To call the New York trial the “hush money” trial minimizes and marginalizes what happened there. He illegally influenced the election thru a complex scheme to “catch and kill” defamatory information. He used money to do it that should have been declared contributions to his campaign and was not, thus was illegal campaign contributions. And of course he lied about all of it and enlisted others to cover up the truth on his behalf.
During the years when I tried to expand my knowledge of this world and how it functions, I pledged a society. This joining process was a 5-week tortious event that entailed the consumption of some questionable food stuff. The one that curled my toes was a normal everyday marshmallow our pledge captain so graciously dipped in a substance called "Alum." A colorless astringent compound that is a hydrated double sulfate of aluminum and potassium, and upon eating this powdery treat your tastebuds soured and everything that tasted good a moment before has now developed a flavor that would turn the stomachs of any 20-year-old young man. The unpleasant experience described above will be mirrored in today's political and legal confusion that we will see transpiring in courtrooms on our East coast. All to what end? Trump is as slippery as they come, with the money and power that man has at his disposal and the way people bend to his threats, I don't see the man being convicted of anything, more than what he already has. The man has no friends, for obvious reasons, and the loneliness he must feel will in time take its toll. I've seen a steady decline in Trump's mental acuity and as time goes on, I fear the man will lose touch with all aspects of reality. Elect Trump to any political position in our government, and like the alum covered marshmallow that soured in the mouths of my fellow pledges, Trump's lies will do the same to our Democracy.
I doubt he's lonely; the only person he wants to associate with is himself. However, if he's convicted, I'm sure he'll miss having millions of people to manipulate.
No, he won’t. He’s been 600 pounds overweight for years with no consequences. He’s as immortal as any fairytale monster. He won’t oblige us by dying. He has to be convicted and locked away from decent society.
Agreed. Many legal experts have noted the same thing and encouraged the media to stop using the term since paying hush money is not, according to them, illegal. That’s why I voted for the interference option even though I anticipated that most voters, even among this group of informed Reich groupies, would vote for the hush money conviction.
It's why he paid the hush money to interfere in the election so it won't disturb his chances of winning. If he keeps acting like he is acting, he will be convicted. He can't help himself! George Conway stated this week that he is a narcissistic sociopath!
Lisa, you don’t have to take it from George Conway. Just look up the definition of narcissistic sociopath. It should be completely obvious to any rational person the definition fits DJT.
Correct, but in the court of public opinion I think he is more guilty of paying for sex and paying to hide it. As I see his face in the court I understand why he needed to pay for it.
Most people probably assume all politicians scheme and bend the rules to get elected. But the sleazy sex aspect is different.
Regardless, Trump hates dogs and stole from kids with cancer.
Channeling Simon Rosenberg, whether convicted or not, there are six things voters are going to come to learn about Trump this year that they didn’t know about him in 2020 that will make it very hard for him to win:
• That he raped E. Jean Carroll in a department store dressing room
• That he oversaw one of the largest financial frauds in American history, and owes hundreds of millions of dollars in fines and penalities
• That he stole America’s secrets, lied to the FBI about it all and shared those secrets with others. It was without question among the most grave security breaches in our history, and an extraordinary betrayal of the country by a former President
• That he tried to overturn an American election, led an armed insurrection against the Congress, fought to end American democracy for all time and has promised to finish the job if he somehow gets into the Oval Office next year
• That he and his family have, corruptly, taken more money from foreign governments than any political family in our history
• That he was singularly responsible for ending Roe and stripping the rights and freedoms away from the women of America; and last week confirmed, by embracing the states’ rights position, that he supports the most extreme abortion bans in the nation - this making him without question the most dangerous abortion extremist America has ever seen.
Any one of those six things will be hard for him to overcome this year. Overcoming all six will be impossible, particularly as he is a far weaker and more degraded candidate than 2020, and his party is far more a raging dumpster fire than well oiled political machine.
To sweep, we have to expand our base. Register Democrats -- save the world.
Margaret, maybe not the ones that have drunk the Kool Aid, but a lot of the ones that are undecided and watching these events unfold. They are the ones we need to convince that trump cannot be allowed anywhere near the Oval office again! Vote Blue, America!!
Well, his followers know it and believe it, but it just suits them more to have one of their own in power. So to them, unlike us, it’s not about good or bad, right or wrong. It’s all about power. And they will lie and be hypocritical till the cows come home if it will get him elected.
Daniel, who's going to tell them? I know, how's about a newyorktimes story that tells us how even though 200 members of congress know full well all the above facts, they still support the man? how's about a nytimes story that investigates to whom he sold the secrets, and for how much? yes we heard about ejeancarroll, but these maggots seem to think rape is ok (oh that's right, the incels are celebrating). the paper of "record" is nought but a stenographer for the propaganda put forth by the masters of the universe. and how about some reporting on the concerted efforts at voter suppresion by the repugnants? have you seen that georgia allows folks to challenge a voter's right to vote for no cause whatsover? how can that be legal? no reporting though.
200 members of Congress are professional Republicans who follow the adage "don't shit where you eat." They are the products of patronage -- the spoils system. The party is their identity, all id. Primitive, basic, and fully unconscious part of their personalities. Exacerbated by peer pressure.
They don't represent their constituents. Only need to convince about 5% of them. Mostly they don't read. Persuasion has to come from their friends, relatives and neighbors., someone they fell comfortable with and respect
Virtually all of us are connected -- 6 degrees of separation.
I'm not kidding about Trump hates dogs. Best icebreaker.
Our ace in the hole is the millions of unregistered people who can expand our base.
Ok well, Chuck- he’s desperately trying to make himself a martyr but most of the people who would
support that are already in prison for their participation on 1/6. Sorry, but I can’t imagine why you think a lack of self-awareness has anything to do with it.
I said "Other" because I am hoping he will be found guilty and convicted in all of the pending cases. BTW: If the media would quit hanging breathlessly on Trump's every utterance about "what he will do if 'reelected'" -- and broadcasting all of it -- maybe, just maybe, Trump would get tired of talking to . . .
himself . . . and just go away! I reamed out NPR today at their contact website, for airing yesterday their overly long piece about Trump's stances and views on abortion. I was not nice about it either! I wish everyone would do the same with whatever news media you all plug into. Just like in 2016 (all the way up to today, lo, these many years -- 9 in total), why DO they keep giving him all the free airspace???
