Trump CONVICTED - NO new Trump threads part III

Subject: RE: Trump INDICTED x4 NO new Trump threads part III
From: Helen
Date: 20 Apr 24 - 11:09 PM

Ok, thanks for the heads up. I guess we should enjoy his current views while they last, then, before the next wave of opinion rolls over him! LOL

Subject: RE: Trump INDICTED x4 NO new Trump threads part III
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 21 Apr 24 - 01:04 AM

Scaramucci may be saying that Trump was awful and discussing the other denisons of the White House, but he's not a reliable narrator. He is now saying what we all knew at the time, but in the day he was riding high and promoting his awful causes.

Subject: RE: Trump INDICTED x4 NO new Trump threads part III
From: MaJoC the Filk
Date: 21 Apr 24 - 03:23 AM

Zeal of the convert, Stilly .... ?

Subject: RE: Trump INDICTED x4 NO new Trump threads part III
From: Helen
Date: 21 Apr 24 - 03:29 AM

I vaguely remember hearing Scaramucci's name in in the dark old days of Trump's reign, but he probably thinks he can get away with saying anything over here in Oz. He probably thinks we are in an information backwater.

While his opinion is still that he doesn't want Trump back in power, I'll agree with him, but...it probably won't take long for his opinions to change, I'm guessing.

Subject: RE: Trump INDICTED x4 NO new Trump threads part III
From: Lighter
Date: 21 Apr 24 - 07:52 AM

Unlike other insiders, Scaramucci has been speaking out forcefully against Trump since 2019.

He helped form a pro-Biden super-PAC in 2020.

Subject: RE: Trump INDICTED x4 NO new Trump threads part III
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 21 Apr 24 - 03:11 PM

MaJoC I think you're right - the zeal is real, so to speak.

I started reading more about him (articles and Wikipedia) and went down a rabbit hole that eventually took me to reading the history of the program Wall Street Week (it sounds like a tortured investigation but the short answer is that Scaramucci's bio says that he hosted that show for a while after the program changed and Rukeyser left). And summing his political history briefly, he has gone back and forth between the two major parties. He has been busy and at times controversial, but unless there is a defining event that somehow isn't appearing in these articles I'm reading, I must have conflated his name with some other Trump ally. Of the two, Scaramucci would be a better source of information than the convicted Avenatti.

Subject: RE: Trump INDICTED x4 NO new Trump threads part III
From: Helen
Date: 21 Apr 24 - 04:14 PM

Ah, lightbulb moment Stilly!

The (Oz) ABC article I read showed Scaramucci's opinions fairly clearly but then I was doubting his motives because of your comments. I didn't do more research on him myself.

The article stated that he left the Trump administration within three weeks so he made that decision very quickly. The rest of the information in the article seemed to support his ongoing disapproval of Trump and his determination to take action to try to stop his re-election.

Subject: RE: Trump INDICTED x4 NO new Trump threads part III
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 22 Apr 24 - 02:27 PM

The news channel this morning reported on juror issues, someone needs to go to the dentist (is that an identifying element that will put them at risk?) and another was feeling nervous about being part of the process. Waiting for blow-by-blow accounts of the trial, since it isn't broadcast, isn't endurable. I'll tune in tonight for a recap. As it progresses we'll figure out what parts are worth watching for during the day, if any.

Apparently Trump spent just about as much on attorneys fees as he took in in donations last month (his supporters aren't wise to where their money is going? It isn't supporting candidate activity.) He's grousing about needing to be in Georgia and Florida for some of those proceedings. Poor baby. Shouldn't have participated in criminal activity, then his time would be his own.

Subject: RE: Trump INDICTED x4 NO new Trump threads part III
From: Lighter
Date: 22 Apr 24 - 03:16 PM

Quote of the year, from Trump's attorney Todd Blanche:

"There's nothing wrong with trying to influence the election. It's called 'democracy.'"

Subject: RE: Trump INDICTED x4 NO new Trump threads part III
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 23 Apr 24 - 11:50 AM

It sounds from the reporters that the judge is getting really tired of the defense nonsense and trying to introduce topics that were already discussed, settled, or excluded. The whole prospect of the jury may be told to disregard things they are hearing but they will still hear it.

