After a long period of anticipation, the first of likely two separate sets of federal indictments dropped Thursday evening in the Southern District of Florida against ex-president Donald Trump. The charges revolve around his alleged illegal retention of national security documents and efforts to hinder and obstruct their return to the government. In historic terms, it is the first time a president will have to face federal charges; for our nation today, it is an important achievement for the rule of law and the principle that no one is above it, not even a former president.
Thank you for spelling things out so clearly. The Aileen Cannon news made my heart sink, but I continue to have great faith in Jack Smith. I have very little faith in those Americans who continue to condone the behavior of a conman. 🙄
Just heard on the news this morning, so I don't know if this is all completely true, say tRump is found guilty, put in prison, but is still able to run for President. And if he wins (or another sympathetic GQP supporter wins, he could have all charges and prison sentence pardoned before he walks into the White House....so important to not sit back on our heels, thinking he lost if found guilty, a blue wave, a bigly one, is needed to make sure none of this becomes a possibility. IMHO
Here's a wild thought. Suppose it stays with Judge Cannon... when she sees the preponderance of evidence, in pre-trial materials and during a trial, perhaps she will become disillusioned and even resentful at having been used by the scumbag. And the gavel comes down hard.
Wishful thinking, no doubt. Perhaps Jay's optimism is rubbing off on me.
One point I am worried/confused about: if he is found guilty, will his security clearances be revoked? If so, how can a sitting president (if that insanity happens) do their job without security clearances? I know in my low level jobs where I hold clearances this is certainly the case.
And thank you for the writing this in a s simple terms as possible so all can understand!
One thing I feel doesn't get said enough - Let's pretend Trump DID declassify those docs. That means ANYONE can look at them. So, do we really want a president who will declassify nuclear capabilities of our allies, or war plans of our government? If he DID declassify them (which of course, he didn't) that should make him ineligible for the presidency based on sheer incompetence. Along with the 1000s of other incompetent things he's done....
In view of the evidence so far, any sensible defendant would plead guilty in hopes of getting a better deal and be done with it. Trump is far from sensible, though, and will insist on treating the American public to yet another three-ring circus with him in the center ring, basking in what he will perceive as 'glory.' (SO sick of narcissists; would much rather see them banned than books and drag queens). I imagine he thinks he can run out the clock and get elected before a verdict comes through. One question, though, Jay: If convicted, will he have Secret Service coverage in prison? One comfort: If he gets convicted, there are no spray tans in prison (and what will happen with his 'do?).
There is a lot we don't (yet?) know about these charges and what was/wasn't said or done. But I'm here to tell you, as an average American with what I believe is average intelligence, if I were on the jury and I had been presented with *what we know* I can tell you that I would vote to find him guilty on all counts. Let me also add that I've never been optimistic about tRump ever seeing the inside of a courtroom, let alone a jail cell. Even if he's found guilty, he will appeal until the cows come home, and still will never serve a day of his miserable life behind bars, as deserving as he might be after a lifetime of criming. I'm still cautious in being too optimistic about him being found guilty simply because he has so many ride-or-die supporters willing to take a bullet for him, proverbially, of course, (or literally?) and willing to acquit him just because they see him for the god he thinks he is. We can only hope at this point that the members of the jury are carefully vetted, and are open-minded and reasonable. That's the best we can hope for if we want to see a guilty verdict. Even if he doesn't end up behind bars, he will be ruined in every way. The stress of the proceedings might just kill him.
One interesting question--would trump, if convicted or if it looks like he will be, withdraw from the race and throw his support behind another candidate who would then pardon him? Which is more important to him: his ego in being president or his desire to keep out of prison?
And here we sit, in a morning after room reeking of stale beer, sweet, the admixture of vomit and pretzels. Even before the party started we anticipated the end point, but it still assaults the senses and dazes the mind.
Why, in the world, would they give this case to that judge?? I mean that is just asking for major trouble and delays. Who decided this? To me, it overshadows all the great news.