I have to disagree. I think the media should relentlessly bore down on the real-life consequences of a second Trump presidency. He has promised to rip apart the entire federal government, to replace hard-working civil servants, who have expertise in the areas in which they work, with incompetent toadies whose only qualification is loyalty to Trump. He will destroy life as we know it, and that is not hyperbole. Most people, including the irresponsible Chris Sununu, Bill Barr, and business leaders, don't believe it will happen, or don't believe they personally will be adversely affected. Historian and autocracy expert Ruth Ben-Ghiat has commented that business leaders should contemplate how an absence of a Commerce Department will affect them.
As long as Trump is the presumptive Republican nominee for president, with a credible chance of winning the election, we have to pay attention to him, and to focus on what he will do if he is returned to power.
Lara Trump said yesterday that if he wins there will be four years of scorched earth. Believe her. But imagine saying such a thing. These people have no sense of anything.
Carolyn, Bravo and thank you for your eloquent response.
We can’t let stupid people continue to lie without challenge and must be unrelenting in exposing what’s at stake. With the media’s relentless efforts to find equivalents, it is, unfortunately, an uphill battle. Even with trump gone he was always only a pawn and this battle will continue.
I agree with you, Carolyn, but who is broadcasting all of that? What I hear repeatedly is the fluffer. Who is Ruth Ben-Ghiat? I am, of course, interested in hearing about your sources. TY.
She is a historian and professor at New York University, who specializes in studying autocrats and authoritarianism. I have seen her commenting on MSNBC and PBS Newshour.
Listening tonight on NPR to "On the Media," it was all about the Christian White Nationalist movement and its history, what they attempted to do to aid and abet Trump in 2020, what they are plotting for 2024, and they talked about the movie "Civil War." It's all pretty scary, BUT -- what I was referring to earlier was all the insubstantial stuff, like Trump's rallies and his everyday activities. The media doesn't need to use Trump's every move as FILLER! THEY DO NEED to be informing us on the plots-thickening news! However, I listen to NPR because they talk about everything under the sun, and they are too fact-conscious to broadcast all the trash and crazy sensationalist stuff. Which I think is good . . . How much more crazed and anxious do people need to be made by those who are trying to hang on to their thin-majority power? Trump is DESPERATE -- If he had any brains at all, he would realize just how opposed to him and how pissed off many, many, many people are. Apparently, he's also not keeping up with gun statistics! Look at the guy who self-imolated in the park -- he died today, but he was also mentally ill. Trump is setting a lot of people off, and it could EASILY go against HIM one of these days soon. Trump is so self-absorbed, it apparently doesn't even occur to him to think how bad things could get . . . FOR HIM! The Secret Service cannot be everywhere at every moment. They are also human. What if one of them suddenly can't take anymore of his crap?? They have to listen to his lies and BS constantly! One of them could go ballistic on him! No, Trump is just not very smart at all. I just don't believe the whole United States is going to be turned inside out. People are loaded up with weapons to the max, because the states are removing all obstacles to gun ownership. Those "in power" right now should get their heads on straight. If they want to start a revolution, they will be met with revolution, I can pretty much assure you. The majority of the American people are not going to give up what has been standing for almost 260 years or so now.
The play's the thing. He's a transactional grifter playing for instant remuneration. Hope it will haunt him. Short term gratification -- long term oblivion.
To perfect a jury nullification defense, Trump needs Melania in the courtroom dressed in black, filling the room with tear-filled used Kleenexes, moaning and gesticulating on script
But he hates journalists! Believes they should be beat up. Gianforte of Montana did just that and got elected governor! UGH!!! Trump is looking pretty horrible . . . I am hoping he will just drop dead ASAP!
Klare K ; He hates everyone and anyone who opposes him and his wishes. I would like to see judge Marchand put him in pretrial lock up for his inevitable violations of the gag order! He is trying to shut down this trial! Could be held for up to 30 days! Give him something to think about. His followers, too!
Straight out of Hitler's playbook -- all the court OBSTRUCTION shenanigans Trump is pulling. I was reading just a few minutes ago about this very thing in a weekly magazine that I receive. Something needs to be done about that TWIT "judge" from Florida as well. I feel like the DOJ isn't helping Jack Smith out very much either. What exasperation! If you can, listen to this week's episode of the program "On the Media". I think it is a PRX program. It airs here every Sat. night on NPR. Brooke Gladstone is the journalist/host. I was listening, and it just adds to the angst and anger. It was all about White Christian Nationalism and what those lunatics are up to, going back to the 2020 election. They were foiled then, but it's really scary listening to their plans right now. The majority fears losing its grip, so they're plotting everything in the book to hold on. Witness: Trump's Bible sales! I can't tell you a link to go to, but it should be really easy to find. Time to pack our bags? I get so angry, I could just slap some of these people up one side of their heads and down another! That little snot from Fla., Cannon, ought to be sent back to Colombia where [her family] came from! (Of course, Trump makes exceptions for SOME immigrants!) I too hope Judge Marchan will throw the book at him. Everyone is so afraid that Trump's minions are going to rise up and start the revolution! Trump's actions are just another insurrection all over again! In this same referenced magazine, there is a cartoon of Trump standing in front of a judge, saying, "Couldn't you hold off until after my next attempted coup?" !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Which is, in my opinion, exactly what Trump is up to!
I'm pretty sure I have read several times that her family came from Colombia because . . . if she were of Cuban heritage, that would have set off all kinds of strange dynamics in my head! And in Trump’s too, probably. Yup -- I feel really badly for the frustration this is all causing Jack Smith. She herself is OBSTRUCTING JUSTICE, and some kind of legal oversight council or panel should definitely remove her from that case. She is virtually aiding and abetting Trump in what could be deemed an espionage case. Not a very smart woman at all! It would serve her right if she were to lose her judgeship permanently!
"Hush money," while tawdry, isn't illegal, but falsifying business records (a misdemeanor) with the goal of election interference (a felony) is, and I believe he will be convicted of that.
