Personally I’d love that but legally (so far) he is a first time felon. There was no violence in this particular crime and most first time felons convicted of similar crimes don’t get a jail sentence.
If Judge Merchant sentences Trump to jail time it will play into the Republican narrative of a political witch hunt. More moderate republicans will be more likely to accept the verdict if the judges sentence is within the norms for this particular crime. Granted there is the election interference charge but I believe that is best left to commentators and the press to keep that front and center.
It’s natural to want to see Mr. Trump pay for all the damage he has done and continues to do but it’s best to take things one criminal act at a time. There are plenty more ahead but to make sure these are all addressed without the stink of witch hunt we need to take it one step at a time.
Having said all that I have one more comment. YIPPEE!!! They got him.
Michael Cohen was a first time felon and got 3 years. I assume Allen Weiselberg was a firsttimer and he got a prison sentence. While I tend to agree it is unlikely and perhaps unseemly to incarcerate 45, there are aggravating circumstances like the 10+ violations of the gag order.
But this was not normal. The felon violated 10 gag orders. Assessing his tendency to continue this behavior is a legitimate consideration in deciding on a sentence.
Don’t be cowed by sure Republican rage. They will be righteous and full of rage no matter the verdict. We have to hope that Justice does the right thing.
I think all of us reading this article would like to see Trump sentenced to serve time, but I can definitely see that having an effect on the election if it makes him into more of a martyr figure and backs up all of those MAGA claims of Democratic witch hunts.
He'll be a martyr among his core cult followers, but they're not the majority of Republicans. Other of his Republican supporters realize that the country can't be run from a jail cell; so, rather than vote for Biden, they'll probably either just not vote, or vote for RFK Jr. in protest.
I hear you. I just don't agree on the matyr thing. MAGA is already all in pretty much. He is already a martyr figure for them. They don't need any "reality" to back their claims of witch hunt. You're thinking rational, not MAGA.
For independents some jail time will make him look more like a LOSER that does not belong in the Whitehouse.
But unemotionally, I would like to see him get a sentence that fits the crime (and his gag violations). It sounds like he might not get jail time.
Overall I'm hopeful that this conviction will make some difference to the voters, and thus all the difference come the election.
If punishment were to be meted out for violation of the gag orders, Merchan would have already done so at the time the violations occurred. I'm a tad furious whenever I hear people (including D.A. Alvin Bragg) say that T***p was treated just like any other accused person at trial. He was not; he was coddled.
I think coddled is a stretch. It seemed to me that the judge was calibrating how far to go lest he triggered some outrageous act. That said, I was disappointed that he was allowed to vent before the media in the hallway.
Okay. How about "indulged"? "Humored"? Deciding consequences based on whether or not a 3rd party(ies) would be triggered is not equal application of the law.
Yes and even on leaving the court after the verdict, he again accused the Judge of being "corrupt" and the trial pre-decided. - I don't understand why he can continually get away without penalty for slandering the Judge - isn't that defamatory?
They did say that Judge Merchan will take into consideration the gag order violations when it comes to sentencing. But it is true, there is not usually jail time given for this type of crime. And the Republicans WILL be full of rage. Too bad so sad.
As the Republicans, with only few exceptions, support Trump regardless, I doubt it matters how much rage they show. They cannot do much more than they did on January 6th when they stormed the Capitol. That any rational and reasonable person can support Trump is beyond my understanding for his perfidy, self-aggrandisement and lying is plain to witness and his record in regard to business dealings and unfair treatment of employees speaks for itself.
Yes, I accept that justice may take time and that fair-minded and just people cannot copy the wrongs of those who aren't. At the same time, it seems almost unfathomable and intolerable that this whole sordid mess has continued for so long; that Trump's appointees to the Bench have refused to recuse themselves and also slowed down the process in other criminal indictments, as well as the reality that even after having been convicted of actions to interfere with an election, this despicable man can, even if imprisoned, still become the President. If he does so, then most certainly he will simply pardon himself - yet another outrageous possibility.
Surely, if nothing else, there needs to be an amendment to the Constitution to prevent such a situation ever being possible in the future. - How is Constitutional change brought about?
Actually, I've been thinking about that, too. Among other things (including preserving voting and reproductive rights), the Constitution needs to set out a code of ethics, enforcement and consequences for the Supreme Court Justices.
Will that happen? Not in OUR lifetimes. A Constitutional Amendment takes years (possibly decades) and requires a hefty majority of Americans to vote for it. Hell, right now we can't even agree that we have legitimate results from our current voting systems, so I can't imagine how something as consequential as voting to amend the Constitution would work.
I don't know how that is done but I know it can be done, non sibi cunctis. I agree with everything you said. This amendment to the Constitution must be addressed after the election. When we have President Biden in the White House and Democratic majorities in the Senate and the House, maybe they will work toward that reform.
Drink a champaign toast to the jury for seeing thru all of the BS Trump’s defense attorney threw at them and for voting to convict Trump on all 34 criminal charges.
I think it helped to have 2 attorneys and an investment banker on the jury. Even though this was not their area of expertise, they probably had well-developed sensitivities to BS.
The Judge could make an example out of this behavior. Election interference strikes at the heart of our democracy. He would be striking a blow for better governance.
I agree . . . EXCEPT: he could probably appeal any sentence that might >appear< overly harsh. Whatever the judge decides, he better get it right and have it fully documented and supported 10 ways from Sunday!
Not my call. That would be for an appeals court to decide, because >of course< he'll be appealing anything from the conviction to the sentencing. Let's not be obtuse about that certainty!
Interesting. He may be a first-time felon, but he committed 34 felonies during that "first time." If a first-time offender kidnaps and rapes someone every day for 30 days, is that considered one offense or 30+? Bernie Madoff's ponzi scheme was a first-time criminal financial offense that affected thousands of people, and he didn't get a slap on the wrist. Surely the extent of the offense must be a determining factor when considering the punishment. Weisselberg and Cohen had to serve jail time and they didn't have criminal records.
Frankly, with all the talk about appeals, and the multiple years they can take, Trump will probably croak before he sees any jail time. It's not as if he's a paragon of good health!
What I am now hoping for is a concerted effort to identify, catalog and track ALL his assets and prevent him from hiding/transferring them. I'm quite sure he doesn't have enough $$ to pay all the judgments against him (much less the pending attorneys' bills), so he's going to try to hide every last buck.
The worst punishment this malignant and egotistical narcissist could suffer would be to die penniless, his name stripped from all his properties, and his crime family scrambling to pay their bills. They might even have to get real jobs and a paycheck. The word "trump" should be absorbed into our common vernacular to be synonymous with "f*ck" and "failure." ["Damn. He really trumped that up! What a loser."]
Yes but the charges were different. One being lying to Congress. Im not sure of the others but based on what Trump is convicted of, the norm for a first time conviction is no jail time. I think Judge Merchan is a wise man and will rule accordingly. I’m just cautioning people about expectations and why he probably won’t go to jail for this one. But there’s plenty more ahead.
Let’s hope if he is given no jail time, he is sentenced to six months of community service sweeping the platforms and emptying garbage bags in the NYC subway system— a wonderful opportunity for reporters to snap. photos of him in janitorial uniform.
Yes you’re right, this is not a normal case. But he will be going to a screening where all convicted criminals go. He will be interviewed asked many personal questions including questions about his mental health. It is a thorough examination and he will be treated like every other convicted felon that goes through this process.There he will be treated like every other criminal and he will have a parole officer assigned to him.
No Mr. Trump is not normal by any means but neither are his followers. I believe that on the part of his sentencing it needs to be treated as it would if he was Joe Citizen. Yes he did violate 10 gag orders, but he paid the fines. That will be on record along with his screening as a part of his character, but he paid the fines so it’s a done deal as far as punishment.
I believe he is a vile and dangerous man but I also believe it’s very important to keep to the standards of the sentencing. This conviction is a big step, and there’s more to come. My point is if the sentencing is seen as outside of the norm there will be backlash. The MAGA faction will go berserk. Perhaps I should say even more berserk.
This case has to be treated like any other case or the witch-hunt accusations and this is Joe Biden’s doing in spite of the fact that it’s a state conviction not a federal one
Think of this as step one. There’s still the Georgia case, the insurrection case, the classified documents case, and I’m pretty sure Arizona and Michigan are also in the works. An overly zealous sentencing could damage these cases if this one has the appearance of unfairness.
It's Not Joe Biden's fault under any rationalization! To hell with what the insurrectionist traitor MAGA s think! If jail is an option and the law allows it , let the judge use his judgement. TRump may need to see the error of his ways, and get a little humility. Like any other law breaker.
Trump was no ordinary defendant with no criminal record, etc. He was the PRESIDENT, so the judge should for that reason send him to prison as an abject example of what can happen to a future president who breaks the law.
Yes there were. That’s not unusual in a felony case. A person can murder someone and face several convictions for the one murder. Carrying an unregistered weapon, carrying a concealed weapon, carrying a weapon while under the influence etc etc. one murder multiple convictions.
The violence was in his words, both in court and outside. He made threats; he lied; he implied bad things happening to the officers of the court and others who had done him wrong. He earned the 10 contempt citations the court meted out to him.
The violence of his words continue to echo and also to destroy and coarsen - threat by threat - our democracy. No remorse. Just continued criminality.
The Judge can and will take this into consideration. But it is not true that there was no violence associated with this or other crimes.
Speaking of 'pay'.....how will this affect his status in corporatedom and how will it affect his loans? Can convicted Felons still get loans? Insurance?