Subject: RE: Trump INDICTED x4 NO new Trump threads part III
From: Donuel
Date: 24 Apr 24 - 01:14 PM

A Trump lawyer said "This is a kangaroo court"
Fox News says this trial is cruel and unusual since Trump is gagged with no free speech and is not allowed to move around 8 hours a day, 4 days a week. That sounds like a part-time job to the rest of us but Trump is old and being sedentary is hazardous to his health.

If a golf course is Trump's natural habitat they have a point.

Subject: RE: Trump INDICTED x4 NO new Trump threads part III
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 24 Apr 24 - 01:58 PM

It also means he can't drink Diet Coke all day long, hence feeling the caffeine shortage with his nodding off.

Subject: RE: Trump INDICTED x4 NO new Trump threads part III
From: gillymor
Date: 24 Apr 24 - 02:12 PM

At least he's not awake for the flatulence.
That Fox News quote reminds me of the old saying "Don't do the crime if you can't do the time."

Subject: RE: Trump INDICTED x4 NO new Trump threads part III
From: Donuel
Date: 24 Apr 24 - 05:10 PM

Diet Coke creates a real biochemical addiction.
Every time they have a hearing on Trump defying his intimidating vengeful remarks against gag orders, he does another one. It's like he is always one gag order hearing away from another one.

Subject: RE: Trump INDICTED x4 NO new Trump threads part III
From: Donuel
Date: 24 Apr 24 - 06:00 PM

I might be wrong but this trial is in the same dingy courtroom where Weinstein met his fate.

Subject: RE: Trump INDICTED x4 NO new Trump threads part III
From: Donuel
Date: 24 Apr 24 - 10:57 PM

https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/congress-passes-law-banning-non-disclosure-agreements-in-sexual-harassment-cases

Subject: RE: Trump INDICTED x4 NO new Trump threads part III
From: Helen
Date: 24 Apr 24 - 11:39 PM

Arizona grand jury indicts 11 Republican 'fake electors' who falsely declared Trump won the state in 2020

"In short: Eleven Republicans have been charged with conspiracy, fraud and forgery for falsely declaring to the US Congress that Donald Trump won the 2020 presidential election in Arizona.

"Arizona is the fourth US state to bring charges against "fake electors".

"What's next? The names of seven more people indicted will be released after they are served with charges, state Attorney General Kris Mayes said."

....

"The grand jury indictment also describes an unindicted co-conspirator who is clearly Mr Trump."

Subject: RE: Trump INDICTED x4 NO new Trump threads part III
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 25 Apr 24 - 10:29 AM

The Supremes are hearing the case about Presidential immunity this morning. Trump is having a busy morning (he can't go to that court to hear this, though he said he should, because he's in criminal court. Poor baby.)

D. John Sauer (Trump's attorney) has the worst case of vocal fry I've ever heard. Or the worst voice I've ever heard. It's like nails on the proverbial chalkboard.

Subject: RE: Trump INDICTED x4 NO new Trump threads part III
From: Donuel
Date: 25 Apr 24 - 10:56 AM

The fake electors recorded themselves as the dumbest criminals who posted their crimes on Facebook.

THE TRUMP SUPREMES CAN'T RULE THAT Trump can order the National Guard to murder a Supreme Court judge so they will send it to a lower court for more research, which is all Donald needs for delay.

Subject: RE: Trump INDICTED x4 NO new Trump threads part III
From: Donuel
Date: 25 Apr 24 - 05:06 PM

But seriously, Donald has some good lawyers right now.
They are advancing a 3 pronged Goldilocks defense.
Simply, He didn't do anything, nothing happened.
If something did happen it was Michael Cohen.
If it all happened the election was just a coincidence.

There is something for everyone. They just need one juror to say
"that defense is just right".

Subject: RE: Trump INDICTED x4 NO new Trump threads part III
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 09 May 24 - 10:25 AM

Ms Daniels described the sexual encounter with Trump - it was a power play by a guy who dangled a place on his television program and who wasn't taking no for an answer. She said it was consensual, but he had her isolated with no power and her heart wasn't in it, plus the scumbag didn't use a scumbag. The act wasn't illegal, what he did to hide it before the election is what is illegal. In a nutshell.

The jury won't be able to unhear this testimony.

Subject: RE: Trump INDICTED x4 NO new Trump threads part III
From: gillymor
Date: 09 May 24 - 11:43 AM

He was just trying to help her get out of the trailer park.
What a class act.