To me the biggest loose cannon in the entire Trump debacle is the corrupt and illegitimate Supreme Court. How can they seriously even be considering the idea that presidents have total immunity while in office? It’s a ridiculous, dangerous, and highly political exercise with the potential to severely damage the rule of law in this country.
Jody - no, the loose cannon is in florida, as she acts as drumpf's defense lawyer. another story the paper of record won't tell us. absolute corruption and judicial malpractice, apparently sanctionned by the 11th circuit.
I am with you, Laurie. I hope and pray Judge Merchan has the intestinal guts to put tRump in jail where he's belonged ever since he began breaking gag orders over and over and over again. I've been reading that none of the judges have dared to be the first to step up and put him in jail. Any of us would have been jailed for contempt months ago.
Irishcoda, my question is how would that go with Secret Service? If I were in the Secret Service, I would say no to having to go into the jail to protect trump!! I want to know what their plan is if he is convicted and has to serve jail time?
There is a move in Congress to strip him of Secret Service protection if he is convicted of a felony and goes to jail. The right thing to do, but not sure if there is enough support in Congress to do this. Otherwise, they have no choice and must protect him by law. Agree that protecting Trump in jail would be a lousy assignment for a Secret Service agent!
Tim, it certainly is doable, and there are facilities that can easily handle it! The complicit media have decided that this is an impossibility. B.S. !
I agree that this would be a suck assignment for a secret service agent unless that agent likes to read, play video games or surf the web on their phones. I'm sure the DOJ and secret service have a plan worked out if 45 has to serve jail time. Might be better to just take away all his electronics--phone, computer/laptop/tablet/whatever, and whatever other means he can use to threaten and harass. The same agent on duty will have to duck the ketchup being flung at the walls. At least in jail, bars separate the two.
Hahahahaha! I like the ketchup on the walls thing! Also, I feel sorry for any Secret Service guy that has to be there with him. From what I understand, he passes odorous gas when he sleeps as evidenced in the courtroom this past week!!
He’ll (knock on wood) be convicted of falsifying business records in furtherance of other crimes having to do with campaign finance violations and corrupt interference in an election.
As far as trump's trials go, I am basically hoping he will be convicted. Kudos to the judge in the way he is handling trump and his defense team. This judge does not play. It was interesting that he had no qualms telling trump to take his seat yesterday! That was great!! The Institute that decided not to award Liz Cheney because they were "afraid" of retaliation definitely needs to lose their tax status!! I applaud the photographer who came out and said he could no longer be affiliated with them. If anyone deserved that award, it was Liz Cheney. I have always been told (by my parents, teachers, etc) that the third world war would begin in the Middle East. This Iran/Israel conflict is not just saber rattling. I am truly worried as to how this is going and if we are witnessing a beginning to another world war. I may not agree with Speaker Johnson's ideals; however, I was so happy to see bipartisanship working in the House!! That is the way our government is suppose to work. A big hurrah to the Democrats for showing the republicans they are willing to work across the aisle to get the job done for the American people. I have said on other posts that I would never vote for RFK, Jr. and have explained my position on that. My reasons will not change. Thank you, Professor Reich and Ms. Lofthouse for another great Coffee Klatch!
I hope and pray he is convicting but based on what I'm seeing on mass media coverage and the lack of meaningful consequences for his flouting of the gag order and terrorizing jurors and witnesses, I have my doubts.
I feel the same way, Irishcoda, but it will be interesting to see if Judge Marchand finally does the 'novel' thing of actually putting tRUMP in pretrial detention for a short time! Give him a reality check, (his supporters, too!).
Laurie, what infuriates me is that no judge has "dared" to jail him for contempt. too many people have noted that anyone else would be in a cell. can this be anything other than by design? who's pulling the judicial strings?
Paul ; I'm not sure, but it looks like the MSM, at least what I hear on MSNBC, is that "it's unlikely that tRUMP will ever be jailed, because of the Secret Service detail. It's nonsense, since there are plenty of secure facilities that have held high risk prisoners. There could be rotating shifts of members of his security detail outside of his cell. Another idea is that it could create disturbances by his followers. Nonsense again. Mobsters of all kinds have been held without any problems. I think that judge Marchand may finally be the one to at least place him in "pretrial detention', which is not a lengthy; may be up to 30 days, He certainly has 'earned' this! It will be interesting to see what happens this week.
Do you really think that a conviction in this case will lead to incarceration? After all, this would be Trump's first criminal offense conviction and it doesn't include bodily harm or the threat of bodily harm.
Actually, I do believe what he's doing includes a threat of bodily harm because of the effect his words has on the rabid factions in his base. We already know about cases in which the more unhinged members have attacked or harassed people he is displeased with. The only other way to stop him other than incarceration is to take away his phone and any other device he can use to continue inflaming his base.
Terry Franzman : I know that Judge Marchand can place him in pre trial detention for defying the gag order. His words can get people hurt, or cause a mistrial. Because jurors are wanting to get out of harm's way from his threats.
Trumpet 🎺 pissed off and scared a bunch of professional politicians
During the January 6 invasion of the Congress.
Trumpet 🎺 will be convicted of something jaywalking, conspiracy to commit murder, accessory to Murder, tax evasion, federal election fraud. Something for Certain . In the meanwhile trumpet 🎺 is still scamming the MAGA CULT out of the only article of modern life trumpet cares about MONEY 💰 💴 💵…
His second Scam is the poor aging Orange Jesus , a bald , Fat man with a younger wife (a trophy wife) that has dementia and shin splints. How could he survive prison ???
No Matter What Happens Trumpet will Declare Victory take the money and Run Declaring Victory with the Amount of money he scammed from the MAGA Marks …
Of course he'll be on a shorter leash after he's convicted. e.g he may not be able to leave the country. And banks won't touch him with a ten foot pole. Plus if the hearing on his bond doesn't go well on Monday, he may have to turn over the keys to some of his vaunted possessions. New York is funny like that.