Under Florida law - where he lives and votes - it reverts to the state policy where he was convicted - I hear tell. NY permits convicted felons to vote - I hear tell.
Great point. I would urge Blue MAGA to curb their (public) display of schadenfreude to avoid feeding Red MAGA's claim that the trial was rigged. Clinton was treated with leniency - only a fine - for misrepresenting the funding of the Steele Dossier as "legal services" instead of opposition research.
Trump needs to be taken down for his actual felonies: election interference and conspiracy to overturn election results.
I think community service that would be humbling to him....service at a food kitchen comes to mind. Let him see how the extreme different population from him lives, without cameras or microphones
I think the conviction speaks for itself without jail time. This conviction is huge when it comes to Trump who has been able to dodge everything else. Finally something stuck!
Sue GG... too many of DJT's underlings and political followers are in prison! He's found guilty of Fraud, He's found guilty of rape ( E. Jean Carol) , He's been found guilty of stealing from a Nonprofit organization while President (along with his kids),
.. not putting him in prison would lead to more disillusionment about our broken justice that only serves rich white men! Lock him up! It's not America's fault that the GOP is full of crap!
And if it goes to the Supreme Court, well, they will walk all over the jury's verdict and how at lest 60% of voters agree with. Alito and Thomas MUST be censored or impeached...they are not impartial!
It's not going to the US Supreme Court. It's not a federal case. It's a NYC case (brought by *Manhattan* D.A. Alvin Bragg), so the court of appeal will be in the State of NY.
A state appeals court was already by passed on the issue of his not being able to be prosecuted for anything he did while president or afterwards. It's sitting with the SC now and they're taking their darn time to give their opinions. So why wouldn't this decision be by-passed and sent to the SC. Trump always wants the SC to be the final say, since he's loaded it up just for himself.
No. A state appeals court was not involved in that case. Charges were filed in a Federal court in D.C. Trump moved to have the charges dismissed, based on a claim of Presidential immunity. Judge Chutkan denied Trump's motion to dismiss the charges.
So Trump appealed Chutkan's decision to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, and asked her to pause proceedings pending the appellate court's review.
Meanwhile, Jack Smith asked SCOTUS to bypass the D.C. Circuit and swiftly decide whether Trump could be criminally charged for allegedly illegal acts committed while in the White House (i.e., the ridiculous presidential immunity argument).
While SCOTUS was deciding whether to accept Jack Smith's request for a swift decision by them, Judge Chutkan granted Trump's request to pause the proceedings in the case. (All these judges are bending over backwards to humor Mango Mussolini so that their decisions cannot later be found to be faulty and thrown out.)
About a week later SCOTUS said nope to Jack Smith's request for them to fast-track his request to get resolution on the presidential immunity claim. So.....
....the issue went *back* to the DC Circuit Court. The three-judge panel there unanimously ruled that Trump is not entitled to broad immunity from prosecution. [Duh! Now, was that so hard??]
The DC Circuit judges gave Trump until Feb. 12 to ask the Supreme Court to pause their (the DC Circuit's) decision. On Feb. 12 Trump asked SCOTUS for emergency relief from the D.C. Circuit's ruling against him. Two days later (Feb. 14) Jack Smith urged SCOTUS to reject Trump's request for emergency relief and allow the D.C. Circuit's ruling to stand. BUT, Smith also said if the justices really think Trump's immunity claim warrants their review, they should take up the case on an expedited basis. ('Cause -- Hello? Trials/election/stuff goin' on, y'all!)
Two WEEKS later (2/28) SCOTUS agrees to consider whether Trump is entitled to presidential immunity from prosecution for acts allegedly committed while in office. They set arguments for the week of APRIL 22 (nearly 2 months later) and said the proceedings in the case will remain on hold until it issues a decision, expected by the end of JUNE.
And so, here we are. Cooling our heels until the end of next month. But, as you can see, there was no state supreme court or state appellate court involved. It was a federal filing in D.C., which (obviously) does not have statehood. The D.C. Circuit court made the right decision (no-brainer!), but Dolt 45 appealed it to SCOTUS. No "bypassing" occurred.
Right you are, Susan! Their goal is political; in other words, their goal is to control some and exclude others. They turned Jesus into a tribal idol, and Trump has convinced them that he is the embodiment of their tribal identity, not unlike Adolf Hitler.
Ergo Roman tick fallacy is still merely propaganda for the rape slave murder mass murder repeat and rape God story tellers ad naseum. Hit a non fiction section and dwell there.
I wouldn't hold him in that high a regard. Satan has higher standards! 🤣 He's just another tired-assed little heretic with a high profile. See Jim Jones and Jonestown/
And he will wear that label with pride. Because thats who he is. He will use it to rev up his misinformed masses of foolish followers. The unmagnanimous maga maggots will not care. To them he can do no wrong. No matter how much wrong he does. Or how bad. For they are either blind or just refuse to see. To admit to themselves that the one they follow, they put up on such a high pedestal, their "Super Savior" is not. Or can ever do any wrong. They will think and cheer and yell that he is such a strong powerful tough guy bad ass. For that impresses their naive immature minds. And he will just keep feeding them his lies and crap. Saying just what they want to hear. And they will just keep swallowing it down in blissful glee. And just keep on hating.
That's actually incorrect. The Constitution clearly delineates what qualifies a citizen to be eligible to run for President, a Federal office. Which means that States _can't_ keep a convicted felon from being on the ballot. (Federal Law trumps State Law.) [pun intended]
This may be true of all/most/some Representatives and Senators. (I’m not sure because I haven’t done the research on all the states.) However, it unfortunately does not apply to the office of the President which is under federal jurisdiction.
He hasn't been brought to justice yet. He was found guilty, but our legal system is built to let rich white men like him evade actual justice. If and when he's actually in prison, then we can talk about him being brought to justice. Until such time it's way too early to celebrate.
They have no power there. One; these crimes were committed before tfg became president & two; they have no jurisdiction on account these were State crimes, not federal crimes.
I don’t know all the ins and outs of the court system, but he could not be pardoned by a president {meaning himself}.
I don’t know about SCOTUS.
Maybe that’s federal and out of their jurisdiction. I’m not really sure.
That would be cool, if he could not be helped by all his powerful buddies. But I think someone said his case will go there.
Not sure if they could GET it there before November — it has to go through more local appeals …
If the SCOTUS did actually just give him a pass, that would be a VERY dicey thing to have happen … It would NOT get him re-elected …
Hmmm, now must look up jurisdictions … Mmmmph.
I’m still happy he’s convicted. So delicious.
{Some of what I read suggests if a verdict in state court is interwoven with federal statutes, it might bring in SCOTUS jurisdiction — It all gets pretty arcane to me. Right now, I’m happy Donny’s a convict.}
SCOTUS and state rulings are not intertwined. Where did you get that idea? We are all so traumatized by TFG. Don’t worry. He can only go to the states court of appeals and Judge Merchan did an excellent job of doing everything by the book and air tight. Do not worry.
This was a state court ruling. The Supreme Court has no jurisdiction in this case just like a president can’t pardon him because it’s a state court not a federal court ruling. Take a big breath of relief.
this won't make it to the Supreme Court- it's a state case based upon state principles and laws unless the defense is alleging that the state law is unconstitutional- and that's not the case here. It could go to a NY appellate court if they can allege a reversible error or other such important issue which would necessitate the state appellate court to take it and as much as I have read and listened, I don't see grounds- ineffective counsel? (teasing).
Focus on what is Civic Duty. Djt has no honor valor merit and he could a woulda should a lived out his weird pointless life pressing a button for his beverage...but nooo000oo.
And to get there he has to first exhaust his options in New York. Then he will most likely have to wait until October when SCOTUS gets back in session after summer break and then it has to be picked up by SCOTUS and then that probably won’t happen until after the election. In the meantime he will be in custody of some sort.
@Lucius. IMHO he'll try to "post" his lawyers alleging they were/are incompetent.
THE NEW YORK CPL 440 MOTION
A CPL 440 motion seeks to reverse a defendant’s conviction based on facts that are off the record (i.e. facts or issues that do not appear in the transcripts of the proceedings in the trial level court). Such motions can be made before or after the direct appeal has been submitted to the appellate court. However, the 440 motion is not filed with an appellate court. It is filed with the judge in the trial court who presided over the defendant’s trial or plea. No notice of appeal needs to be filed to preserve a defendant’s right to file a CPL 440 motion in the trial court.
DJT will never be "brought to justice" until he's put behind bars for the rest of his unnatural life w/o probation or parole. He's a career criminal & a traitor, not a patriot, to his native country. AFAIC, he's earned the right to choose his method of public execution: hanging, firing squad, electric chair, or lethal injection After his corpse has been cremated, the ashes should be buried next to his late wife's at Bedminster Golf Club's 1st hole.
A hanging on the National Mall AFTER HIS CONVICTIONS IN HIS INSURRECTION AND ESPIONAGE CASES to EXORCISE THE SINS OF SLAVERY HE SO PROUDLY ENGAGED IN THROUGHOUT HIS LIFE!
alot of bloggers on Matt Taibbi's blog show including Matt cheer for Trump and insist that he was 'unfairly prosecuted in NY' and some say 'they will now donate to Trump because of the 34 unfair felony convictions'.
And alot of the bloggers on Robert Reich's blog show cheer Bidens billions sent to back Netanyahu's genocide in Gaza and Bidens proxy war against Russia,.
Of course the Trump and Biden supporters disagree and some hate each other but they are actually joined at the hip.
