Tensions Are High
Opening statements in the Trump Manhattan Trial
Both the prosecution and the defense put forward their opening statements. I offer very short summary here, and two drawings of the attorneys from photographs. In a nutshell, the lead lawyer for the prosecution, Michael Colangelo, gave an opening statement that said, “It was election fraud, pure and simple. ”
Trump’s lead attorney, Todd Blanche basically said in his opening statement, “President Trump is not guilty.” He likes to call him “President Trump.” The prosecution likes to call him “The Defendant.” Key distinction.
There were three objections in the short defense opening statment— something that is not customary. Tensions are high.
From the NY Times: To summarize the opening statements we just heard: each side will tell a familiar story. But prosecutors will do so in a new way, talking about a “Trump Tower conspiracy” hatched by Trump, Michael Cohen and David Pecker of The National Enquirer. The defense will hammer home some familiar themes, accusing Cohen of lying under oath while pursuing revenge and insisting that the charged behavior is not criminal. Just “34 pieces of paper” that Trump had nothing to do with, as Blanche memorably put it.
By and large, Trump behaved himself in court. It might get more difficult, particularly when Michael Cohen, his former “fixer,” takes the stand. Today, the trial had to end at 12:30 because one of the alternate jurors had a dentist appointment. I hope it wasn’t just a cleaning.
Before they ended for the day, the judge allowed a half hour of the first witness for the prosecution, David Pecker, former CEO of the National Enquirer. He had a professional relationship with Trump over the years, specifically related to “checkbook journalism,” the idea of buying celebrity stories and often killing them.
Hope to draw more tomorrow—today was a busy day with an illustration job due tomorrow and work on the documentary. Thanks for being here.
The only way I am interested in hearing about this is through you. I can't stand to hear Trump speak; I can barely look at his face. Thank you for the highlights with your trademark creativity, kindness, and common sense.
Well, glad you reported he at least was awake. I saw a meme that had a package with the orange man's new product: a "court room pillow" that was in a box with his likeness on it. A joke obviously, but you never know...that might be the next thing up for sale.