Subject: RE: Trump INDICTED x4 NO new Trump threads part III
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 10 May 24 - 02:49 PM

Daniels apparently made mincemeat of the defense lawyer (Necheles) who kept her on the stand way longer than was necessary. And then the judge again refused to alter the gag order or allow a mistrial - because of the opening statement by Trump's attorney. Blanche called Daniels a liar at that point, yet he didn't discuss or protest all of the accounting issues that the case is actually about. And the judge said he must allow Daniels to restore her reputation, the jury can't just accept the opening statement that she was lying and have nothing to compare it to. So the "orange turd" discussion that was so prominent in yesterday's cross examination was their own damn fault. (And the fact that Stormy Daniels got to discuss hyperbole - her word - and explain the joke to Trump's attorney was priceless!)

Subject: RE: Trump INDICTED x4 NO new Trump threads part III
From: Helen
Date: 10 May 24 - 07:30 PM

Interesting commentary on Michael Cohen, the man who destroyed his own life to try to put Donald Trump in jail

"He [Michael Cohen] was once Trump's personal attorney and said he would 'take a bullet' for his boss, but everything has changed.

"Michael Cohen served years in prison for lying, tax fraud, bank fraud and campaign finance violations.

"But he thinks everything he's gone through will be worth it if he can take Trump down."

......

"And now, Trump faces a criminal trial in relation to the Stormy Daniels payment.

"Michael Cohen's entire life for the last six years has been leading up to his testimony in this trial.

"He's hardly a perfect witness. He is a liar and a criminal. He is not at all impartial.

"The question is — will his story be compelling enough for a jury to find Donald Trump guilty for a crime that Cohen has already served time for?"

Subject: RE: Trump INDICTED x4 NO new Trump threads part III
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 10 May 24 - 09:53 PM

The thing about his being a liar - it was to Congress about his business with Trump. Protecting the boss. It's not in any other context. And the prosecution has demonstrated through several other ways the truth about what he has to say on the stand in this trial to make his testimony as bullet-proof as possible.

Subject: RE: Trump INDICTED x4 NO new Trump threads part III
From: Helen
Date: 10 May 24 - 11:29 PM

Yes, you're correct. It was an interesting article about a complex situation which has evolved over time, leading Michael Cohen to make a serious life-choice. I have a bit more respect for him now, after reading the article.

Subject: RE: Trump INDICTED x4 NO new Trump threads part III
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 13 May 24 - 04:39 PM

I heard a bit of the reporting today during Cohen's testimony but didn't have it on all day. I'll turn on the Monday evening commentary from Psaki and Maddow and O'Donnell (and O'Donnell was at court again today.)

This afternoon they've talked about how Trump refused to use email because of the story of a big gangster Giannani who refused to "go down" by being trapped by what he wrote. So like a good gangster, Trump never uses email.

Subject: RE: Trump INDICTED x4 NO new Trump threads part III
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 14 May 24 - 10:20 PM

I heard some of the running progress of the Cohen testimony today, and the MSNBC folks speculate on how the questioning will go, if the "real Michael Cohen" will be goaded into appearing. But just as this trial isn't about sex, it isn't about Michael Cohen either.

I am annoyed at the effrontery of the defense attorney to keep referring to the man on trial as "President Trump." He isn't president and he is such a horrible individual that using the title as an honorific is undeserved. They should be calling him Mr. Trump.

Subject: RE: Trump INDICTED x4 NO new Trump threads part III
From: Helen
Date: 14 May 24 - 10:50 PM

Yeah, but I'd prefer it if Michael Cohen's name for him stuck: dictator douchebag. :-D

Subject: RE: Trump INDICTED x4 NO new Trump threads part III
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 15 May 24 - 12:53 AM

It's time for Steve Bannon to report to prison. He lost his appeal.

Federal prosecutors on Tuesday requested the judge overseeing ex-Donald Trump adviser Steve Bannon's criminal contempt of Congress case to order that he begin his four-month prison sentence, after an appeals court last week upheld his conviction.

Prosecutors said there is no legal basis for Judge Carl Nichols to continue the stay on Bannon serving his sentence after the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals' conclusive ruling that rejected the basis for Bannon's appeal on all grounds.