The statement "these charges should have never been brought" uttered by none other than Author Aidala of CNN. Trump is an influential man with questionable ethics, and he feels he has a get out of jail free card at his disposal whenever the need presents itself. He had 34 indictments against him, not just one. Twelve men and women selected by both sides of this legal mess heard the evidence and determined Trump to be guilty on all counts. There was no conspiracy, no government sponsored election interference. President Biden had no part in this debacle, it was all Donald Trump. The man acted like a crook, he got caught and now he's a convicted felon. You skate on thin ice and sooner or later you're bound to break through.
Weak, Hodgins. That's because you don't know. Why dont you admit that? The stupidest voting cohort in American history allows their feelings to rule them. Facts are inconsequential to Trump Derangement Syndrome which has now resulted in millions applauding a Berian show trial.
President Biden should maintain his position of keeping distance to all Justice! Except under strenuous circumstances!
Stick to your message of Roe vs Wade, the protection of our women, gun culture, Immigration and border, a stronger Justice department, the economy, more the usual!
Keep distance to all of Trump, this is not a good time for getting in the middle of it, it is by far not done yet! What about crimes committed in the context of Jan 6, Election interference and the secret documents issue!
Now the question is will Speaker Johnson still demonstrate the blind, cowardly loyalty he did earlier in the week? And if he does, isn’t it time that a non-MAGA House Republican puts forth a motion to vacate him?
Now is the time for the Republican party to understand that the MAGA frenzy will crash and burn. Trump‘s coattails are now lead, and anyone standing on them will be brought down the drain too in Trump’s whirlpool of lies.
Mike Johnson is a very dangerous man. He is a lot smarter than Trump and most Republicans, and both parties have secured his powerful position for him. Should something happen to Harris and Biden, he would become our president.
I have been very interested in what the R off ramp would be if this occurred. I am guessing Michael Steele will get a lot of interviews soon explaining the rules of the R nominating process to lay it out for us.
I'm afraid for that to happen as you hope, we'll first have to make Trump lose in November, then hope the other trials go forward. Only after "several nails in the coffin" will there be a chance to break tbe GOP free of his spell. But remember, the GOP problem didn't begin with Trump nor is it likely to completely end with him, at least for a while.
Well said! Let’s hope for this! I’m disgusted with him like most Americans but fear that the rich white guys will still keep him from seeing jail time.
All the laws that we have spit on regarding our involvement in Israel/Palestine war and justified in the same manner tRUMP justified his criminal behaviors.
You can start anywhere…inflation, border, 2 wars, etc., but wait…actually that all started with this administration…just intensified over the last 7-8 months…that is reality!
Let’s not convolute these two issues. I strongly, passionately disagree with our supplying weapons to Israel. I believe that President Biden is wrong in supplying them. But these are two very different issues.
Trump purposely broke American law to further his personal agenda. He cheated our country out of a fair election by paying off and concealing that payment to win the election.
The law that Biden is said to be facilitating Israel crime is international law. I believe it’s wrong and I feel deep shame for our part in Israel’s genocide. He is wrong but he hasn’t broken the law. And the U.S. is not a signature to the international court.
These are separate issues and it doesn’t help to convolute the two.
Yes, two separate laws and issues but nevertheless each is breaking a law, unless we are of the mindset to accept breaking one set of law is bad but another set is OK. I couldn't agree more with your view regarding tRUMP, I go as far as believing he is a TRAITOR to our nation simply by putting his own personal interest ahead of the nation. But I am also a firm believer in accountability and Biden must be held to account for his part in this genocide. If you are truly ashamed of our involvement, how can you still support him, I can NOT as my conscience does not allow me to
"And the U.S. is not a signature to the international court"
That argument might have hold water if they were not so eagerly cheering and supporting the ICC arrest warrant for Putin. They have only made a mockery of themselves and the USA.
Technically Biden isn’t breaking the law, he is enabling Netanyahu breaking the law.
I have been extremely disappointed in Biden supplying the weapons to Netanyahu. Under any circumstances I would not support him for reelection but the stakes are too high to waste a vote.
Back in 2000 Al Gore ran against George Bush. Then Ralph Nader decided to run as an independent. Ralph Nader was a consumer advocate and he appealed to a lot of the young democrats. Unfortunately his candidacy syphoned off enough votes from Al Gore to give George Bush the win.
Imagine if Al Gore had won in 2000. He had been sounding the alarm on climate change even before 2000. We would have moved forward on protecting the environment and cutting back emissions of carbon. Now there are many scientists who don’t think we’ll meet that goal and we are already suffering the effects of climate change.
Instead we ended up with George Bush. He through some kind of political sorcery changed the narrative of the 911 terrorist arrack from focusing on Osama Bin Laden to Saddam Hussein. He brought false charges that Hussein had “weapons of mass destruction.” It was a lie but based on that lie over 4,000 soldiers were killed and well over 100,000 civilians were killed. On top of that was the environmental waste of the war and the burn pits.
As a result of a political smear on Al Gore , I believe it was an affair, many idealistic voters voted for Ralph Nader when asked why they refused to vote for Gore instead of Nader. Many said “I don’t vote for evil.” But the bottom line was in essence they did.
So I will support Biden for President because:
Trump has promised to be dictator from day one.
He told his donors he would deport all protestors
He admires and quotes Hitler
Once in, he won’t leave. He’s learned from his first failure so he’s prepared for the next time
He is planning on taking down our democracy and has a group of people eager to help him
Please consider the repercussions of abstaining from voting. Try instead to bring about change with our current administration.
Sez the obsessed Muslim. Let's talk about the wholesale upfront and personal slaughter and rape of women, babies, toddlers, elderly and disabled by the peaceful would be shaheeds, who were celebrated, ulated and cheered by all of those "innocent" civilians until the chickens came home to rest, and now they hide like cowards behind the very people they are suppose to be responsible for, as they use them as human shields
Don't talk about Biden, when you have unhuman's like Sinwar and his battalions responsible for the slaughter of Jews and the destruction of Gaza.
You show no understanding whatsoever of what is taking place in Gaza and the West Bank, nor the reasons for it. Without understanding it is better to keep your thoughts to yourself. When you don't, you simply show yourself to be either a fool, a bigot or a simpleton, ironically given the nature of this thread, - just like Trump.
His mindset and thinking is very evident by his writing. I have come to believe engaging and reasoning with such people is as productive as it is with a MAGA cult member, none existence. But I thank you for your insight.
And what sane adult sells their children to pay their debts. Murders their own daughters. Stones a human being because whatever. Sorry pal. Untill the girls and women stop the pedofiles hostage sex trade under the advertising clothing your conceit is blabber.
Well said, Ann! I celebrate, not for the conviction of one so deserving (well, maybe a little), but for the vindication of our justice system. Judge Merchan has earned my total respect, and the jury, my total admiration.
Anyone else with felony convictions wouldn’t qualify for presidential security clearance. What will happen here? He obviously can’t be trusted with security information!
Sh*t. They wouldn't need to torture him for information. They'd just need to stroke his ego and trump would brag about everything he knows, even stuff they don't care about.
I thought of that, too. But then I realized if the enemy wants information without paying for it, they could just play to his narcissism like Putin does.
He will not see the inside of Rikers,, maybe confinement to his penthouse in Trump Tower with ankle bracelet. That will kill him, no crowds to stroke his ego.
He will not get national security briefings as a felon. For this I am tearfully grateful because I believe he has sold national secrets for his profit and own benefit.
That was the reasoning Bill and Emily Harris gave to the man who was to take Patty Hearst across the country.
The guy offered to take her instead to a Patty friend or relative, so she could be released.
Bill and Emily said, “Good idea. We’ve had sort of a ‘Ransom of Red Chief’ situation with her.” They said that if she was let go, the heat on them would die down.
The guy offered that to Patty, and she said, “Take me where the f*** you’re supposed to take me, or there’ll be a dead man in this car.”
I don't think he qualified when he was already president and with good reason if the hundreds of stolen Classified, Top Secret, SCIF, and nuclear documents are anything to go by.
His son-in-law was denied a clearance but tfg insisted he be given one anyway. Neither one deserves to be dog catchers let alone be given security clearances.
I wouldn't let Dumpy anywhere near any dog, much less one I cared about. He's always used the term "dog" as a pejorative, and then he applauded Kristi Noem.
But, I don't believe anyone ever thought a felon would be running for office. This is clearly unchartered territory (other than one jailed hopeful 75 some years ago) and hopefully our congress will correct this omission from our constitution.
You’re pinning your hopes on CONGRESS? That’s sweet, Tina, but… what are you smoking?
Nothing personal. I just have less faith in Congress than I do in Santa Claus & the Easter Bunny together. And that lack of faith is only about 10% of my lack of faith for the future of our country if Trump wins.
I guess I'm a bit more optimistic than you are. I know a change wouldn't happen in this congress BUT if we manage to elect more blue, they may pass a new amendment to make this change. I can only hope.
I believe our Founders were silent on whether a felon could serve as President; most probably b/c they couldn’t imagine that we would never nominate and elect, a felon.
Agreed. There are tasks that Presidents need to do and information they need to have to do the job. As a convicted felon, he wo t have access to these tasks and info. Unless Trump successfully undermines the DOJ and the Military, all that will stop at the VP.
The same thought crossed my mind. Another question: how long might it take for some MAGATs to uncover the names of the jurors and release them? We all know the media will eat them for dessert. And if any or all of the twelve jurors receive threats, are they entitled to 24/7 protection as well? I sure hope so.