I hope he is convicted on all counts, but ? When I was young, I used to believe that if you lied, cheated, made fraudulent statements, committed murder, did not do unto others as you would have them do unto you, did no love your neighbor as yourself, that there was consequences, Then I grew up and saw that we haven’t really evolved all that much. The rich and powerful have always had a different set of rules that they live by, and the rest of us suffer those consequences. We continue to fight for equality and equity, and while minor advances are made, these are usually pushed back against with very harsh consequences. Hope vs despair, it is a difficult dance when it comes to predicting the outcome of our species. We don’t seem to realize that we all live on “spaceship Earth” . While there are many admirable humans, today I am not a big fan of our species.
I agree completely. I hope I don’t look back at my optimism in 2024 and shake my head. Right now I still have hope that some people in power (like the prosecutors and most judges in Trump’s cases) are working to do the right thing and might actually succeed in upholding justice.
I hope so too. I was watching Quiet on Set: the Dark Side of Kids TV, and it kind of set my mood. Too often, we don’t believe science and provide what is needed. Growing brains need to be protected and stimulated. I wonder how the brains of the generations who have not had art, music, gym, home Ec, shop, and health classes in school will behave. I live in Chicago where the Democratic National Convention will be held. I remember the 1968 convention and all the violence. I remember the assignations of MLK, both Kennedy’s , the violence at the Edmund Pettus Bridge, Selma, Alabama, the 16th street Baptist church bombing, George Wallace. In the middle of all that I remember the hope and pride in the civil rights movement, the LGBTQ movement , the women’s movement, and recognizing the harm done to indigenous people, and Japanese American citizen that this country put in internment camps. I thought we were learning, and we have improved but there is such a long way yet to go. If Trump does not loose the current case, then I don’t see how he does not use that to succeed in taking this country down, One of the worst things that happened was when President Gerald Ford pardoned Nixon who went on to say that he couldn’t be guilty because the President can never be guilty. Trump and others have run with this false “fact” and this is where we are. I can’t even turn to David Attenborough show’s for a little peace and joy without also having to think about the destruction our species has and is causing the planet. I can only hope that younger generations will say enough and vote in qualified dedicated public servants, but they voted in Laurene Boebert and Marjorie Taylor Green, if that doesn’t take the woman’s movement back. Overall last year in the US male physicians working full time, made 29% more than their female counterparts. https://www.medscape.com/slideshow/2024-compensation-overview-6017073?ecd=WNL_physrep_240417_MSCPEDIT_comp24_etid6449939&uac=476705EN&impID=6449939#9
It nk it is hard for me to accept that in my lifetime we were not able to address equality, equity, and environmental safety. I hope the next generations have more luck in not just speaking truth to power, but actually holding them accountable.
Linda Querry - you eloquently expressed all this 72 year old's despair. I'm having trouble maintaining hope. years ago i thought we were making progress. much of it is vanishing. if drumpf is elected, will all the readers and writers of this substack be jailed? now that the surveillance act has been reauthorized (with added features the "paper of record" didn't tell us about) it will be amazingly easy to track us all down.
Somehow have remained an optimist regarding members of the jury assuming responsibility and exercising their civic duty ultimately in an impartial way. Color me unduly influenced by 'Twelve Angry Men', 'To Kill a Mockingbird', as well as 'And Justice For All'. I know this is not a film but may this jury prove that yes again justice can be served.
I would like to comment on the presidential immunity argumentation regarding Richard Nixon's statements of being immune while being president AFTER he had resigned and was pardoned by Gerald Ford. Why pardon somebody who does not need to be pardoned?
Personally, I do agree complety with Robert Reich that a president is not above the law and therefore is not immune as argued by the Trump camarilla. The Founding Fathers expressly created the office of the President of the United States NOT to be like a king (who had immunity by his office in the 18th century).
To call the New York trial the “hush money” trial minimizes and marginalizes what happened there. He illegally influenced the election thru a complex scheme to “catch and kill” defamatory information. He used money to do it that should have been declared contributions to his campaign and was not, thus was illegal campaign contributions. And of course he lied about all of it and enlisted others to cover up the truth on his behalf.
During the years when I tried to expand my knowledge of this world and how it functions, I pledged a society. This joining process was a 5-week tortious event that entailed the consumption of some questionable food stuff. The one that curled my toes was a normal everyday marshmallow our pledge captain so graciously dipped in a substance called "Alum." A colorless astringent compound that is a hydrated double sulfate of aluminum and potassium, and upon eating this powdery treat your tastebuds soured and everything that tasted good a moment before has now developed a flavor that would turn the stomachs of any 20-year-old young man. The unpleasant experience described above will be mirrored in today's political and legal confusion that we will see transpiring in courtrooms on our East coast. All to what end? Trump is as slippery as they come, with the money and power that man has at his disposal and the way people bend to his threats, I don't see the man being convicted of anything, more than what he already has. The man has no friends, for obvious reasons, and the loneliness he must feel will in time take its toll. I've seen a steady decline in Trump's mental acuity and as time goes on, I fear the man will lose touch with all aspects of reality. Elect Trump to any political position in our government, and like the alum covered marshmallow that soured in the mouths of my fellow pledges, Trump's lies will do the same to our Democracy.
A+: Good use of extended metaphor.
I don’t fear that he will lose touch with reality, I hope that happens before the election,
Alan-=-It already has.
Beautifully written, Donald!
Peggy--I love accidents. That's how I got my start. Thanks..
Hahahahahaha!! You always make me laugh, Donald!!
Peggy--In my world it's nice to have a purpose. 😊
Donald Hodgins : The "moron" of the story is " don't drink or eat, the Kool aid"!?
It's not His stability that stalls me, it's His voters ..
phil--They are a constant source of instability in this country because we can't count on them to act as we do.
Donald, you’re always a thoughtful and interesting read. Thanks for your commentary.
Diane--Thank you for taking the time to do what you just did. 😊
I doubt he's lonely; the only person he wants to associate with is himself. However, if he's convicted, I'm sure he'll miss having millions of people to manipulate.
Maureen--Lonely for true admiration that comes from honest loyalty, something Trump has never known.
I doubt it because I doubt he can even conceive of non-transactional loyalty.
Maureen--Stupidity is no excuse..
Je may or may not be stupid. We should be concentrating on his extreme mental
Illness.
No excuse for what?