"Consequently, there is no longer a 'substantial question of law that is likely to result in a reversal or an order for a new trial,'" prosecutors wrote in their filing Tuesday.

I guess we need to learn more about the leanings of judge Carl Nichols.

Subject: RE: Trump INDICTED x4 NO new Trump threads part III
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 17 May 24 - 12:02 PM

We're waiting for the completion of the Cohen cross-examination (and some prosecutor rebuttals) and on Tuesday both sides are directed to be ready to begin closing remarks. It's a damned shame that the case with the fewest teeth is the only one that is probably going to be conducted before the election in November.

Subject: RE: Trump INDICTED x4 NO new Trump threads part III
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 20 May 24 - 11:55 AM

When the defense or prosecution has a witness they need to remove or discredit it is called "impeaching the witness." But here the defendant has already been impeached (twice!), so many of the witnesses have shady backstories, and Cohen himself served 13 months in prison. The bar is set bizarrely low for everything in this case.

The last day of Cohen testimony today, then hopefully the summing up in closing statements tomorrow will set it all in play for the jurors.

The MSNBC talking heads are discussing the lack of wisdom in the defense attorney spending so much time interviewing Cohen - noting that the more questions asked the more opportunity Cohen has to tell his own story (beyond simple Yes and No answers) and it makes Trump look progressively worse.

Meanwhile, the peanut gallery in their blue suits and red ties in the park opposite the federal courthouse are doing Trump's dirty work by trashing the court, the jury, and more.

Subject: RE: Trump INDICTED x4 NO new Trump threads part III
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 22 May 24 - 12:54 PM

The Trump defense went out with a mis-guided witness selection of Robert Costello. His testimony only served to support exactly what Cohen had already testified to, and he misbehaved enough that the judge at one point cleared the courtroom of reporters. The thought is that as the last witness his stink may rub off on Trump.

Subject: RE: Trump INDICTED x4 NO new Trump threads part III
From: Helen
Date: 22 May 24 - 02:57 PM

It's sad that Trump didn't testify. He wouldn't have been able to rein himself in, would have blurted out lots of guff and dug a satisfyingly deep hole for himself. At least his lawyers earned their fat fees on that.

Subject: RE: Trump INDICTED x4 NO new Trump threads part III
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 26 May 24 - 07:42 PM

It has been a quiet few days since the Trump case rested, but this weekend Trump went to talk to the Libertarians (a surly bunch who don't get along well with anyone else politically) and they booed the Wannabe dictator.

Donald Trump, the former US president, has suffered the rare humiliation of getting booed and heckled during a raucous speech to the Libertarian National Convention.

Trump’s rocky ride at a Washington hotel on Saturday night, including cries of “Bullshit!” and “Fuck you!”, underlined the challenge that the Republican presidential nominee faces to broaden his appeal both left and right on the political spectrum.

“The fact is we should not be fighting each other,” Trump pleaded. “If Joe Biden gets back in, there will be no more liberty for anyone in our country. Combine with us in a partnership – we’re asking that of the libertarians. We must work together. Combine with us. You have to combine with us.”

The appeal went down like a lead balloon as delegates booed, jeered and shouted insults. It was a stunning rebuke for a man who has become accustomed to cult-like rallies where his every word is cheered to the echo.

One thing we can agree on. The man needs to be booed off the stage and out of public life.

Subject: RE: Trump INDICTED x4 NO new Trump threads part III
From: Helen
Date: 26 May 24 - 08:30 PM

Thanks for that, Stilly. I needed a good laugh-out-loud. :-D

Subject: RE: Trump INDICTED x4 NO new Trump threads part III
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 26 May 24 - 08:55 PM

For some reason I'm now seeing that Guardian version of the video as "private." CNN also played some of the speech.

Subject: RE: Trump INDICTED x4 NO new Trump threads part III
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 27 May 24 - 10:49 PM

Tomorrow (Tuesday, May 28) the jury gets their instructions from the judge. And then we wait for a verdict.

Subject: RE: Trump INDICTED x4 NO new Trump threads part III
From: gillymor
Date: 28 May 24 - 12:27 PM

I'm hoping they nail him but I've a feeling the slithery bastard has done his utmost to get to one or more jurors given his conviction that he is above the laws of this land.