And as soon as they threaten, they should be arrested for terroristic threatening. They've already proven they will follow through--the Michigan governor they shot, Nancy Pelosi's husband, the Jan 6 insurrection.
This is the best news regarding Trump in I don't know how long. Although he'll find it difficult to attach 12 Americans who did their duty under the Constitution, I'm sure he'll find a way. That doesn't diminish the historical event that just happened. I agree -- Biden would do well to say nothing about it. If you have any inroads to his campaign and his administration, Mr. Reich, do all you can to let them know to how important it is for Biden to remain above the fray on this. Thank you for this, and all your posts.
Ms Gadd and Professor Reich please explain why silence is important in this matter. That leaves the narrative to those who will find ways to distort the meaning of the conviction.
Because the crime speaks for itself, mentioning it looks like political expediency, and it won't make any difference to the MAGA crowd, but it might have an impact on swing voters.
Biden would be affirming the integrity of the court system.
As was pointed out earlier the defense attorneys vetted the jury.
They were declared impartial when they were seated.
tfg had his mini news conference after the verdict and should be found in contempt for his statements. He attacked the judge, the court, the jury and the political system including the constitution. Who can better answer these attacks than President Biden?
Eric Trump, the former president's second-eldest son, posted this on X just before 6 p.m.: "May 30th, 2024 might be remembered as the day Donald J. Trump won the 2024 Presidential Election."
No, little man--today is the day your daddy lost his attempt to steal 2024 like he tried to do in 2020. If the main force of the American people did not respect the law or find this beyond unseemly, there would have been no reason for the cover up in the first place.
This will not play well in Peoria--or any swing state.
For me personally there is a sweet irony in the verdict. On May 30, 1977, I left the Soviet Union. As the plane flew over Moscow tears began streaming out of my eyes. It was not because I was sorry to leave the country. It was because I felt sorry for the people I was leaving behind. They had been brutalized, lied to, and treated like cattle by their own government. The conviction of "dictator for one day" is a nice anniversary gift to me.
He’s a rapist and a felon. Why does the constitution not bar such a reprobate to run for presidential? It needs to be amended. The republicans have no better candidate? (Sarcasm)
Convicted felon. The only title he’s worthy of
He earned the title of convicted felon.
About the only thing he ever actually earned on his own account.
That he did and there could be a hell of a lot more before it's all said and done.
Yes he did!
Agree about convicted felon, but you might want to add Robert De Niro's "just another shabby real estate hustler."
!!!
Imprisoned felon?
Personally I’d love that but legally (so far) he is a first time felon. There was no violence in this particular crime and most first time felons convicted of similar crimes don’t get a jail sentence.
If Judge Merchant sentences Trump to jail time it will play into the Republican narrative of a political witch hunt. More moderate republicans will be more likely to accept the verdict if the judges sentence is within the norms for this particular crime. Granted there is the election interference charge but I believe that is best left to commentators and the press to keep that front and center.
It’s natural to want to see Mr. Trump pay for all the damage he has done and continues to do but it’s best to take things one criminal act at a time. There are plenty more ahead but to make sure these are all addressed without the stink of witch hunt we need to take it one step at a time.
Having said all that I have one more comment. YIPPEE!!! They got him.
Michael Cohen was a first time felon and got 3 years. I assume Allen Weiselberg was a firsttimer and he got a prison sentence. While I tend to agree it is unlikely and perhaps unseemly to incarcerate 45, there are aggravating circumstances like the 10+ violations of the gag order.
Susan: I don't think it "unseemly" to incarcerate a former president. He should be held to a higher standard, if anything!
Good point
Trump should have been cuffed and led away to jail just like any other convicted felon. Why he wasn’t remains unexplained.
Low flight risk and not yet sentenced. But wait, the best thing that could happen would be for Trump to run to some safe country ... like Russia
Hear, hear.
Sentence him to House Arrest in the Trump Tower, without WiFi access and no way to communicate with the outside world.
👍
But this was not normal. The felon violated 10 gag orders. Assessing his tendency to continue this behavior is a legitimate consideration in deciding on a sentence.
Don’t be cowed by sure Republican rage. They will be righteous and full of rage no matter the verdict. We have to hope that Justice does the right thing.
I'd like to see him put in jail and they lose the key.I don't give a rats ass about reaction. It's won't hurt Biden reelection.
I think all of us reading this article would like to see Trump sentenced to serve time, but I can definitely see that having an effect on the election if it makes him into more of a martyr figure and backs up all of those MAGA claims of Democratic witch hunts.
We get nowhere if we keep obsessing about optics. Why allow them to write the narrative? The law is the law: for everyone!
He'll be a martyr among his core cult followers, but they're not the majority of Republicans. Other of his Republican supporters realize that the country can't be run from a jail cell; so, rather than vote for Biden, they'll probably either just not vote, or vote for RFK Jr. in protest.
I hear you. I just don't agree on the matyr thing. MAGA is already all in pretty much. He is already a martyr figure for them. They don't need any "reality" to back their claims of witch hunt. You're thinking rational, not MAGA.
For independents some jail time will make him look more like a LOSER that does not belong in the Whitehouse.
But unemotionally, I would like to see him get a sentence that fits the crime (and his gag violations). It sounds like he might not get jail time.
Overall I'm hopeful that this conviction will make some difference to the voters, and thus all the difference come the election.
If punishment were to be meted out for violation of the gag orders, Merchan would have already done so at the time the violations occurred. I'm a tad furious whenever I hear people (including D.A. Alvin Bragg) say that T***p was treated just like any other accused person at trial. He was not; he was coddled.
I think coddled is a stretch. It seemed to me that the judge was calibrating how far to go lest he triggered some outrageous act. That said, I was disappointed that he was allowed to vent before the media in the hallway.
Okay. How about "indulged"? "Humored"? Deciding consequences based on whether or not a 3rd party(ies) would be triggered is not equal application of the law.
Definitely know if it were you or I…
Yes and even on leaving the court after the verdict, he again accused the Judge of being "corrupt" and the trial pre-decided. - I don't understand why he can continually get away without penalty for slandering the Judge - isn't that defamatory?
The judge has been too easy on Trump and his outrages. Hopefully it’s pay back time come July 11th.
He wears people down.
I don't think we'll see that. Drat.
They did say that Judge Merchan will take into consideration the gag order violations when it comes to sentencing. But it is true, there is not usually jail time given for this type of crime. And the Republicans WILL be full of rage. Too bad so sad.
As the Republicans, with only few exceptions, support Trump regardless, I doubt it matters how much rage they show. They cannot do much more than they did on January 6th when they stormed the Capitol. That any rational and reasonable person can support Trump is beyond my understanding for his perfidy, self-aggrandisement and lying is plain to witness and his record in regard to business dealings and unfair treatment of employees speaks for itself.
Yes, I accept that justice may take time and that fair-minded and just people cannot copy the wrongs of those who aren't. At the same time, it seems almost unfathomable and intolerable that this whole sordid mess has continued for so long; that Trump's appointees to the Bench have refused to recuse themselves and also slowed down the process in other criminal indictments, as well as the reality that even after having been convicted of actions to interfere with an election, this despicable man can, even if imprisoned, still become the President. If he does so, then most certainly he will simply pardon himself - yet another outrageous possibility.
Surely, if nothing else, there needs to be an amendment to the Constitution to prevent such a situation ever being possible in the future. - How is Constitutional change brought about?
Actually, I've been thinking about that, too. Among other things (including preserving voting and reproductive rights), the Constitution needs to set out a code of ethics, enforcement and consequences for the Supreme Court Justices.
Will that happen? Not in OUR lifetimes. A Constitutional Amendment takes years (possibly decades) and requires a hefty majority of Americans to vote for it. Hell, right now we can't even agree that we have legitimate results from our current voting systems, so I can't imagine how something as consequential as voting to amend the Constitution would work.
by reasonable men and women who seem to be in short supply just now.
I don't know how that is done but I know it can be done, non sibi cunctis. I agree with everything you said. This amendment to the Constitution must be addressed after the election. When we have President Biden in the White House and Democratic majorities in the Senate and the House, maybe they will work toward that reform.
👍
The "Republicans "rage" should not rule US!
👍
The morning after comes soon enough. Let's just celebrate what just happened today!
Drink a champaign toast to the jury for seeing thru all of the BS Trump’s defense attorney threw at them and for voting to convict Trump on all 34 criminal charges.
I think it helped to have 2 attorneys and an investment banker on the jury. Even though this was not their area of expertise, they probably had well-developed sensitivities to BS.
Trump and his defense attorneys tried their best to fool the jury, but the jury wasn’t buying any of it. 34 zip!
Im all for that!
The Judge could make an example out of this behavior. Election interference strikes at the heart of our democracy. He would be striking a blow for better governance.
I agree . . . EXCEPT: he could probably appeal any sentence that might >appear< overly harsh. Whatever the judge decides, he better get it right and have it fully documented and supported 10 ways from Sunday!
What about Weisselberg? He was a first time felon and was sentenced to jail!
Not my call. That would be for an appeals court to decide, because >of course< he'll be appealing anything from the conviction to the sentencing. Let's not be obtuse about that certainty!
Interesting. He may be a first-time felon, but he committed 34 felonies during that "first time." If a first-time offender kidnaps and rapes someone every day for 30 days, is that considered one offense or 30+? Bernie Madoff's ponzi scheme was a first-time criminal financial offense that affected thousands of people, and he didn't get a slap on the wrist. Surely the extent of the offense must be a determining factor when considering the punishment. Weisselberg and Cohen had to serve jail time and they didn't have criminal records.
