Party and American political history.
Her talks are very informative and interesting.
Thank you for the recommendation!
These are two good recommendations and will check them out. I confess I was surprised at how useful and informative I have found these Substack commentators. Jay's legal and political acumen has been particularly helpful and on point, and HCR's backgrounding and historical perspectives equally so. So as a plug I urge everyone to subscribe with the monthly fee to Jay if you can afford it, if not the bigger fee (which I confess I pay cuz I can afford it and it makes a good contribution). I will check these two recommendations out.
I agree that Richardson (and Vance and Wehle and Dye) are excellent on substack,
As for Sununu and his abasement: Nathan Hale would turn over in his grave.
Disgusting? I’m not disgusted. Why? Because I have become inured to the BS Republican Party ever since Nixon and his southern strategy. Nothing, no matter how low, suprises me about the Republican Party. Conversely, nothing about the stupid Pollyannish vision of the Democrats surprises me.
I wish Stepanopoulos challenged Sununu saying 51% of the public are pro trump rather than the reality being 51%ish of R's are pro trump.
The former fortifies the"election interference" BS down the road.
Thanks for the great summation, counselor. My one question: Even though this looks like a likely candidate for probation, will the judge weigh the fact that the consequences of the crime seem magnified (at least to me) because it resulted in tricking a large enough number of people to vote for him that he essentially grifted his way into the presidency?
I really think it could go either way. I think lack of remorse is going to be a big factor.
Keep in mind, too, the fact that despite the gag order, #TraitorTrump continues to attack the judge’s daughter and more. If I was Judge Merchant, I’d put him in prison for that alone.
He could, and should, put him in jail now for that, in my less than humble opinion.
Totally agree!
Charles, new text shorthand: IMLTHO??!!!
Good question.
Thank you Jay! I will be paying attention to your reports instead of the main stream media. I hate they all call it "hush money".
Me too! It is not illegal for a man to pay off his mistress. What Trump did to hide the money through illegal business practices with shady accounting is the crime. This trial is not about his affairs and it is not the hush money, but you'd never know that from how it's being reported.
Clinton's impeachment wasn't about a blowjob, either, but not according to the media.
Seriously. There are some things the NY Times is still slightly good for, and this is probably one of them, but I'll save a LOT of time just waiting for Jay's reports. No need at all to read the others. I even like Jay's legal stuff better than Lawfare, which is pretty good, so that's saying a lot.
At the least, his passport should be revoked and his plane grounded indefinitely!
I'd be surprised if he hasn't already surrendered it.
From your lips!
He should not be allowed to run for any office with a felony.
IKR? But since he can we just have to keep him from winning!
A felon in the WH. Wow.
Seems unreal doesn't it? Once this is all said and done I feel like some amendments should be put in place so we don't have to worry about it again.
You would think 🙄🙄🙄🤦♀️🤦♀️🤦♀️
Thank you for this analysis! I hope it gave you some healthy distraction while you anticipate today's 20 week appointment. <3
You'll get, and are probably already getting, tons of stories and advice about becoming a parent. Count me in with this funny story. =)
My husband couldn't come to the ultrasound where it was possible to learn our baby's likely sex. We'd decided we didn't want to know. But my scientist brother offered to come along to the appointment as support.
I told the person doing the ultrasound that we just wanted to know whether things were developing OK & we didn't want to know "boy or girl".
BUT - As I'm on the table hearing all about the umbilical cord, heart, fetal activity, my brother was also at the screen so I heard them both say excitedly at the same time, "And there's his penis!"
#1994GenderReveal
Thank you, Mary Seabloom, for a good chuckle on this Monday morning
Same here!
I didn't want to know either. Gender did not matter--just healthy and well.
Cancelled my subscription to WaPo this morning. I don’t get a refund but I think I need to pay for these enlightening Substacks!
Good for you, Karen!
Wahoo just paid for a subscription to the status Kuo!
An excellent choice! You're a winner!
I don't think the term "first time offender" is really appropriate in this case. Let's say he would be a "first time convict".
Fair. lol.
Great photo. trump had that Helsinki look this morning.
Snort :-)
He’s gotten a haircut in the hope of looking younger or more conventional.
Jay Kuo: When Jesus accepted fine scents from a loving woman, Judas Iscariot reprimanded Jesus for not rejecting the gift and for not redirecting attention to the poor. Jesus disagreed with Judas, "For you always have the poor with you, but you will not always have me." (New Revised Standard Edition, Matthew 26:11.)
So, to paraphrase, somewhat sacrilegiously, perhaps: "For you will always have Trump with you, but you will not always have . . . your beautiful child at 20 weeks."
The real story is that your beautiful child is 20 weeks old and undergoing one of her first medical exams.