Subject: RE: Trump INDICTED x4 NO new Trump threads part III
From: Helen
Date: 28 May 24 - 02:52 PM

Yes gillymor, but look on the bright side. The slithery bastard has been holed up in the courtroom for a month, had to sit down and say nothing during the trial and nearly blown a gasket every day trying to keep his mouth under control, and been unable to go on the campaign trail, unable to speak freely to the media, and has agreed to two debates with President Biden where the microphones will be turned off after timed responses. We have also been entertained by the Veepstakes, watching more slithery bastards vying for his attention, hoping to be placed on the ballot as his potential VP.

I just wish there were more trials scheduled before the election. I don't think his blood pressure could take it.

Subject: RE: Trump INDICTED x4 NO new Trump threads part III
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 30 May 24 - 04:59 PM

The jury has reached a verdict, meaning it isn't a hung jury. They asked for 30 minutes to fill out the jury questionnaire (confirming the status of each charge and the vote).

We are on pins and needles waiting. Wishing the judge and jury a safe trip home after all of this.

Subject: RE: Trump INDICTED x4 NO new Trump threads part III
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 30 May 24 - 05:08 PM

GUILTY!!!!!!

Couldn't happen to a nastier guy.

Subject: RE: Trump INDICTED x4 NO new Trump threads part III
From: Helen
Date: 30 May 24 - 05:29 PM

Amazing news!! I really didn't think that the jury decisions would be so quick, and that he would be found guilty on all charges. I am placing bets that he will appeal, but that would only work, IMO, if he had been found not guilty on at least some of the charges.

If it wasn't just after sunrise here I'd break out the champagne.

Woo Hoo!!!!! :-D

Donald Trump found guilty in criminal 'hush money' trial

Subject: RE: Trump INDICTED x4 NO new Trump threads part III
From: gillymor
Date: 30 May 24 - 05:41 PM

I've never been so glad to be wrong about something.
YEEEEEEEHAAAAAWWW!!!

Subject: RE: Trump INDICTED x4 NO new Trump threads part III
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 30 May 24 - 07:06 PM

A recent Doonesbury strip I've been a fan since the 80s. Only Sunday cartoons are still drawn, other day are re-runs, scroll down to see the calendar & check next Sunday.

Or fill time by reading past Sundays!

Subject: RE: Trump INDICTED x4 NO new Trump threads part III
From: gillymor
Date: 30 May 24 - 07:24 PM

Not sure how this conviction is going to effect the electon but I'm now feeling better about being a citizen of this country than I have in a long time.
Here's to the health of this nation!

Subject: RE: Trump INDICTED x4 NO new Trump threads part III
From: Helen
Date: 30 May 24 - 07:56 PM

I heard a comment on Oz ABC that a convicted felon can't own a gun or vote in elections. He can still run for President unfortunately but cannot carry a gun in an attack on the Capitol or vote for himself. But then again, he sent his minions to attack the Capitol and stayed in his own little den, watching from a safe distance so he is unlikely to put himself in the firing line if it happens again.

Subject: RE: Trump INDICTED x4 NO new Trump threads part III
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 30 May 24 - 11:05 PM

This is a state charge and Trump isn't a resident of New York now. Even if the charge transferred to Florida, we are told that the Florida governor might offer dispensation so he can vote there.

Though Trump has repeatedly shot himself in the foot, I don't know if there is proof that he owns and firearms. He fires from the lip.

Subject: RE: Trump INDICTED x4 NO new Trump threads part III
From: Helen
Date: 31 May 24 - 02:20 AM

Yep. He loads the guns (verbally) and lets other people go into the firing line. Come to think of it, that sounds a lot like what he did to Michael Cohen.

I'm hoping Melania is somewhere safe. He might take his anger and frustration out on her because she probably wouldn't be able to fight back.

Subject: RE: Trump INDICTED x4 NO new Trump threads part III
From: MaJoC the Filk
Date: 31 May 24 - 04:41 AM

> he sent his minions to attack the Capitol and stayed
> in his own little den, watching from a safe distance

From what I heard at the time, Helen, the Orange Man-Baby* was all set to lead his zombie army's march .... but the Secret Service member driving his car had been trained to not let The Con put himself in harm's way. Much wrestling there was with the steering wheel, and the Secret Service member won.

* This epithet comes to you by (dis)courtesy of this morning's paper reviews on the BBC Red Button.