Our legal system is very complex. I’d like to see Trump locked up for life. That may happen by the time his trials are all done.
Frankly, with all the talk about appeals, and the multiple years they can take, Trump will probably croak before he sees any jail time. It's not as if he's a paragon of good health!
What I am now hoping for is a concerted effort to identify, catalog and track ALL his assets and prevent him from hiding/transferring them. I'm quite sure he doesn't have enough $$ to pay all the judgments against him (much less the pending attorneys' bills), so he's going to try to hide every last buck.
The worst punishment this malignant and egotistical narcissist could suffer would be to die penniless, his name stripped from all his properties, and his crime family scrambling to pay their bills. They might even have to get real jobs and a paycheck. The word "trump" should be absorbed into our common vernacular to be synonymous with "f*ck" and "failure." ["Damn. He really trumped that up! What a loser."]
That is what I fervently hope for.
Im with you Dalatias.
What about Michael Cohen? He was a first time felon and was sentenced to jail
Yes but the charges were different. One being lying to Congress. Im not sure of the others but based on what Trump is convicted of, the norm for a first time conviction is no jail time. I think Judge Merchan is a wise man and will rule accordingly. I’m just cautioning people about expectations and why he probably won’t go to jail for this one. But there’s plenty more ahead.
Let’s hope if he is given no jail time, he is sentenced to six months of community service sweeping the platforms and emptying garbage bags in the NYC subway system— a wonderful opportunity for reporters to snap. photos of him in janitorial uniform.
Now THAT idea has merit, Debra!! I would love to see that!!
Yes you’re right, this is not a normal case. But he will be going to a screening where all convicted criminals go. He will be interviewed asked many personal questions including questions about his mental health. It is a thorough examination and he will be treated like every other convicted felon that goes through this process.There he will be treated like every other criminal and he will have a parole officer assigned to him.
No Mr. Trump is not normal by any means but neither are his followers. I believe that on the part of his sentencing it needs to be treated as it would if he was Joe Citizen. Yes he did violate 10 gag orders, but he paid the fines. That will be on record along with his screening as a part of his character, but he paid the fines so it’s a done deal as far as punishment.
I believe he is a vile and dangerous man but I also believe it’s very important to keep to the standards of the sentencing. This conviction is a big step, and there’s more to come. My point is if the sentencing is seen as outside of the norm there will be backlash. The MAGA faction will go berserk. Perhaps I should say even more berserk.
This case has to be treated like any other case or the witch-hunt accusations and this is Joe Biden’s doing in spite of the fact that it’s a state conviction not a federal one
Think of this as step one. There’s still the Georgia case, the insurrection case, the classified documents case, and I’m pretty sure Arizona and Michigan are also in the works. An overly zealous sentencing could damage these cases if this one has the appearance of unfairness.
Have faith this is just the beginnings.
>>He will be interviewed asked many personal questions including questions about his mental health.<<
Ohhh....I would give my eye teeth to be a fly on the wall for THAT meeting. "Person. Woman. Man. Camera. TV."
Me too, Dalatias!!
It's Not Joe Biden's fault under any rationalization! To hell with what the insurrectionist traitor MAGA s think! If jail is an option and the law allows it , let the judge use his judgement. TRump may need to see the error of his ways, and get a little humility. Like any other law breaker.
Trump was no ordinary defendant with no criminal record, etc. He was the PRESIDENT, so the judge should for that reason send him to prison as an abject example of what can happen to a future president who breaks the law.
Excellent points! And yippee!
There were 34 Felony Convictions.
Yes there were. That’s not unusual in a felony case. A person can murder someone and face several convictions for the one murder. Carrying an unregistered weapon, carrying a concealed weapon, carrying a weapon while under the influence etc etc. one murder multiple convictions.
The violence was in his words, both in court and outside. He made threats; he lied; he implied bad things happening to the officers of the court and others who had done him wrong. He earned the 10 contempt citations the court meted out to him.
The violence of his words continue to echo and also to destroy and coarsen - threat by threat - our democracy. No remorse. Just continued criminality.
The Judge can and will take this into consideration. But it is not true that there was no violence associated with this or other crimes.
Speaking of 'pay'.....how will this affect his status in corporatedom and how will it affect his loans? Can convicted Felons still get loans? Insurance?
Can they vote?
Under Florida law - where he lives and votes - it reverts to the state policy where he was convicted - I hear tell. NY permits convicted felons to vote - I hear tell.
But he's registered to vote in FL. Not that he bothers to, though. . . .
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/can-trump-vote-november-convicted-felony-new-york-rcna154286
If he gets jail time, probably not.
We'll have to wait and see.
Great point. I would urge Blue MAGA to curb their (public) display of schadenfreude to avoid feeding Red MAGA's claim that the trial was rigged. Clinton was treated with leniency - only a fine - for misrepresenting the funding of the Steele Dossier as "legal services" instead of opposition research.
Trump needs to be taken down for his actual felonies: election interference and conspiracy to overturn election results.
I think community service that would be humbling to him....service at a food kitchen comes to mind. Let him see how the extreme different population from him lives, without cameras or microphones
I think the conviction speaks for itself without jail time. This conviction is huge when it comes to Trump who has been able to dodge everything else. Finally something stuck!
Sue GG... too many of DJT's underlings and political followers are in prison! He's found guilty of Fraud, He's found guilty of rape ( E. Jean Carol) , He's been found guilty of stealing from a Nonprofit organization while President (along with his kids),
.. not putting him in prison would lead to more disillusionment about our broken justice that only serves rich white men! Lock him up! It's not America's fault that the GOP is full of crap!
We can hope he is sentenced to jail.
Just perfect for today.
"Ding Dong the Witch - HUNT is dead"!
That was over long ago. They >caught< the damn witch months ago, who was just convicted in the first witch TRIAL!
Hopefully, but not yet, there will be appeals, it's a very safe bet.
And if it goes to the Supreme Court, well, they will walk all over the jury's verdict and how at lest 60% of voters agree with. Alito and Thomas MUST be censored or impeached...they are not impartial!
It won’t go to the Supreme Court. It is a state ruling.
It won’t go to the Supreme Court. This was a state ruling!!
My thoughts as well, Mary Ann. His appeals.may.be.taken all the way.to the vaunted Supreme Court....only.to be quashed. I'm not celebrating just yet.
It's not going to the US Supreme Court. It's not a federal case. It's a NYC case (brought by *Manhattan* D.A. Alvin Bragg), so the court of appeal will be in the State of NY.
A state appeals court was already by passed on the issue of his not being able to be prosecuted for anything he did while president or afterwards. It's sitting with the SC now and they're taking their darn time to give their opinions. So why wouldn't this decision be by-passed and sent to the SC. Trump always wants the SC to be the final say, since he's loaded it up just for himself.
No. A state appeals court was not involved in that case. Charges were filed in a Federal court in D.C. Trump moved to have the charges dismissed, based on a claim of Presidential immunity. Judge Chutkan denied Trump's motion to dismiss the charges.
So Trump appealed Chutkan's decision to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, and asked her to pause proceedings pending the appellate court's review.
Meanwhile, Jack Smith asked SCOTUS to bypass the D.C. Circuit and swiftly decide whether Trump could be criminally charged for allegedly illegal acts committed while in the White House (i.e., the ridiculous presidential immunity argument).
While SCOTUS was deciding whether to accept Jack Smith's request for a swift decision by them, Judge Chutkan granted Trump's request to pause the proceedings in the case. (All these judges are bending over backwards to humor Mango Mussolini so that their decisions cannot later be found to be faulty and thrown out.)
About a week later SCOTUS said nope to Jack Smith's request for them to fast-track his request to get resolution on the presidential immunity claim. So.....
....the issue went *back* to the DC Circuit Court. The three-judge panel there unanimously ruled that Trump is not entitled to broad immunity from prosecution. [Duh! Now, was that so hard??]
The DC Circuit judges gave Trump until Feb. 12 to ask the Supreme Court to pause their (the DC Circuit's) decision. On Feb. 12 Trump asked SCOTUS for emergency relief from the D.C. Circuit's ruling against him. Two days later (Feb. 14) Jack Smith urged SCOTUS to reject Trump's request for emergency relief and allow the D.C. Circuit's ruling to stand. BUT, Smith also said if the justices really think Trump's immunity claim warrants their review, they should take up the case on an expedited basis. ('Cause -- Hello? Trials/election/stuff goin' on, y'all!)
Two WEEKS later (2/28) SCOTUS agrees to consider whether Trump is entitled to presidential immunity from prosecution for acts allegedly committed while in office. They set arguments for the week of APRIL 22 (nearly 2 months later) and said the proceedings in the case will remain on hold until it issues a decision, expected by the end of JUNE.
And so, here we are. Cooling our heels until the end of next month. But, as you can see, there was no state supreme court or state appellate court involved. It was a federal filing in D.C., which (obviously) does not have statehood. The D.C. Circuit court made the right decision (no-brainer!), but Dolt 45 appealed it to SCOTUS. No "bypassing" occurred.
Agree.
We’ll find out on July 11.
Why July 11 - - Why so far away? The whole damned trial barely took that long! What happened to "swift and sure"?
Was that ever a thing?
He will wear it like a badge of honor. That's what duplicitous people do.
Yes Jesus too was vilified, Evangelicals will say.
