My wheelhouses are law and politics, and the historic indictment of ex-president Donald Trump presents a nearly fully-overlapping Venn diagram of the two. From the outrage coming from leaders on the right, contrasted with the more tempered responses from those on the left, we can already draw insights into how the criminal charges are playing out politically, even several days before Trump is expected to step into a courthouse to face arraignment.
I wrote a piece a few days ago saying how the indictments could include tax fraud. After all, if Trump was made whole by the Trump Org paying off his debt to Cohen, that’s unreported income for which he owed tax. (And the Trump Org also took a deduction for legal fees to which it was not entitled.) Today, a former DA in the Manhattan office agreed with me, so I feel a bit vindicated! https://lawandcrime.com/trump/what-you-think-you-know-about-trumps-hush-money-indictment-may-be-wrong/
I don't comment but I do read all your posts, and this clear explanation finally convinced me to subscribe. These informative posts are much appreciated, I feel like it helps me a lot to stay informed when the news cycle spins so quickly.
The supposedly critical analysis that goes "if they can do it to Trump, they can do it to anyone," is farcical. The fact is "they" CAN do it to anyone. You, me, Trump ... ANYONE. And they do. Every day. If they didn't then I'd be out of work. Lots of people make a living as criminal defense attorneys.
It is almost inevitable that there will be terroristic right-wing violence in response to this and (hopefully) further indictments of Trump. One hopes it will be minimal and that federal, state and local law enforcement is both prepared and responds rapidly and appropriately. And that the dog whistles and resulting violence on the part of the fascist minority result in further erosion of the support they still enjoy from far too many US citizens.
I believe that the Republicans and their minions are doing what they've always done. They are working the "information asymmetry" angle to manufacture a spin-doctored narrative and get that as widely disseminated as possible before any facts can emerge from the grand jury to contradict it. It has worked for them almost every time. The results from the Mueller investigation are the most tangible example, as you have pointed out in the past.
If Trump does go to prison or is otherwise disqualified/prevented from running in 2024, do you believe the Republican Party can even slightly change course?
I would welcome a shift from the more radical fringes, but worry it might just be a foot race to see who can be the most “Trumpy.” Alienating and dividing MAGA votes from the herd would probably be disastrous for them in 2024. Pushing out more moderate republicans by backing a (potentially) convicted felon could also be bad for business.
Thank you for the breakdown. As always it helps to maintain my sanity through all this. Right now I can't even go onto FB because so many are now calling for Biden to be indicted over a "laundry list of crimes"- which I have not yet read what people say they are (because I hate ignorance and stupidity). It will be prudent in these times to remain calm and not listen to the other side- I tell myself daily now. I'm sure the circus will get worse before I gets better
I subscribed today…your substack blog has really impressed me with your knowledge of both politics and the law… it’s given me much better incite than any of the news media outlets. Please keep your blog running. I’ve shared it with many of my friends and family now. Hopefully it will grow with time.. ..
Plus your strong activism for the LGBTQIA+ is admirable and hits close to home as my nephew is gay. Luckily he has strong support and love from all of our family as unfortunately others do not.
Oh and please include more pics of Hudson and stories of Ma….always makes me smile and lightens the chaos around us a bit. We are major corgi lovers in this family.
The MAGA trolls must have reported my page again because I’m in FB jail again. Yay, how fun…
I wrote a piece a few days ago saying how the indictments could include tax fraud. After all, if Trump was made whole by the Trump Org paying off his debt to Cohen, that’s unreported income for which he owed tax. (And the Trump Org also took a deduction for legal fees to which it was not entitled.) Today, a former DA in the Manhattan office agreed with me, so I feel a bit vindicated! https://lawandcrime.com/trump/what-you-think-you-know-about-trumps-hush-money-indictment-may-be-wrong/
I don't comment but I do read all your posts, and this clear explanation finally convinced me to subscribe. These informative posts are much appreciated, I feel like it helps me a lot to stay informed when the news cycle spins so quickly.
Thanks for all you do.
The supposedly critical analysis that goes "if they can do it to Trump, they can do it to anyone," is farcical. The fact is "they" CAN do it to anyone. You, me, Trump ... ANYONE. And they do. Every day. If they didn't then I'd be out of work. Lots of people make a living as criminal defense attorneys.
No one is above the law.
Agreed. Great commentary with facts I hadn’t heard before explaining the Soros connection (or lack of it)
It is almost inevitable that there will be terroristic right-wing violence in response to this and (hopefully) further indictments of Trump. One hopes it will be minimal and that federal, state and local law enforcement is both prepared and responds rapidly and appropriately. And that the dog whistles and resulting violence on the part of the fascist minority result in further erosion of the support they still enjoy from far too many US citizens.
Excellent breakdown. Thank you. Have a great weekend, get some rest when you can, and hydrate.
Thank you, again.
I believe that the Republicans and their minions are doing what they've always done. They are working the "information asymmetry" angle to manufacture a spin-doctored narrative and get that as widely disseminated as possible before any facts can emerge from the grand jury to contradict it. It has worked for them almost every time. The results from the Mueller investigation are the most tangible example, as you have pointed out in the past.
If Trump does go to prison or is otherwise disqualified/prevented from running in 2024, do you believe the Republican Party can even slightly change course?
I would welcome a shift from the more radical fringes, but worry it might just be a foot race to see who can be the most “Trumpy.” Alienating and dividing MAGA votes from the herd would probably be disastrous for them in 2024. Pushing out more moderate republicans by backing a (potentially) convicted felon could also be bad for business.
Tough spot, you just hate to see it lol
Thank you for the breakdown. As always it helps to maintain my sanity through all this. Right now I can't even go onto FB because so many are now calling for Biden to be indicted over a "laundry list of crimes"- which I have not yet read what people say they are (because I hate ignorance and stupidity). It will be prudent in these times to remain calm and not listen to the other side- I tell myself daily now. I'm sure the circus will get worse before I gets better
Clear and concise recap of what is happening. Thanks for including the Soros information which is new to me.
Thank you for talking about Soros because I never understood why his name was being bandied about. If there is more about him I would like to hear it.
Thank you for the analysis as always!
Thanks for the clear explanations 👍🏻
Best recap yet. Thank you.
I subscribed today…your substack blog has really impressed me with your knowledge of both politics and the law… it’s given me much better incite than any of the news media outlets. Please keep your blog running. I’ve shared it with many of my friends and family now. Hopefully it will grow with time.. ..
Plus your strong activism for the LGBTQIA+ is admirable and hits close to home as my nephew is gay. Luckily he has strong support and love from all of our family as unfortunately others do not.
Oh and please include more pics of Hudson and stories of Ma….always makes me smile and lightens the chaos around us a bit. We are major corgi lovers in this family.