Losing Credibility

Trump lawyer is scolded by judge

At the start of the day in court, the attorneys for both sides left the room with Judge Merchan. Reporters did not know why. Maggie Haberman of the NY Times wrote: “It is striking seeing Trump sit alone at the defense table, the courtroom behind him packed with reporters and other observers.”

I had to draw that image.

The day started with a hearing with Judge Merchan and the attorneys for both sides. They hashed out repeatedly how Trump was violating the gag order the judge had imposed.

At one point, as Blanche insists Trump is trying to follow with the rules, Merchan interrupts him. “You’re losing all credibility with the court,” he says.

Judge Merchan scolds Trump attorney Blanche

It was tense for the Trump team; his lawyer Todd Blanche got on the judge’s nerves. However, Judge Merchan did not rule yet as to whether, or how, he will penalize Trump for repeatly ignoring the rules of his court. It was not a good beginning for the Trump team.

Then the first witness returned to the stand. David Pecker was the CEO of the National Enquirer and his testimony further revealed how good a friend he was to Donald, and how often he enacted “catch and kill” stories to help Trump’s campaign. Including the one about Stormy Daniels. We also heard about all the times that Pecker published sensationalized stories to hurt Trump’s opponents. I remember those days, it was horrible.

David Pecker

That’s it in a nutshell. I offer drawings from my imagination of what I consider to be highlights; for minute-to-minute coverage, I suggest you read the NY Times’ coverage, it’s fascinating. It’s primarily where I get my distillation.

I also read that the day after Trump complained to the cameras about how few supporters of his were outside the building, the Maga “crowd” dwindled even further to a few people.

Interesting times. It still is very much up in the air how this will go, particuarly with the testimoney of Trump lawyer and fixer Michael Cohen still to come. He is a very imperfect witness, but a strong one.

Thanks for being here, I think the trial is off tomorrow so I will post something non-political!