I think Trump is already beginning to realize that he's not in control in the court room, and that he is losing his court cases. He won't win on appeal, and there are serious questions about the $175M bond that was posted. I do hope that E. Jean Carroll gets her money. Personally, I want him to lose a lot of money since that's the only thing he really cares about. He's also going to bleed the Republican Party dry to pay his attorneys.
Reality here, plenty of F---Trump hats and signs during his presidency here in my very, very Democratic area. I follow all sides of the political spectrum carefully and I can tell you, as I do when I comment on sites on the Right, that y'all say almost word for word the same negative things when referring to the other side and the issues that are important to you!!!
You have to stand up to bullies. Otherwise the bully is further emboldened. Trump has tissue paper thin skin. He's really close to an implosion. He can't stand not being in control.
I agree. I have seen someone who had been wide awake fall asleep on the spot when I tried to tell her something truthful that she simply didn’t want to know and take in. Fascinating ! Certain adults are capable of completely blocking out unwelcome information as if no one had said anything. I doubt that a child could be as walled off. (Takes practice)
Thank you for this reassurance that the trial really is proof of a form of democracy and the nation is watching Trump through wonderful courtroom sketches. This trial is bringing hope to millions of Democrats who are ready to leave if Trump takes power.
The whole idea of refusing to respond to subpoenas that are based on a legitimate inquiry continues to boggle my mind. There are sometimes subpoenas are not legitimate--as in trying to get the FBI to testify about an ongoing investigation. And those subpoenaed may have legitimate defenses to answering particular questions. But the time to raise those is DURING the questioning.
The story about Leo's refusal was followed by a story about Stormy Daniels refusing to accept some sort of document served by trump's lawyers. By last month, discovery was over: she's going to be at trial, obviously, and can be cross examined then. What do the lawyers hope to gain by serving her with anything? I guess we'll find out.
She IS served, btw. Leaving it at her feet is sufficient. SHE will be at trial; there was no need to subpoena her. Leo's refusal, on the other hand is a direct slap at the rule of law.
Judge Mechan, btw, quashed the subpoena against Daniels as being based on purely speculative grounds. It was an attempt to show collusion between Daniels and the producer of the documentary about her to release it "just before trial" to smear trump. I imagine the timing of the documentary was very much NBCU's own decision; the potential profitability of the documentary needed no other reason.
I have a question about holding others accountable as well:
As the Washington Post wrote today, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) said tonight, "The time has come for the House of Representatives to act and act decisively. We can either confront Russian aggression in defense of democracy or we can allow the pro-Putin extreme MAGA Republicans to appease” the Russian leader.
He is calling the extremists exactly what they are: pro-Putin. Is there any way to try congressional leaders of siding with the enemy?
Good question, Joan. I don't have a definitive answer, but two things come to mind. First, there would have to be a clear act of treason. Then, there would need to be good evidence available to the prosecution. I suspect Trump is a Russian asset and has already committed treason, but I can't prove it. Firing James Comey to derail the Russia investigation and his private talk with Putin in Helsinki are two highly suspicious acts, but suspicion alone is not enough.
On the other hand, I'd like to add to my comment above that accusations like the one I proposed could become McCarthy-like hearings and I wouldn't want to see that happen.
It's worth keeping in mind that the hush money and the election interference connected to it occurred eight years ago; and the conspiracy to overturn a free, fair and lawful presidential election was hatched four years ago; and the attempted coup to subvert the Constitution and incite a violent insurrection so Donald Trump could illegally remain in power indefinitely took place nearly three and a half years ago.
And still no justice.
Until now, the legal processes surrounding Trump and the seven dozen felonies for which he has been indicted in four venues – two federal and two state – have been only performative, lacking the muscle or the teeth that would apply to any other defendant charged with such serious crimes. He violates gag orders with impunity and utter disdain for the rule of law yet hasn't been penalized for contempt.
The basic concepts of equal justice under law and speedy trial have been reduced to mere punchlines. Worst of all, Trump has gamed the justice system to such an extent – through delay, upon delay, upon delay, and bad-faith appeal upon bad-faith appeal – that he could escape accountability altogether.
The impeachment process failed America, and the justice system, up to now, continues to fail America.
What so far rates as a reality show would be laughable if the stakes for our democracy weren't so high.
Excellent points. I definitely agree. However, when or if there is an actual consequence that can no longer be appealed or wiggled out of, I will finally breathe easy again.
This is the only country we have got—by which I also mean its design, structure and rules—and we are close to losing it due to cowardice, dishonesty and fear above all. Neither excuses nor blame suffice. The worst part for me is to lose it to such trash —the corrupt, the criminal and all their hangers on. Our still honest government officials had better start responding to the really critical situations we face instead of avoiding compromising and playing nice—as if everything were still normal and that all these people are good at heart.
It almost sounds like a scenario from Germany in 1932. Fast-forward 92 years, and, voilà, here we are. The parallels are eerie. Given the similarities, you may be interested in a new book by historian Timothy Ryback, "Takeover: Hitler's Final Rise to Power." A nonfiction horror story.
Seems this judge isn’t going to accept out of line behavior in his court nor in social media. I’m hoping this will be the case which finally derails this s . i . . h . w of a very dangerous individual.