Rich men will always have “friends,” unless their persona is as repulsive as Trump’s. I’m afraid it’s more likely he will have a stroke or some other
negative health condition before he’s found guilty
of crimes.
No, he won’t. He’s been 600 pounds overweight for years with no consequences. He’s as immortal as any fairytale monster. He won’t oblige us by dying. He has to be convicted and locked away from decent society.
Susan--Those aren't friends they're acquaintances. Human leaches sucking whatever they can get from the "Fool" who was just parted from his money.
Happy 4/20.. Be sure to inhale!
Manuel--As long as it isn't Hitler's dust.
Choke! That’s worse than Alum.
Manuel--That ghost's DOB was 420.
Agreed. Many legal experts have noted the same thing and encouraged the media to stop using the term since paying hush money is not, according to them, illegal. That’s why I voted for the interference option even though I anticipated that most voters, even among this group of informed Reich groupies, would vote for the hush money conviction.
It's why he paid the hush money to interfere in the election so it won't disturb his chances of winning. If he keeps acting like he is acting, he will be convicted. He can't help himself! George Conway stated this week that he is a narcissistic sociopath!
Lisa, you don’t have to take it from George Conway. Just look up the definition of narcissistic sociopath. It should be completely obvious to any rational person the definition fits DJT.
Correct, but in the court of public opinion I think he is more guilty of paying for sex and paying to hide it. As I see his face in the court I understand why he needed to pay for it.
Most people probably assume all politicians scheme and bend the rules to get elected. But the sleazy sex aspect is different.
When "hush money" is published I cringe.
So do I. They should at least capitalize it because it is a label, not a descriptor.
An appropriate musical accompaniment to the proceedings:
https://youtu.be/vg-Rl--re9s?si=Gxe3KUv3YZ_T6caJ
Absolutely and Michael Cohen, Trump’s compliant ex- lawyer, has already served time in jail for exactly this crime.
Regardless, Trump hates dogs and stole from kids with cancer.
Channeling Simon Rosenberg, whether convicted or not, there are six things voters are going to come to learn about Trump this year that they didn’t know about him in 2020 that will make it very hard for him to win:
• That he raped E. Jean Carroll in a department store dressing room
• That he oversaw one of the largest financial frauds in American history, and owes hundreds of millions of dollars in fines and penalities
• That he stole America’s secrets, lied to the FBI about it all and shared those secrets with others. It was without question among the most grave security breaches in our history, and an extraordinary betrayal of the country by a former President
• That he tried to overturn an American election, led an armed insurrection against the Congress, fought to end American democracy for all time and has promised to finish the job if he somehow gets into the Oval Office next year
• That he and his family have, corruptly, taken more money from foreign governments than any political family in our history
• That he was singularly responsible for ending Roe and stripping the rights and freedoms away from the women of America; and last week confirmed, by embracing the states’ rights position, that he supports the most extreme abortion bans in the nation - this making him without question the most dangerous abortion extremist America has ever seen.
Any one of those six things will be hard for him to overcome this year. Overcoming all six will be impossible, particularly as he is a far weaker and more degraded candidate than 2020, and his party is far more a raging dumpster fire than well oiled political machine.
To sweep, we have to expand our base. Register Democrats -- save the world.
https://www.fieldteam6.org/
Yes, he did all that and probably more that we don't know about yet, but will his cult followers believe any of it?
Margaret, maybe not the ones that have drunk the Kool Aid, but a lot of the ones that are undecided and watching these events unfold. They are the ones we need to convince that trump cannot be allowed anywhere near the Oval office again! Vote Blue, America!!
Peggy; a conviction or two would help. He will do ANYTHING to prevent that, of course.I hope the legal system heads him off at the pass.
Of course! That is the trump way after all!!
Maybe the gag orders should have covered flatulence.
Eau de Trump. https://gettrumpsneakers.com/products/the-victory-by-trump-cologne-for-men
Well, his followers know it and believe it, but it just suits them more to have one of their own in power. So to them, unlike us, it’s not about good or bad, right or wrong. It’s all about power. And they will lie and be hypocritical till the cows come home if it will get him elected.
You had me at, “hates dogs and stole money from kids with cancer.”
Daniel, who's going to tell them? I know, how's about a newyorktimes story that tells us how even though 200 members of congress know full well all the above facts, they still support the man? how's about a nytimes story that investigates to whom he sold the secrets, and for how much? yes we heard about ejeancarroll, but these maggots seem to think rape is ok (oh that's right, the incels are celebrating). the paper of "record" is nought but a stenographer for the propaganda put forth by the masters of the universe. and how about some reporting on the concerted efforts at voter suppresion by the repugnants? have you seen that georgia allows folks to challenge a voter's right to vote for no cause whatsover? how can that be legal? no reporting though.
200 members of Congress are professional Republicans who follow the adage "don't shit where you eat." They are the products of patronage -- the spoils system. The party is their identity, all id. Primitive, basic, and fully unconscious part of their personalities. Exacerbated by peer pressure.
They don't represent their constituents. Only need to convince about 5% of them. Mostly they don't read. Persuasion has to come from their friends, relatives and neighbors., someone they fell comfortable with and respect
Virtually all of us are connected -- 6 degrees of separation.
I'm not kidding about Trump hates dogs. Best icebreaker.
Our ace in the hole is the millions of unregistered people who can expand our base.
https://www.fieldteam6.org/actions
Yikes Paul, that can’t be legal!
There’s one more thing I think belongs on your list.
He so extensively mishandled the Covid pandemic that he’s responsible for the unnecessary deaths of thousands of people.
Chuck from Vladivostok again.
Ok well, Chuck- he’s desperately trying to make himself a martyr but most of the people who would
support that are already in prison for their participation on 1/6. Sorry, but I can’t imagine why you think a lack of self-awareness has anything to do with it.
I said "Other" because I am hoping he will be found guilty and convicted in all of the pending cases. BTW: If the media would quit hanging breathlessly on Trump's every utterance about "what he will do if 'reelected'" -- and broadcasting all of it -- maybe, just maybe, Trump would get tired of talking to . . .
himself . . . and just go away! I reamed out NPR today at their contact website, for airing yesterday their overly long piece about Trump's stances and views on abortion. I was not nice about it either! I wish everyone would do the same with whatever news media you all plug into. Just like in 2016 (all the way up to today, lo, these many years -- 9 in total), why DO they keep giving him all the free airspace???