Christian Nationalists say a lot of things, a great many of which are simply not true.
Indeed! Christian nationalists pervert Christianity.
They do indeed, primarily because their goal is political, not spiritual.
Right you are, Susan! Their goal is political; in other words, their goal is to control some and exclude others. They turned Jesus into a tribal idol, and Trump has convinced them that he is the embodiment of their tribal identity, not unlike Adolf Hitler.
Ergo Roman tick fallacy is still merely propaganda for the rape slave murder mass murder repeat and rape God story tellers ad naseum. Hit a non fiction section and dwell there.
The correct term is the "Christian Nationalist >Heresy"!<
"A great many" - 'None' might well be closer to the truth.
He’s no Jesus.
Trump is the anti-Christ and that is worse than being a fornicator/adulterer.
I wouldn't hold him in that high a regard. Satan has higher standards! 🤣 He's just another tired-assed little heretic with a high profile. See Jim Jones and Jonestown/
He is not Jesus! Lock him up!
Let 'en say anything they want, but lock him up!
Who cares? Just lock him up, or, at least vote against him!
Yes!!!! 💙🇺🇸💙 Best comment of the day!!!
And he will wear that label with pride. Because thats who he is. He will use it to rev up his misinformed masses of foolish followers. The unmagnanimous maga maggots will not care. To them he can do no wrong. No matter how much wrong he does. Or how bad. For they are either blind or just refuse to see. To admit to themselves that the one they follow, they put up on such a high pedestal, their "Super Savior" is not. Or can ever do any wrong. They will think and cheer and yell that he is such a strong powerful tough guy bad ass. For that impresses their naive immature minds. And he will just keep feeding them his lies and crap. Saying just what they want to hear. And they will just keep swallowing it down in blissful glee. And just keep on hating.
EVERY. DAMN. CHARGE: https://youtu.be/uYU_q-12qXs?si=NhODOf5lvJu1nRDa
Super duper comment. Short and sweet.
Matt B - This is my “like”. Although I can think of some others but they are not very nice;)
America's con man.
And we can only hope justice will be done in the other 3 felony cases against him. He should never be allowed near public office again, but for that
to happen we will have to depend on the wisdom of voters.
Bet'cha Putin, Orban, and Kim Jong-Un are all having a bit of a chuckle over the clown who liked to say the whole world is laughing at us!
I hope those two words are glued to every mention of DJT. Just like he attached ugly epithets to his opponents and people he feared.
That's a good one, but I don't ever want to see that face ever again. He's had way too much free press.
He's like a barnacle on the ass of time,enough!
no offense to actual barnacles....
That is a disservice to barnacles.
Perfect
Don't think.you've seen.the last.of him yet, Susan.Not by a long.shot!. Sad.to.say...
Sad but true. I wish this was all it took to make him go away.
A convicted felon can not hold a seat in Congress! In some states they can't vote either!
Or own a gun.
Laurie, he won't be able to vote here in Florida.
That's actually incorrect. The Constitution clearly delineates what qualifies a citizen to be eligible to run for President, a Federal office. Which means that States _can't_ keep a convicted felon from being on the ballot. (Federal Law trumps State Law.) [pun intended]
https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/national-international/presidential-qualifications-felony-crime-convictions/3518094/
Touché, Sis.
This may be true of all/most/some Representatives and Senators. (I’m not sure because I haven’t done the research on all the states.) However, it unfortunately does not apply to the office of the President which is under federal jurisdiction.
Great Comment Susan: I agree completely. The Corporate media has acted as his press agent for 40 years.
He hasn't been brought to justice yet. He was found guilty, but our legal system is built to let rich white men like him evade actual justice. If and when he's actually in prison, then we can talk about him being brought to justice. Until such time it's way too early to celebrate.
He will appeal to The Supreme Court and his supporters there will overturn the conviction before Election Day.
I would bet the ranch that the 3 “justices” he appointed will refuse to recuse themselves.
They have no power there. One; these crimes were committed before tfg became president & two; they have no jurisdiction on account these were State crimes, not federal crimes.
I don’t know all the ins and outs of the court system, but he could not be pardoned by a president {meaning himself}.
I don’t know about SCOTUS.
Maybe that’s federal and out of their jurisdiction. I’m not really sure.
That would be cool, if he could not be helped by all his powerful buddies. But I think someone said his case will go there.
Not sure if they could GET it there before November — it has to go through more local appeals …
If the SCOTUS did actually just give him a pass, that would be a VERY dicey thing to have happen … It would NOT get him re-elected …
Hmmm, now must look up jurisdictions … Mmmmph.
I’m still happy he’s convicted. So delicious.
{Some of what I read suggests if a verdict in state court is interwoven with federal statutes, it might bring in SCOTUS jurisdiction — It all gets pretty arcane to me. Right now, I’m happy Donny’s a convict.}
This is a state ruling. SCOTUS has no jurisdiction in this case. Take a big breath.
SCOTUS and state rulings are not intertwined. Where did you get that idea? We are all so traumatized by TFG. Don’t worry. He can only go to the states court of appeals and Judge Merchan did an excellent job of doing everything by the book and air tight. Do not worry.
Yes: let's enjoy this for at least a little while!
Since when have Republicans let trifling little things like laws get in their way, though?
What crimes did the so called unanimous jury convict him of? Be specific.
Here is the Jury sheet of the charges.
https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/24706184-trump-verdict-sheet
This was a state court ruling. The Supreme Court has no jurisdiction in this case just like a president can’t pardon him because it’s a state court not a federal court ruling. Take a big breath of relief.
this won't make it to the Supreme Court- it's a state case based upon state principles and laws unless the defense is alleging that the state law is unconstitutional- and that's not the case here. It could go to a NY appellate court if they can allege a reversible error or other such important issue which would necessitate the state appellate court to take it and as much as I have read and listened, I don't see grounds- ineffective counsel? (teasing).
Excellent response.
Let’s hope that the justices do the right thing if/when the case comes before them. (“Hope” being the operative word here.)
As someone once told me... Live in hope, die in desperation.
Though I am still hopeful, generally speaking.
Don't be denied.
Apathy is silly.
Focus on what is Civic Duty. Djt has no honor valor merit and he could a woulda should a lived out his weird pointless life pressing a button for his beverage...but nooo000oo.
Alito, has already refused to recuse.
And to get there he has to first exhaust his options in New York. Then he will most likely have to wait until October when SCOTUS gets back in session after summer break and then it has to be picked up by SCOTUS and then that probably won’t happen until after the election. In the meantime he will be in custody of some sort.
Of course. Why would they do that? They were put on the court for just such an occasion.
Let us All Hope Not! Please do not put that kind of energy into the air.
Rubber room 'em. Give the secret sevice a post to live a comfortable life . Bet a Lincoln penny he can not stop whining.
I mean, he started as soon as he could talk and kept going this long. He's not likely to stop while he's still breathing.
You’re right. He scuttled away, a free man, right after the verdict was delivered.
He has a sentencing hearing on July 11th and because he committed a felony he will have to be in some form of custody.
I'll believe it when I see him in an orange jumpsuit.
You are right, let the dust settle!
Unfortunately what you say is 100% true! 😤
I HEAR YOU
@Lucius. IMHO he'll try to "post" his lawyers alleging they were/are incompetent.
THE NEW YORK CPL 440 MOTION
A CPL 440 motion seeks to reverse a defendant’s conviction based on facts that are off the record (i.e. facts or issues that do not appear in the transcripts of the proceedings in the trial level court). Such motions can be made before or after the direct appeal has been submitted to the appellate court. However, the 440 motion is not filed with an appellate court. It is filed with the judge in the trial court who presided over the defendant’s trial or plea. No notice of appeal needs to be filed to preserve a defendant’s right to file a CPL 440 motion in the trial court.
Doin' it anyway,a good first step!
You right
I wish I wasn't...
DJT will never be "brought to justice" until he's put behind bars for the rest of his unnatural life w/o probation or parole. He's a career criminal & a traitor, not a patriot, to his native country. AFAIC, he's earned the right to choose his method of public execution: hanging, firing squad, electric chair, or lethal injection After his corpse has been cremated, the ashes should be buried next to his late wife's at Bedminster Golf Club's 1st hole.
An eye for an eye. Trump is responsible for a half a million covid deaths. Trump and the GOP cult can never be brought to Justice.
Hang him with Pence in attendance!
A hanging on the National Mall AFTER HIS CONVICTIONS IN HIS INSURRECTION AND ESPIONAGE CASES to EXORCISE THE SINS OF SLAVERY HE SO PROUDLY ENGAGED IN THROUGHOUT HIS LIFE!
The CATHARSIS FOR THE COUNTRY WOULD BE IMMENSE!
No. They should be dumped into the nearest septic tank, and a memorial public restroom raised over it in commemoration.
👍
alot of bloggers on Matt Taibbi's blog show including Matt cheer for Trump and insist that he was 'unfairly prosecuted in NY' and some say 'they will now donate to Trump because of the 34 unfair felony convictions'.
And alot of the bloggers on Robert Reich's blog show cheer Bidens billions sent to back Netanyahu's genocide in Gaza and Bidens proxy war against Russia,.
Of course the Trump and Biden supporters disagree and some hate each other but they are actually joined at the hip.
