On Tuesday, former President Donald Trump was charged with four felony counts related to his efforts to overturn the legitimate results of the 2020 presidential election.
That's been my intuitive sense (for months). If he spends most of his remaining life filing appeals and going to further trials, that seems like appropriate penance. He could babble on infinitely about injustice, and spend all "his money" doing so. The key is for him to be prevented from ever holding government office again.
The court of public opinion, his cult, his congressional minions, the media, his money, and our justice system will never allow him to go to jail. Our best hope is that he is denied any possibility of holding office ever again. I fear even that may be unobtainable in our political climate.
Yes he can. He can convince his minions to send campaign funds for his run for Dog Catcher...or he'll manage to convince them to send him money for some other grift.
Thank you. Seeing this “it’s all about what he believed” trope in all the right wing mouthpieces was nauseating but not unexpected. Seeing the Washington Post echo the talking point was dispiriting.
YES! The national news outlets, like CNN, are holding the “Belief” banner. At the same time, a local woman insisted that she “believed” her kids were happy and doing well after she murdered them. Rightfully, she was sentenced to life in prison.
“Well, who you gonna believe me or your lying eyes?” - Chico Marx.
“Two simple words. Two simple words in the English language: “I forgot!” How many times do we let ourselves get into terrible situations because we don’t say “I forgot”? Let’s say you’re on trial for armed robbery. You say to the judge, “I forgot armed robbery was illegal.” Let’s suppose he says back to you, “You have committed a foul crime. you have stolen hundreds and thousands of dollars from people at random, and you say, ‘I forgot’?” Two simple words: Excuuuuuse me!!“ - Steve Martin
Only a MAGA/GOP fanatic would believe Trump’s defense, or excuse, for his criminal behavior is sincere. And as Mr. Legum so eloquently points out, in essence: actions speak louder than lies.
"Elias noted that he has had clients who "genuinely believe in close elections that they've won," but that belief "doesn't give them license to undermine the process of free and fair elections." They are limited to courses of action that comply with the law, like filing a lawsuit seeking a recount."
Now I'm praying this will work its way into prosecuting ALL of the Congress persons who egged on the riot. Immunity to prosecution for acts performed in executing duties on the floor of Congress surely has limits too. Such duties don't include inciting sedition or actively supporting destruction of the nation's government.
Great summary. Super disappointing that 1) national media is trump 24/7 as in 2015 and 2) continues to toe the line by amplifying GOP talking points, about Biden/Hunter Biden/fake impeachment and now trump's third indictment. They haven't learned a thing, glad Judd is putting out great content-now we just need to amplify it. I did appreciate one reporter say, "today it's just another Florida man being charged for January 6 "- that's how to do it.
According to some, Lauro is using the Bannon strategy of flooding the airwaves to try the case in the court of public opinion. This, in turn, may make seating a jury a challenge. As so many note, TFG'S legal problems have significantly mounted. His lawyer's defense strategy will hopefully fail in the end. Jack Smith is as savvy and competent as can be. His case remains strong, as you point out. Judd!
And, news this morning: a lawyer for Steve Bannon quit! Most of these lawyers want to be paid, and he stiffed the lawyer who helped him through the pardon.
Tell ya what I believe. That Trump is in Trouble, it won't end soon and it won't be pretty. Can't think of a more deserving target.
Thank you Judd. Hats off to you!
And he still will never go to jail. Agree?
That's been my intuitive sense (for months). If he spends most of his remaining life filing appeals and going to further trials, that seems like appropriate penance. He could babble on infinitely about injustice, and spend all "his money" doing so. The key is for him to be prevented from ever holding government office again.
The court of public opinion, his cult, his congressional minions, the media, his money, and our justice system will never allow him to go to jail. Our best hope is that he is denied any possibility of holding office ever again. I fear even that may be unobtainable in our political climate.
Then he can't raise campaign funds, at least.
Yes he can. He can convince his minions to send campaign funds for his run for Dog Catcher...or he'll manage to convince them to send him money for some other grift.
As long as he gets off the stage and never wields power again, I'll call it a win. Next steps: help the Republicans keep cannibalizing that party.
He may never go to jail...but if he loses the election he may die of 'Broken Heart Syndrome'.
Probably not, attractive as that may be. But house arrest sounds great!
This is a pivotal clarification. Thank you.
Agree! Thank Judd!
It’s a joy to read you, Judd. Your analysis is clear as a bell and your writing is too. Thank you!
Thank you Judd for your analysis and explanation of the right’s false narrative.
Thank you. Seeing this “it’s all about what he believed” trope in all the right wing mouthpieces was nauseating but not unexpected. Seeing the Washington Post echo the talking point was dispiriting.
Always consider the source! Bozo and his clowns at wapo carry water for the oligarchs…
YES! The national news outlets, like CNN, are holding the “Belief” banner. At the same time, a local woman insisted that she “believed” her kids were happy and doing well after she murdered them. Rightfully, she was sentenced to life in prison.
Such a valuable analysis. Now I have a strong set of talking points.
Readers, if you aren't a subscriber yet, please join us to keep Judd proving this kind of sharp analysis!
“Well, who you gonna believe me or your lying eyes?” - Chico Marx.
“Two simple words. Two simple words in the English language: “I forgot!” How many times do we let ourselves get into terrible situations because we don’t say “I forgot”? Let’s say you’re on trial for armed robbery. You say to the judge, “I forgot armed robbery was illegal.” Let’s suppose he says back to you, “You have committed a foul crime. you have stolen hundreds and thousands of dollars from people at random, and you say, ‘I forgot’?” Two simple words: Excuuuuuse me!!“ - Steve Martin
Only a MAGA/GOP fanatic would believe Trump’s defense, or excuse, for his criminal behavior is sincere. And as Mr. Legum so eloquently points out, in essence: actions speak louder than lies.
Excellent, very helpful explanation. Thank you for this great article that puts things in perspective! Go Jack Smith!!!!
"Elias noted that he has had clients who "genuinely believe in close elections that they've won," but that belief "doesn't give them license to undermine the process of free and fair elections." They are limited to courses of action that comply with the law, like filing a lawsuit seeking a recount."
Now I'm praying this will work its way into prosecuting ALL of the Congress persons who egged on the riot. Immunity to prosecution for acts performed in executing duties on the floor of Congress surely has limits too. Such duties don't include inciting sedition or actively supporting destruction of the nation's government.
Great summary. Super disappointing that 1) national media is trump 24/7 as in 2015 and 2) continues to toe the line by amplifying GOP talking points, about Biden/Hunter Biden/fake impeachment and now trump's third indictment. They haven't learned a thing, glad Judd is putting out great content-now we just need to amplify it. I did appreciate one reporter say, "today it's just another Florida man being charged for January 6 "- that's how to do it.
Thanks for the clear and concise analysis. Hopefully this will be made as clear to the jurors.
Bravo for this reporting and analysis. Bravo, too, to JS for setting the stage first.
I appreciate your writing and the cognitive structure of every story. Well done. Or, as my daughter says to me, "good job" - I say to Judd.
Thank you for the clarity, Judd. The more reassurance one gets is important when dealing with a slippery individual like 't'.
According to some, Lauro is using the Bannon strategy of flooding the airwaves to try the case in the court of public opinion. This, in turn, may make seating a jury a challenge. As so many note, TFG'S legal problems have significantly mounted. His lawyer's defense strategy will hopefully fail in the end. Jack Smith is as savvy and competent as can be. His case remains strong, as you point out. Judd!
And, news this morning: a lawyer for Steve Bannon quit! Most of these lawyers want to be paid, and he stiffed the lawyer who helped him through the pardon.