As the Dad of a 50-year-old daughter, I remember her first events -- her birth; taking her home from the hospital; her first changes; her first baths; her first shots; her weigh-ins.
I speak to you as a Dad: Take time to breathe; LOVE and cherish -- as I am sure you do -- that little child; hold the child; cherish the first medical exams, that 50-years-later will be fresh in your memory as part of the movie.
Trump is a narcissist. Trump doesn't need ALL of your attention, though Trump would really want that.
I love that you share from your little child!
May you, your wife, your child be healthy and enjoy long life and love together!
Thank you so much for sharing.
Your wise and loving insight brought tears to my eyes... my baby is today celebrating his 33rd birthday! Those milestones (and the memory of his dad timing my contractions while watching the Masters' tournie) have been in my thoughts all day. 😊
I really hope someone keeps us updated on a play-by-play ... so disappointed this isn't televised because I sure would love to watch him squirm in real time.
Try this for play-by-play reporting, every 30-60 minutes:
https://www.meidastouch.com/news/trump-trial-day-1. It's free. The Meidas Touch Network was founded by lawyers.
Maggie Haberman says he's been sleeping.
Not sure I believe anything Ms. Haberman writes about Trump any more.
I believe her on this.
It's been corroborated by others.
"Trump’s lawyers will seek to undermine the credibility of Cohen as a felon and a known liar, but it will always come back to this: Cohen was lying on behalf of Trump. Now Cohen wants to clear the record."
Trump's lawyers would have to be seven kinds of stupid to push Cohen.
First, he's a lawyer and knows how to conduct himself in a courtroom. He won't be tricked by Trump's lawyers mainly because Cohen is way smarter than they are.
Second, he already served time for admitting his wrongdoings on behalf of Trump. He has loads of credibility. He had his "come to Jesus" moment that did not allow him to serve Trump anymore. He followed his conscience, he didn't want his children to be ashamed of him and his actions. He's entirely credible because he was willing to go to prison to end his involvement with Trump.
Third, Cohen is not going to let himself be used to defend Trump. Trump's lawyers are so inept they will probably make Cohen look MORE believable rather than less.
This MAY fall into the category of "wishful thinking" (which I attempt to limit to the playing of golf, and not the practice of law), but that being said, I am going to wallow shamelessly in it for a bit. Thank you, hippiechick.
👆what she said!!!!
Love this, hippichick💙
If Trump becomes a felon (NY), will he be allowed to vote in FL?
My question exactly!!
Actually seeing these trials play out like a crime show is 1) what will move the needle for many independents and 2) why Trump is trying to delay every case.
Book em Danno.
Because you know when you are innocent you always want to delay. 🥴
One really interesting aspect is how much of Trump's dementia will be evident. If the press can capture that, it might sway public opinion even more than the facts of the case.
His dementia may not show in the courtroom, but the photo at the top of nytimes.com today shows not much sleep last night and a noticeably receded hairline! ;/)
I suspect there is going to be cumulative effect between the stress and exhaustion. I doubt Trump has ever had to show up for anything 4 days/week, X hours/day. He certainly didn't as President. Between that and staying up half the night ranting on Liar's Social, I expect it will accelerate his cognitive decline. Could be speaking in tongues by the end of the trial.
See post below - quoted Jeff T.
You probably won't see much of that in courtroom stuff; he appears to be "sundowning" - symptoms of dementia show up more clearly as the day wears on into night. His evening rallies are showing more and more of this. The slurred and/or made-up words are evidence of this, and they are becoming more frequent.
( read Jeff’s post) Phonemic paraphasias” — the substitution of non-words for words that sound similar — are not normally seen until a patient enters the moderate to severe stages of Alzheimer’s.
Some examples of Trump’s non-words: Beneficiaries becomes “benefishes.” Renovations become “renoversh.” Pivotal became “pivobal.” Obama became “obamna.” Missiles became “mishiz.” Christmas became “Crissus.” Bipartisan became “bipars.”
This is a fundamental breakdown in the ability to use language. If you were talking to your father on the phone and he did this you would think he is having a stroke. There is no healthy older person who speaks th
Absolutely!
I’ll believe it when I see it.
TFG has gotten away with everything his entire life.
And I am sick of it.
Witness the Jan 6th insurgents. Witness Reality Winner. How quickly they were tried and are serving their sentences.
TFG has never once paid the price for his criminality.
Lordy I hope this one time he does even if it’s probation.
And I don’t think it’ll change any republicans mind. They are continuing to support a lying, treasonous, 88 count 4x indicted, emoluments violating, document stealing, grifting, convicted rapist criminal.
Sunnunu’s interview made me want to puke.
They KNOW exactly who and what he is and will vote for him anyway.
The GOP has sold its soul.