The Republican lie continues--
The statement "these charges should have never been brought" uttered by none other than Author Aidala of CNN. Trump is an influential man with questionable ethics, and he feels he has a get out of jail free card at his disposal whenever the need presents itself. He had 34 indictments against him, not just one. Twelve men and women selected by both sides of this legal mess heard the evidence and determined Trump to be guilty on all counts. There was no conspiracy, no government sponsored election interference. President Biden had no part in this debacle, it was all Donald Trump. The man acted like a crook, he got caught and now he's a convicted felon. You skate on thin ice and sooner or later you're bound to break through.
What charges? Be specific.
the 34 felony counts are in the Complaint. In essence, falsifying business records.
I don't relate to what you're talking about.
Weak, Hodgins. That's because you don't know. Why dont you admit that? The stupidest voting cohort in American history allows their feelings to rule them. Facts are inconsequential to Trump Derangement Syndrome which has now resulted in millions applauding a Berian show trial.
Robert--Say what you will, it won't change the fact that history will remember Trump as a convicted felon.
As long as it’s not another Trump grift..!
President Biden should maintain his position of keeping distance to all Justice! Except under strenuous circumstances!
Stick to your message of Roe vs Wade, the protection of our women, gun culture, Immigration and border, a stronger Justice department, the economy, more the usual!
Keep distance to all of Trump, this is not a good time for getting in the middle of it, it is by far not done yet! What about crimes committed in the context of Jan 6, Election interference and the secret documents issue!
What’s still hidden?
Do not pardon Trump!
Guilty of what? Be specific.
There were 34 charges. Go read them.
A great weight on the heart has been lifted. We are still a nation of laws and not men, at least for another day.
Now the question is will Speaker Johnson still demonstrate the blind, cowardly loyalty he did earlier in the week? And if he does, isn’t it time that a non-MAGA House Republican puts forth a motion to vacate him?
Now is the time for the Republican party to understand that the MAGA frenzy will crash and burn. Trump‘s coattails are now lead, and anyone standing on them will be brought down the drain too in Trump’s whirlpool of lies.
Mike Johnson is a very dangerous man. He is a lot smarter than Trump and most Republicans, and both parties have secured his powerful position for him. Should something happen to Harris and Biden, he would become our president.
It is why we must strongly vote Blue at all levels to remove him from that position.
Terrifying thought.
There was no alternative GOP Speaker this term who'd be trustworthy as potus in a crisis.
Pardon city
They are afraid, very afraid.
I have been very interested in what the R off ramp would be if this occurred. I am guessing Michael Steele will get a lot of interviews soon explaining the rules of the R nominating process to lay it out for us.
what makes you think they want an off ramp?
It won’t crash and burn before November. That’s all they care about. Eyes on the prize.
I'm afraid for that to happen as you hope, we'll first have to make Trump lose in November, then hope the other trials go forward. Only after "several nails in the coffin" will there be a chance to break tbe GOP free of his spell. But remember, the GOP problem didn't begin with Trump nor is it likely to completely end with him, at least for a while.
Well said! Let’s hope for this! I’m disgusted with him like most Americans but fear that the rich white guys will still keep him from seeing jail time.
Are there any non-MAGA House Republicans ??
"nation of laws"
After watching this administration in the last 7-8 months, that slogan has never sounded more void of truth.
Mehrdad, cite specifics. Your generalization is meaningless.
Mehrdad, what specifically are you referring to?
All the laws that we have spit on regarding our involvement in Israel/Palestine war and justified in the same manner tRUMP justified his criminal behaviors.
You can start anywhere…inflation, border, 2 wars, etc., but wait…actually that all started with this administration…just intensified over the last 7-8 months…that is reality!
The leahy law, the threat to ICC court and justice
Let’s not convolute these two issues. I strongly, passionately disagree with our supplying weapons to Israel. I believe that President Biden is wrong in supplying them. But these are two very different issues.
Trump purposely broke American law to further his personal agenda. He cheated our country out of a fair election by paying off and concealing that payment to win the election.
The law that Biden is said to be facilitating Israel crime is international law. I believe it’s wrong and I feel deep shame for our part in Israel’s genocide. He is wrong but he hasn’t broken the law. And the U.S. is not a signature to the international court.
These are separate issues and it doesn’t help to convolute the two.
Yes, two separate laws and issues but nevertheless each is breaking a law, unless we are of the mindset to accept breaking one set of law is bad but another set is OK. I couldn't agree more with your view regarding tRUMP, I go as far as believing he is a TRAITOR to our nation simply by putting his own personal interest ahead of the nation. But I am also a firm believer in accountability and Biden must be held to account for his part in this genocide. If you are truly ashamed of our involvement, how can you still support him, I can NOT as my conscience does not allow me to
"And the U.S. is not a signature to the international court"
That argument might have hold water if they were not so eagerly cheering and supporting the ICC arrest warrant for Putin. They have only made a mockery of themselves and the USA.
Technically Biden isn’t breaking the law, he is enabling Netanyahu breaking the law.
I have been extremely disappointed in Biden supplying the weapons to Netanyahu. Under any circumstances I would not support him for reelection but the stakes are too high to waste a vote.
Back in 2000 Al Gore ran against George Bush. Then Ralph Nader decided to run as an independent. Ralph Nader was a consumer advocate and he appealed to a lot of the young democrats. Unfortunately his candidacy syphoned off enough votes from Al Gore to give George Bush the win.
Imagine if Al Gore had won in 2000. He had been sounding the alarm on climate change even before 2000. We would have moved forward on protecting the environment and cutting back emissions of carbon. Now there are many scientists who don’t think we’ll meet that goal and we are already suffering the effects of climate change.
Instead we ended up with George Bush. He through some kind of political sorcery changed the narrative of the 911 terrorist arrack from focusing on Osama Bin Laden to Saddam Hussein. He brought false charges that Hussein had “weapons of mass destruction.” It was a lie but based on that lie over 4,000 soldiers were killed and well over 100,000 civilians were killed. On top of that was the environmental waste of the war and the burn pits.
As a result of a political smear on Al Gore , I believe it was an affair, many idealistic voters voted for Ralph Nader when asked why they refused to vote for Gore instead of Nader. Many said “I don’t vote for evil.” But the bottom line was in essence they did.
So I will support Biden for President because:
Trump has promised to be dictator from day one.
He told his donors he would deport all protestors
He admires and quotes Hitler
Once in, he won’t leave. He’s learned from his first failure so he’s prepared for the next time
He is planning on taking down our democracy and has a group of people eager to help him
Please consider the repercussions of abstaining from voting. Try instead to bring about change with our current administration.
I wish you the best.
So easy to generalize.
It is not easy and it is not a generalization.
So speaketh HAMAS.
Only if that line would still work!
Thanks to the Zionist, this has lost all its color and meaning much like the charge of "antisemitism"
Sez the obsessed Muslim. Let's talk about the wholesale upfront and personal slaughter and rape of women, babies, toddlers, elderly and disabled by the peaceful would be shaheeds, who were celebrated, ulated and cheered by all of those "innocent" civilians until the chickens came home to rest, and now they hide like cowards behind the very people they are suppose to be responsible for, as they use them as human shields
Don't talk about Biden, when you have unhuman's like Sinwar and his battalions responsible for the slaughter of Jews and the destruction of Gaza.
You show no understanding whatsoever of what is taking place in Gaza and the West Bank, nor the reasons for it. Without understanding it is better to keep your thoughts to yourself. When you don't, you simply show yourself to be either a fool, a bigot or a simpleton, ironically given the nature of this thread, - just like Trump.
His mindset and thinking is very evident by his writing. I have come to believe engaging and reasoning with such people is as productive as it is with a MAGA cult member, none existence. But I thank you for your insight.
Say what you wish, call me what you want. I care not. I know who I am. Your opinion is of no interest, and of absolutely no value.
And what sane adult sells their children to pay their debts. Murders their own daughters. Stones a human being because whatever. Sorry pal. Untill the girls and women stop the pedofiles hostage sex trade under the advertising clothing your conceit is blabber.
Now that is progress. I am delighted that you recognize that you are racist.
Save your abuse and your false allegations. All you achieve with them is to display an unfortunate and malignant character.
Well said, Ann! I celebrate, not for the conviction of one so deserving (well, maybe a little), but for the vindication of our justice system. Judge Merchan has earned my total respect, and the jury, my total admiration.
Hear! Hear!!!
Anyone else with felony convictions wouldn’t qualify for presidential security clearance. What will happen here? He obviously can’t be trusted with security information!
He only gets his Secret Service protection if he's convicted. I read about this sometime ago.
He loses everything else, even the pension and government-funded offices.
I don't know about the state funeral and commemorative postage stamp.
He keeps the protection so that he can't be kidnapped by a hostile power and tortured for his "knowledge" or ransomed.
Sh*t. They wouldn't need to torture him for information. They'd just need to stroke his ego and trump would brag about everything he knows, even stuff they don't care about.
Or pay him. It's always about the money with him.
I thought of that, too. But then I realized if the enemy wants information without paying for it, they could just play to his narcissism like Putin does.
They just need to go to one his houses.
Just turn on the Camera Lights and a microphone…
Send in the Alpha Male Hunter.
https://youtube.com/shorts/k_0O4dEUWnU?si=KhZXnG5mhH6kKNmc
They would just send in Wanton Wanda and Her Wicked Whips and Nut Gobbler, the top prostitutes, and he’d be singing like Dame Kiri te Kanawa.
🤣
He probably already has.
That was funny! Sadly, it was true. 🌻
He’d talk about stuff he doesn’t know too. Might not be so bad…
Plus, he loves $$$
Oh, I hope this is correct.
Are you sure? That's a cherry on top of this fantastic news
I'm 90 percent sure.
