Let’s be civil,” she read. “And try to protect the rights of the many at risk should we fail to stop the election of a racist, sexist, narcissist.”
She interrupted herself. “Oops. That sounds bad.”
This was a prospective juror’s social media post about Trump from several years ago, as reported by the NY Times today. The defense brought many such posts to the court’s attention and asked the jurists being questioned about them. This woman seemed apologetic towards Trump. I was surprised to hear that the defense brought these posts to court- I think these posts look bad towards the defendant. Because they are true characterizations of a man who behaves in racist, sexist and self aggrandizing ways.
According to the Times reporters, it was an emotional day of questioning. Some jurors cried, mostly because of the stress this was causing and the questions brought out personal feelings.
I was not able to follow the proceedings this afternoon, but have read a little. I drew these on the train just now, and to be clear—these are made-up figures and the quotes came from what I read in the Time’s reports.
There now is a full jury and the trial will start on Monday.
It’s hard to discuss much else in light of the horrific event just outside the courtroom, that of a man setting himself on fire. He is in critical condition. Apparently before his self-emolution, much of what he was promoting in the Tump supporter area was about government conspiracy theories. We don’t know anything about this man yet. But to me, his action is a clear sign of the extremist environment we are in now, that I argue was brought on by the man on trial. I’m not blaming Trump directly for the poor man hurting himself, but it’s hard not to make some sort of a connection.
Thanks for being here. See you tomorrow.
The jurors that really matter are called voters. And what they write in social media doesn’t disqualify them from voting. In fact, it increases turnout.
I think it is time to breathe. I feel empathy for the potential jurors called and the seated jurors. What a time ‘to have your number come up!’ I hope he gets a fair trial and that the outcome is just and sticks. It is hard for me to imagine him not being convicted given Michael Cohen testifying for the prosecution and having g literally handled the deals and false accounts and repayments scheme. But, ya nevah know. I plan to keep breathing and going on with life and getting people to vote.