Thank you for spelling things out so clearly. The Aileen Cannon news made my heart sink, but I continue to have great faith in Jack Smith. I have very little faith in those Americans who continue to condone the behavior of a conman. 🙄
Appreciate your optimism about justice from the Florida courts. I hope your optimism is justified in the end.
Just heard on the news this morning, so I don't know if this is all completely true, say tRump is found guilty, put in prison, but is still able to run for President. And if he wins (or another sympathetic GQP supporter wins, he could have all charges and prison sentence pardoned before he walks into the White House....so important to not sit back on our heels, thinking he lost if found guilty, a blue wave, a bigly one, is needed to make sure none of this becomes a possibility. IMHO
Here's a wild thought. Suppose it stays with Judge Cannon... when she sees the preponderance of evidence, in pre-trial materials and during a trial, perhaps she will become disillusioned and even resentful at having been used by the scumbag. And the gavel comes down hard.
Wishful thinking, no doubt. Perhaps Jay's optimism is rubbing off on me.
One point I am worried/confused about: if he is found guilty, will his security clearances be revoked? If so, how can a sitting president (if that insanity happens) do their job without security clearances? I know in my low level jobs where I hold clearances this is certainly the case.
And thank you for the writing this in a s simple terms as possible so all can understand!
Love it! Here’s hoping the Angry Yam is shaking in his boots now that Justice might just come along and bite him in the ass after all!
He has the right to a speedy trial. Let’s hope so.
One thing I feel doesn't get said enough - Let's pretend Trump DID declassify those docs. That means ANYONE can look at them. So, do we really want a president who will declassify nuclear capabilities of our allies, or war plans of our government? If he DID declassify them (which of course, he didn't) that should make him ineligible for the presidency based on sheer incompetence. Along with the 1000s of other incompetent things he's done....
In view of the evidence so far, any sensible defendant would plead guilty in hopes of getting a better deal and be done with it. Trump is far from sensible, though, and will insist on treating the American public to yet another three-ring circus with him in the center ring, basking in what he will perceive as 'glory.' (SO sick of narcissists; would much rather see them banned than books and drag queens). I imagine he thinks he can run out the clock and get elected before a verdict comes through. One question, though, Jay: If convicted, will he have Secret Service coverage in prison? One comfort: If he gets convicted, there are no spray tans in prison (and what will happen with his 'do?).
Thank you for keeping us informed in such a clear and concise way.
There is a lot we don't (yet?) know about these charges and what was/wasn't said or done. But I'm here to tell you, as an average American with what I believe is average intelligence, if I were on the jury and I had been presented with *what we know* I can tell you that I would vote to find him guilty on all counts. Let me also add that I've never been optimistic about tRump ever seeing the inside of a courtroom, let alone a jail cell. Even if he's found guilty, he will appeal until the cows come home, and still will never serve a day of his miserable life behind bars, as deserving as he might be after a lifetime of criming. I'm still cautious in being too optimistic about him being found guilty simply because he has so many ride-or-die supporters willing to take a bullet for him, proverbially, of course, (or literally?) and willing to acquit him just because they see him for the god he thinks he is. We can only hope at this point that the members of the jury are carefully vetted, and are open-minded and reasonable. That's the best we can hope for if we want to see a guilty verdict. Even if he doesn't end up behind bars, he will be ruined in every way. The stress of the proceedings might just kill him.
Well. We can hope.
One interesting question--would trump, if convicted or if it looks like he will be, withdraw from the race and throw his support behind another candidate who would then pardon him? Which is more important to him: his ego in being president or his desire to keep out of prison?
And here we sit, in a morning after room reeking of stale beer, sweet, the admixture of vomit and pretzels. Even before the party started we anticipated the end point, but it still assaults the senses and dazes the mind.
I believe one of those charges includes exclusion from holding federal office.
Wouldn't that preclude him from the election upon conviction?
Why, in the world, would they give this case to that judge?? I mean that is just asking for major trouble and delays. Who decided this? To me, it overshadows all the great news.
Thank you for a very clear and helpful explanation of the issues as we know them today.