Sorry I can't do better.
When I calm down I can look
He will appeal the conviction, 100% positive, and/or move that it be vacated.
Of course he will.
Maybe a few weeks in Rikers will have him reconsidering his abuse of the judge, his family, the justice system, and his rape victims.
He will not see the inside of Rikers,, maybe confinement to his penthouse in Trump Tower with ankle bracelet. That will kill him, no crowds to stroke his ego.
If only
He's already shared classified information with individuals who were not cleared to see it.
Yes, but there are many who haven’t seen it yet.
Mark Zwonitzer?
He will not get national security briefings as a felon. For this I am tearfully grateful because I believe he has sold national secrets for his profit and own benefit.
Is this true ? If so this might be one of the more important things to come out of this.
He’s not getting them now, per a Biden order.
Kidnapping him would be like the Ransom of Red Chief. But I’d love it anyway. 🙂
That was the reasoning Bill and Emily Harris gave to the man who was to take Patty Hearst across the country.
The guy offered to take her instead to a Patty friend or relative, so she could be released.
Bill and Emily said, “Good idea. We’ve had sort of a ‘Ransom of Red Chief’ situation with her.” They said that if she was let go, the heat on them would die down.
The guy offered that to Patty, and she said, “Take me where the f*** you’re supposed to take me, or there’ll be a dead man in this car.”
So he did.
🤣I hadn’t heard that about the Hearst saga. Thx. Whacked & Entitled. What a combo.
I don't think he qualified when he was already president and with good reason if the hundreds of stolen Classified, Top Secret, SCIF, and nuclear documents are anything to go by.
Espionage at best.
His son-in-law was denied a clearance but tfg insisted he be given one anyway. Neither one deserves to be dog catchers let alone be given security clearances.
I wouldn't let Dumpy anywhere near any dog, much less one I cared about. He's always used the term "dog" as a pejorative, and then he applauded Kristi Noem.
No way! Some of his supporters not all said they wouldn’t vote for him!
The fundraising will be interesting to watch.
He will raise a log of money and retire on it.
I don't think he will retire.
People who need attention never retire.
They knew he would be convicted and have already released merchandise.
The Black hat is already out.
"On this dark day in history, the Never Surrender Edition Black hat."
To paraphrase.
Expect there to be trucker hats of every color to make it difficult to pick people out of a crowd.
Dems should wear Fedoras.
But, I don't believe anyone ever thought a felon would be running for office. This is clearly unchartered territory (other than one jailed hopeful 75 some years ago) and hopefully our congress will correct this omission from our constitution.
You’re pinning your hopes on CONGRESS? That’s sweet, Tina, but… what are you smoking?
Nothing personal. I just have less faith in Congress than I do in Santa Claus & the Easter Bunny together. And that lack of faith is only about 10% of my lack of faith for the future of our country if Trump wins.
I guess I'm a bit more optimistic than you are. I know a change wouldn't happen in this congress BUT if we manage to elect more blue, they may pass a new amendment to make this change. I can only hope.
A felony conviction - even a damn bankruptcy - can kill a security clearance. Just sayin'.
Fortunately it's not just his base who will be voting.
I believe our Founders were silent on whether a felon could serve as President; most probably b/c they couldn’t imagine that we would never nominate and elect, a felon.
Sadly, what you say here seems likely.
Agreed. There are tasks that Presidents need to do and information they need to have to do the job. As a convicted felon, he wo t have access to these tasks and info. Unless Trump successfully undermines the DOJ and the Military, all that will stop at the VP.
Not out of the woods yet.
"Trump will find it difficult to attack 12 Americans who did their duty under the Constitution ..."---wanna bet on that?
The question is how long will it take him to do it? And how soon will the MAGATs start to threaten the jurors?
The same thought crossed my mind. Another question: how long might it take for some MAGATs to uncover the names of the jurors and release them? We all know the media will eat them for dessert. And if any or all of the twelve jurors receive threats, are they entitled to 24/7 protection as well? I sure hope so.
Unfortunately, I think so.
24/7 protection because you did your civic duty and served on a jury!
Is this America?
As soon as they fond out who they are it will start.
And as soon as they threaten, they should be arrested for terroristic threatening. They've already proven they will follow through--the Michigan governor they shot, Nancy Pelosi's husband, the Jan 6 insurrection.
put Mikey Johnson under surveillance.
Of course so-called leadership of the GOP will walk up to the line of being chargeable.
That was it. I couldn't remember for sure and was too lazy to look.
I hope they have protection.
they WILL have to pay 4 it
I truly hope the jurors all just find themselves a hole and stay in it for a while.
Jurors shiuld all have security. That’s where the country sits currently
Should
He will attack them on the principle that he Can try to blame everyone else except himself…
All he needs to do is turn one. Have them step in front of the cameras and claim they were coerced and threatned by the other 11 or even one.
For he's a jolly good felon!
Which nobody can deny!
Yayyyyyyy!!!
Justice has been done and accountability is served, a victory for our judicial system and our democracy.
The fornicator had it coming. What will Melania do now?
You can be sure she has her divorce papers at the ready. She may look like a bimbo, but she's a sharp cookie.
It depends on what the pre-nup says.
Which one? She forces him to renegotiate frequently - - and you can be certain, it is NEVER in his favor!
GG: Oh, I suppose so, but were I in her Jimmy Choo's, I'd want out of this stinking swamp ASAP regardless.
She has a prenuptial agreement that will not leave her poor Plus she has an anchor Child that just turned 18…
Why leave him all that brings is LESS.
Less money, Less Houses, Less airplane, Less Fashionable Clothing , Less Vacations, Less Less Less.
Melania is not going anywhere and she’s definitely not gonna divorce him…
He will bribe Melania to postpone the divorce. Are they still living together?
HaHa!
Stand by her contact. Her life is pretty lush.
Until she “falls down the stairs.”
RIP Ivana.
How do I contact her?
Figure out what moneyed old guy she can marry next ???
This is the best news regarding Trump in I don't know how long. Although he'll find it difficult to attach 12 Americans who did their duty under the Constitution, I'm sure he'll find a way. That doesn't diminish the historical event that just happened. I agree -- Biden would do well to say nothing about it. If you have any inroads to his campaign and his administration, Mr. Reich, do all you can to let them know to how important it is for Biden to remain above the fray on this. Thank you for this, and all your posts.
Ms Gadd and Professor Reich please explain why silence is important in this matter. That leaves the narrative to those who will find ways to distort the meaning of the conviction.
But if Pres Biden comments on this, MAGAts and Faux News will pile on all over again. It's also much better to be gracious in victory.
Betsy
From my view there is no grace in the swine wallow.
Because the crime speaks for itself, mentioning it looks like political expediency, and it won't make any difference to the MAGA crowd, but it might have an impact on swing voters.
David
Biden would be affirming the integrity of the court system.
As was pointed out earlier the defense attorneys vetted the jury.
They were declared impartial when they were seated.
tfg had his mini news conference after the verdict and should be found in contempt for his statements. He attacked the judge, the court, the jury and the political system including the constitution. Who can better answer these attacks than President Biden?
It’s a good day.
Hallelujah!
What is Eric Trump smoking?
From NBC News:
Eric Trump, the former president's second-eldest son, posted this on X just before 6 p.m.: "May 30th, 2024 might be remembered as the day Donald J. Trump won the 2024 Presidential Election."
No, little man--today is the day your daddy lost his attempt to steal 2024 like he tried to do in 2020. If the main force of the American people did not respect the law or find this beyond unseemly, there would have been no reason for the cover up in the first place.
This will not play well in Peoria--or any swing state.
The first stolen election from this fraud of a human was in 2016. Proof came today
I’ve always thought so, but I blamed Russia but all along, he was the man, himself.
He had lots of help. It was a conspiracy to put the crook-for-sale in office by people wanting to buy him.
He's still doing it.
The rule of law and justice still matters to most Americans.
But not to leaders in the Repubican Party. And maybe that's an opening.
Not unexpected--they are continuing to play the "poor me" card.
High time!
He and his sycophants have been insisting that folks not address him as Mr. Trump, etc., so now he can referred to properly as Convicted-Felon Trump.
Multiply convicted, multiply indicted, doc snatcher, rapist, con artist, sore loser, gangsta thug. And that's the short list.
Music to my ears!
Wonderful!
For me personally there is a sweet irony in the verdict. On May 30, 1977, I left the Soviet Union. As the plane flew over Moscow tears began streaming out of my eyes. It was not because I was sorry to leave the country. It was because I felt sorry for the people I was leaving behind. They had been brutalized, lied to, and treated like cattle by their own government. The conviction of "dictator for one day" is a nice anniversary gift to me.
He’s a rapist and a felon. Why does the constitution not bar such a reprobate to run for presidential? It needs to be amended. The republicans have no better candidate? (Sarcasm)
I suspect the Framers thought we'd have more sense....
I give you..Samuel Alito
Nobody can design a system so well that human beings can't subvert it.
The Framers probably though Congress would act to impeach a justice when warranted. And a president.
But Republican loyalty to Party, and one man, has removed that check on the Court and the Presidency.
They all warned about the devolpment of "factions", or polictical parties.
And here we are.
And didn't Italy re-elect Berlesconi after he'd been convicted?
I think so. We're not too bright.
The framers expected impeachment to work. It obviously hasn't.
Oh God…😫🤬😵💫
Sounds like the perfect reason now to update!
Sure did. Between Trump's crimes and help from Putin those 108,000 Votes were stolen!!! Damn straight!!