I have to disagree. I think the media should relentlessly bore down on the real-life consequences of a second Trump presidency. He has promised to rip apart the entire federal government, to replace hard-working civil servants, who have expertise in the areas in which they work, with incompetent toadies whose only qualification is loyalty to Trump. He will destroy life as we know it, and that is not hyperbole. Most people, including the irresponsible Chris Sununu, Bill Barr, and business leaders, don't believe it will happen, or don't believe they personally will be adversely affected. Historian and autocracy expert Ruth Ben-Ghiat has commented that business leaders should contemplate how an absence of a Commerce Department will affect them.
As long as Trump is the presumptive Republican nominee for president, with a credible chance of winning the election, we have to pay attention to him, and to focus on what he will do if he is returned to power.
Lara Trump said yesterday that if he wins there will be four years of scorched earth. Believe her. But imagine saying such a thing. These people have no sense of anything.
Carolyn, Bravo and thank you for your eloquent response.
We can’t let stupid people continue to lie without challenge and must be unrelenting in exposing what’s at stake. With the media’s relentless efforts to find equivalents, it is, unfortunately, an uphill battle. Even with trump gone he was always only a pawn and this battle will continue.
I agree with you, Carolyn, but who is broadcasting all of that? What I hear repeatedly is the fluffer. Who is Ruth Ben-Ghiat? I am, of course, interested in hearing about your sources. TY.
She is a historian and professor at New York University, who specializes in studying autocrats and authoritarianism. I have seen her commenting on MSNBC and PBS Newshour.
Listening tonight on NPR to "On the Media," it was all about the Christian White Nationalist movement and its history, what they attempted to do to aid and abet Trump in 2020, what they are plotting for 2024, and they talked about the movie "Civil War." It's all pretty scary, BUT -- what I was referring to earlier was all the insubstantial stuff, like Trump's rallies and his everyday activities. The media doesn't need to use Trump's every move as FILLER! THEY DO NEED to be informing us on the plots-thickening news! However, I listen to NPR because they talk about everything under the sun, and they are too fact-conscious to broadcast all the trash and crazy sensationalist stuff. Which I think is good . . . How much more crazed and anxious do people need to be made by those who are trying to hang on to their thin-majority power? Trump is DESPERATE -- If he had any brains at all, he would realize just how opposed to him and how pissed off many, many, many people are. Apparently, he's also not keeping up with gun statistics! Look at the guy who self-imolated in the park -- he died today, but he was also mentally ill. Trump is setting a lot of people off, and it could EASILY go against HIM one of these days soon. Trump is so self-absorbed, it apparently doesn't even occur to him to think how bad things could get . . . FOR HIM! The Secret Service cannot be everywhere at every moment. They are also human. What if one of them suddenly can't take anymore of his crap?? They have to listen to his lies and BS constantly! One of them could go ballistic on him! No, Trump is just not very smart at all. I just don't believe the whole United States is going to be turned inside out. People are loaded up with weapons to the max, because the states are removing all obstacles to gun ownership. Those "in power" right now should get their heads on straight. If they want to start a revolution, they will be met with revolution, I can pretty much assure you. The majority of the American people are not going to give up what has been standing for almost 260 years or so now.
Unfortunately Caroline, main-stream, corporate owned media aren’t going say much about Trump’s
many shortcomings or even hammer him on climate change(which he will do his very best to make even
worse). Corporate owned media want Trump to
win because all they can see are dollar signs floating
in front of their eyes.
Trump knows that by promising corporations another tax cut they’ll help him get elected.
Klare K : tRump loves his "TV people".
The play's the thing. He's a transactional grifter playing for instant remuneration. Hope it will haunt him. Short term gratification -- long term oblivion.
https://abovethelaw.com/2024/04/trumps-legal-troubles-have-become-a-cash-cow-for-his-campaign/?utm_campaign=Above%20the%20Law%20Daily&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--ykNcPJ7T0eE94Kj7r9wT5jQ3owIAPAxOySOoYqISA0dkuuvxLFOoegbGpig9KpAfO_x9SMkKpbcSK35B9xSNv8BM8-Q&_hsmi=303544878&utm_content=303544878&utm_source=hs_email
Daniel : Yeah! 5% of "profits" if his image is used in a political ad!? Or even his name? His "nerve" is in his pocket! (And it's a Black Hole!).!
The play's the thing.....
To perfect a jury nullification defense, Trump needs Melania in the courtroom dressed in black, filling the room with tear-filled used Kleenexes, moaning and gesticulating on script
But "The tears on her cheeks are from laughter!" Bob Dylan
But he hates journalists! Believes they should be beat up. Gianforte of Montana did just that and got elected governor! UGH!!! Trump is looking pretty horrible . . . I am hoping he will just drop dead ASAP!
Klare K ; He hates everyone and anyone who opposes him and his wishes. I would like to see judge Marchand put him in pretrial lock up for his inevitable violations of the gag order! He is trying to shut down this trial! Could be held for up to 30 days! Give him something to think about. His followers, too!
Straight out of Hitler's playbook -- all the court OBSTRUCTION shenanigans Trump is pulling. I was reading just a few minutes ago about this very thing in a weekly magazine that I receive. Something needs to be done about that TWIT "judge" from Florida as well. I feel like the DOJ isn't helping Jack Smith out very much either. What exasperation! If you can, listen to this week's episode of the program "On the Media". I think it is a PRX program. It airs here every Sat. night on NPR. Brooke Gladstone is the journalist/host. I was listening, and it just adds to the angst and anger. It was all about White Christian Nationalism and what those lunatics are up to, going back to the 2020 election. They were foiled then, but it's really scary listening to their plans right now. The majority fears losing its grip, so they're plotting everything in the book to hold on. Witness: Trump's Bible sales! I can't tell you a link to go to, but it should be really easy to find. Time to pack our bags? I get so angry, I could just slap some of these people up one side of their heads and down another! That little snot from Fla., Cannon, ought to be sent back to Colombia where [her family] came from! (Of course, Trump makes exceptions for SOME immigrants!) I too hope Judge Marchan will throw the book at him. Everyone is so afraid that Trump's minions are going to rise up and start the revolution! Trump's actions are just another insurrection all over again! In this same referenced magazine, there is a cartoon of Trump standing in front of a judge, saying, "Couldn't you hold off until after my next attempted coup?" !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Which is, in my opinion, exactly what Trump is up to!
