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.
Trump claimed the trial is a "persecution," adding that it "is an assault on America." When he says "America" he really means "Donald Trump." He is always talking about himself. If he cared about the country, he wouldn't be running.
He knows his house of cards is falling down. We are witnessing a malignant narcissist "melt-down" in real time. If any other defendant ranted the way that trump does (gagged?🙄)...they would have been fined or imprisoned already.
This "isn't it past your jail time" shirt will never get old 👇
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?
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!
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.
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.
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.
Trump claimed the trial is a "persecution," adding that it "is an assault on America." When he says "America" he really means "Donald Trump." He is always talking about himself. If he cared about the country, he wouldn't be running.
He knows his house of cards is falling down. We are witnessing a malignant narcissist "melt-down" in real time. If any other defendant ranted the way that trump does (gagged?🙄)...they would have been fined or imprisoned already.
This "isn't it past your jail time" shirt will never get old 👇
t.co/mtZXE00EFj
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?
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".
At the least, his passport should be revoked and his plane grounded indefinitely!
He should not be allowed to run for any office with a felony.
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
Cancelled my subscription to WaPo this morning. I don’t get a refund but I think I need to pay for these enlightening Substacks!
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".
Great photo. trump had that Helsinki look this morning.
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.
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.
If Trump becomes a felon (NY), will he be allowed to vote in FL?
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.
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.