True that the coup is ongoing!
Klare K. ; I read that judge Cannon is a Cuban? Wish she could justly do her job, or be removed! the Documents case is open and shut!
I'm pretty sure I have read several times that her family came from Colombia because . . . if she were of Cuban heritage, that would have set off all kinds of strange dynamics in my head! And in Trump’s too, probably. Yup -- I feel really badly for the frustration this is all causing Jack Smith. She herself is OBSTRUCTING JUSTICE, and some kind of legal oversight council or panel should definitely remove her from that case. She is virtually aiding and abetting Trump in what could be deemed an espionage case. Not a very smart woman at all! It would serve her right if she were to lose her judgeship permanently!
"Hush money," while tawdry, isn't illegal, but falsifying business records (a misdemeanor) with the goal of election interference (a felony) is, and I believe he will be convicted of that.
To me the biggest loose cannon in the entire Trump debacle is the corrupt and illegitimate Supreme Court. How can they seriously even be considering the idea that presidents have total immunity while in office? It’s a ridiculous, dangerous, and highly political exercise with the potential to severely damage the rule of law in this country.
Jody - no, the loose cannon is in florida, as she acts as drumpf's defense lawyer. another story the paper of record won't tell us. absolute corruption and judicial malpractice, apparently sanctionned by the 11th circuit.
I am with you, Laurie. I hope and pray Judge Merchan has the intestinal guts to put tRump in jail where he's belonged ever since he began breaking gag orders over and over and over again. I've been reading that none of the judges have dared to be the first to step up and put him in jail. Any of us would have been jailed for contempt months ago.
Irishcoda, my question is how would that go with Secret Service? If I were in the Secret Service, I would say no to having to go into the jail to protect trump!! I want to know what their plan is if he is convicted and has to serve jail time?
There is a move in Congress to strip him of Secret Service protection if he is convicted of a felony and goes to jail. The right thing to do, but not sure if there is enough support in Congress to do this. Otherwise, they have no choice and must protect him by law. Agree that protecting Trump in jail would be a lousy assignment for a Secret Service agent!
Tim, it certainly is doable, and there are facilities that can easily handle it! The complicit media have decided that this is an impossibility. B.S. !
It would not be impossible with security outside the cell in rotating shifts. And cameras
Like Epstein?
Depends on what he knows. But Bill Barr is not running interference, and he isn't president. or Epstein.
I agree that this would be a suck assignment for a secret service agent unless that agent likes to read, play video games or surf the web on their phones. I'm sure the DOJ and secret service have a plan worked out if 45 has to serve jail time. Might be better to just take away all his electronics--phone, computer/laptop/tablet/whatever, and whatever other means he can use to threaten and harass. The same agent on duty will have to duck the ketchup being flung at the walls. At least in jail, bars separate the two.
Hahahahaha! I like the ketchup on the walls thing! Also, I feel sorry for any Secret Service guy that has to be there with him. From what I understand, he passes odorous gas when he sleeps as evidenced in the courtroom this past week!!
He’ll (knock on wood) be convicted of falsifying business records in furtherance of other crimes having to do with campaign finance violations and corrupt interference in an election.
As far as trump's trials go, I am basically hoping he will be convicted. Kudos to the judge in the way he is handling trump and his defense team. This judge does not play. It was interesting that he had no qualms telling trump to take his seat yesterday! That was great!! The Institute that decided not to award Liz Cheney because they were "afraid" of retaliation definitely needs to lose their tax status!! I applaud the photographer who came out and said he could no longer be affiliated with them. If anyone deserved that award, it was Liz Cheney. I have always been told (by my parents, teachers, etc) that the third world war would begin in the Middle East. This Iran/Israel conflict is not just saber rattling. I am truly worried as to how this is going and if we are witnessing a beginning to another world war. I may not agree with Speaker Johnson's ideals; however, I was so happy to see bipartisanship working in the House!! That is the way our government is suppose to work. A big hurrah to the Democrats for showing the republicans they are willing to work across the aisle to get the job done for the American people. I have said on other posts that I would never vote for RFK, Jr. and have explained my position on that. My reasons will not change. Thank you, Professor Reich and Ms. Lofthouse for another great Coffee Klatch!
He is a master at delaying justice.
He can run but he can’t hide
I hope and pray he is convicting but based on what I'm seeing on mass media coverage and the lack of meaningful consequences for his flouting of the gag order and terrorizing jurors and witnesses, I have my doubts.
I feel the same way, Irishcoda, but it will be interesting to see if Judge Marchand finally does the 'novel' thing of actually putting tRUMP in pretrial detention for a short time! Give him a reality check, (his supporters, too!).
Laurie, what infuriates me is that no judge has "dared" to jail him for contempt. too many people have noted that anyone else would be in a cell. can this be anything other than by design? who's pulling the judicial strings?
Paul ; I'm not sure, but it looks like the MSM, at least what I hear on MSNBC, is that "it's unlikely that tRUMP will ever be jailed, because of the Secret Service detail. It's nonsense, since there are plenty of secure facilities that have held high risk prisoners. There could be rotating shifts of members of his security detail outside of his cell. Another idea is that it could create disturbances by his followers. Nonsense again. Mobsters of all kinds have been held without any problems. I think that judge Marchand may finally be the one to at least place him in "pretrial detention', which is not a lengthy; may be up to 30 days, He certainly has 'earned' this! It will be interesting to see what happens this week.
Do you really think that a conviction in this case will lead to incarceration? After all, this would be Trump's first criminal offense conviction and it doesn't include bodily harm or the threat of bodily harm.
Actually, I do believe what he's doing includes a threat of bodily harm because of the effect his words has on the rabid factions in his base. We already know about cases in which the more unhinged members have attacked or harassed people he is displeased with. The only other way to stop him other than incarceration is to take away his phone and any other device he can use to continue inflaming his base.
I wonder if those prospective jurors breaking into tears will help emphasize your point.
You're right however those offenses haven't been charged.....yet!
The threat is there, for bodily harm. He has incited violence before!
If he keeps it up, he may step over the line. Then he'll be back in court with possibly a different judge.
Terry Franzman : I know that Judge Marchand can place him in pre trial detention for defying the gag order. His words can get people hurt, or cause a mistrial. Because jurors are wanting to get out of harm's way from his threats.
Congratulations to the workers at Volkswagon in Chattanooga, Tennessee, who have successfully voted for a union. The UAW is on a roll.
Trumpet 🎺 pissed off and scared a bunch of professional politicians
During the January 6 invasion of the Congress.
Trumpet 🎺 will be convicted of something jaywalking, conspiracy to commit murder, accessory to Murder, tax evasion, federal election fraud. Something for Certain . In the meanwhile trumpet 🎺 is still scamming the MAGA CULT out of the only article of modern life trumpet cares about MONEY 💰 💴 💵…
His second Scam is the poor aging Orange Jesus , a bald , Fat man with a younger wife (a trophy wife) that has dementia and shin splints. How could he survive prison ???
No Matter What Happens Trumpet will Declare Victory take the money and Run Declaring Victory with the Amount of money he scammed from the MAGA Marks …
All of the above, I hope!
No Matter What Happens Trumpet will Declare Victory take the money and Run Declaring Victory with the Amount of money he scammed from the MAGA Marks …
Of course he'll be on a shorter leash after he's convicted. e.g he may not be able to leave the country. And banks won't touch him with a ten foot pole. Plus if the hearing on his bond doesn't go well on Monday, he may have to turn over the keys to some of his vaunted possessions. New York is funny like that.
He will get money from the Saudi Arabian sheiks or the Russians. Using his own money 💵 💰💴 is not trumpets 🎺 style
Then they own him and he knows it.
Let's hope he runs to Russia where he belongs. And stays there.
I hope he is convicted on all counts, but ? When I was young, I used to believe that if you lied, cheated, made fraudulent statements, committed murder, did not do unto others as you would have them do unto you, did no love your neighbor as yourself, that there was consequences, Then I grew up and saw that we haven’t really evolved all that much. The rich and powerful have always had a different set of rules that they live by, and the rest of us suffer those consequences. We continue to fight for equality and equity, and while minor advances are made, these are usually pushed back against with very harsh consequences. Hope vs despair, it is a difficult dance when it comes to predicting the outcome of our species. We don’t seem to realize that we all live on “spaceship Earth” . While there are many admirable humans, today I am not a big fan of our species.
I agree completely. I hope I don’t look back at my optimism in 2024 and shake my head. Right now I still have hope that some people in power (like the prosecutors and most judges in Trump’s cases) are working to do the right thing and might actually succeed in upholding justice.
I hope so too. I was watching Quiet on Set: the Dark Side of Kids TV, and it kind of set my mood. Too often, we don’t believe science and provide what is needed. Growing brains need to be protected and stimulated. I wonder how the brains of the generations who have not had art, music, gym, home Ec, shop, and health classes in school will behave. I live in Chicago where the Democratic National Convention will be held. I remember the 1968 convention and all the violence. I remember the assignations of MLK, both Kennedy’s , the violence at the Edmund Pettus Bridge, Selma, Alabama, the 16th street Baptist church bombing, George Wallace. In the middle of all that I remember the hope and pride in the civil rights movement, the LGBTQ movement , the women’s movement, and recognizing the harm done to indigenous people, and Japanese American citizen that this country put in internment camps. I thought we were learning, and we have improved but there is such a long way yet to go. If Trump does not loose the current case, then I don’t see how he does not use that to succeed in taking this country down, One of the worst things that happened was when President Gerald Ford pardoned Nixon who went on to say that he couldn’t be guilty because the President can never be guilty. Trump and others have run with this false “fact” and this is where we are. I can’t even turn to David Attenborough show’s for a little peace and joy without also having to think about the destruction our species has and is causing the planet. I can only hope that younger generations will say enough and vote in qualified dedicated public servants, but they voted in Laurene Boebert and Marjorie Taylor Green, if that doesn’t take the woman’s movement back. Overall last year in the US male physicians working full time, made 29% more than their female counterparts. https://www.medscape.com/slideshow/2024-compensation-overview-6017073?ecd=WNL_physrep_240417_MSCPEDIT_comp24_etid6449939&uac=476705EN&impID=6449939#9
It nk it is hard for me to accept that in my lifetime we were not able to address equality, equity, and environmental safety. I hope the next generations have more luck in not just speaking truth to power, but actually holding them accountable.
Linda Querry - you eloquently expressed all this 72 year old's despair. I'm having trouble maintaining hope. years ago i thought we were making progress. much of it is vanishing. if drumpf is elected, will all the readers and writers of this substack be jailed? now that the surveillance act has been reauthorized (with added features the "paper of record" didn't tell us about) it will be amazingly easy to track us all down.
Paul. I too am 72 and these are the scariest times of my life. We will just have to wait and see
Somehow have remained an optimist regarding members of the jury assuming responsibility and exercising their civic duty ultimately in an impartial way. Color me unduly influenced by 'Twelve Angry Men', 'To Kill a Mockingbird', as well as 'And Justice For All'. I know this is not a film but may this jury prove that yes again justice can be served.
Great comment! Those movies reinforce my faith in our judicial system. I agree that this jury can show that justice can be served to everyone.
I would like to comment on the presidential immunity argumentation regarding Richard Nixon's statements of being immune while being president AFTER he had resigned and was pardoned by Gerald Ford. Why pardon somebody who does not need to be pardoned?
Personally, I do agree complety with Robert Reich that a president is not above the law and therefore is not immune as argued by the Trump camarilla. The Founding Fathers expressly created the office of the President of the United States NOT to be like a king (who had immunity by his office in the 18th century).
And the corollary.....Why take the pardon......its an admission of guilt.....if you're not guilty?