Thank you for your erudite writing. It helps me to stay somewhat calm.
So accurately and beautifully written, Ruth...we are so lucky to have you explaining everything TFG does and predicting what he'll do next. I feel more secure knowing that you're educating newscasters and millions of viewers on MSNBC, almost daily, about how to recognize a dangerous, authoritarian con-man when we see one. I feel better knowing that at least some fellow Americans are learning how to resist tyranny because it takes a village.
Also, for 8 years I've been hoping to see the "bubble of invincibility" punctured by something that would be noticeable to the general public. Something that would help them see the powerless, rageful "child" beneath the macho posturing, not the infallible, idealizeable Uber-mensch he tries to portray himself as. Today he looked exhausted and emotionally collapsed. I think that the mantle of authority worn confidently by Judge Merchan, his firmness coupled with fairness, is causing Donald to sense that he can't B.S, this guy, charm this guy, nor overpower him in any way, shape, or form. Merchan is like the father of his childhood who discovered the secret cache of knives, enforced the "law" and sentenced him to 5 years in a military-style boarding school. That's my guess as to why he looks defeated and can't stay awake. He's up against the immovable will of his "father" and knows that he can't B.S. his way into that desperately-needed position of dominance. When grandiosity is punctured in someone whose sense of self is thereby being supported, we usually see either narcissistic fury, abject depression, or a breakdown into a psychotically delusional state. To me it looks as if he's collapsing into a deflated state of despair and shame against which he struggles to maintain a "good-enough" feeling about himself...in other words, clinical depression. But whatever's going on with Trump, I feel personally protected by this firm yet fair judge, someone who holds this criminal to account. Thanks again, Ruth, for this most illuminating essay and I will broadcast it in my little sphere, expecting that other Lucidites will do the same. :-)
Mmmmm! Interesting to put it that way. My first look at your ideas. Personally I hate the Fear in me growing. Afraid to speak out unless it friends I’m with.
It is easy to be afraid and natural and normal, but it keeps us silent at the moments we most need to speak out. This is not a judgment, more a reflection of what's happened in history.
I just taught a week on Trump in my propaganda class!
Thank you
I think Trump is already beginning to realize that he's not in control in the court room, and that he is losing his court cases. He won't win on appeal, and there are serious questions about the $175M bond that was posted. I do hope that E. Jean Carroll gets her money. Personally, I want him to lose a lot of money since that's the only thing he really cares about. He's also going to bleed the Republican Party dry to pay his attorneys.
"He's going to bleed the Republican Party dry." Perfect! Let him do it.
.perhaps the current GOP must burn and collapse in hopes that a real democratic respecting one emerges from the ashes and rejects what came before.
yesterday's venting ditty:
reminded
leaving the humble doctor's office
in the parking lot
a grown woman in the passenger seat
smoking a cigarette
window rolled down
her legs over the window
right rear window photo of Trump's face
MAGA written out
i drive past and see bumper stickers
F- also written out Biden and
Biden Not My President
______
casual unruliness plus animus doesn't bode well for our nation
I just saw a couple of stickers on a truck in AZ. One said "UltraMAGA". The other said, "I own guns, try to take them!"
It's a national sickness.
Reality here, plenty of F---Trump hats and signs during his presidency here in my very, very Democratic area. I follow all sides of the political spectrum carefully and I can tell you, as I do when I comment on sites on the Right, that y'all say almost word for word the same negative things when referring to the other side and the issues that are important to you!!!
You have to stand up to bullies. Otherwise the bully is further emboldened. Trump has tissue paper thin skin. He's really close to an implosion. He can't stand not being in control.
I too suspect that Trump’s sleepiness was feigned to demonstrate his contempt for the proceedings.
I am sure you are right. It also works well to give the media a chance to focus on the clown show aspect he tries to bring to the trial.
I agree. I have seen someone who had been wide awake fall asleep on the spot when I tried to tell her something truthful that she simply didn’t want to know and take in. Fascinating ! Certain adults are capable of completely blocking out unwelcome information as if no one had said anything. I doubt that a child could be as walled off. (Takes practice)
yes
Definitely could be... because there's fight, flight, freeze, or faint!
If so, it has rather backfired.
Thank you for this reassurance that the trial really is proof of a form of democracy and the nation is watching Trump through wonderful courtroom sketches. This trial is bringing hope to millions of Democrats who are ready to leave if Trump takes power.
The whole idea of refusing to respond to subpoenas that are based on a legitimate inquiry continues to boggle my mind. There are sometimes subpoenas are not legitimate--as in trying to get the FBI to testify about an ongoing investigation. And those subpoenaed may have legitimate defenses to answering particular questions. But the time to raise those is DURING the questioning.
The story about Leo's refusal was followed by a story about Stormy Daniels refusing to accept some sort of document served by trump's lawyers. By last month, discovery was over: she's going to be at trial, obviously, and can be cross examined then. What do the lawyers hope to gain by serving her with anything? I guess we'll find out.
She IS served, btw. Leaving it at her feet is sufficient. SHE will be at trial; there was no need to subpoena her. Leo's refusal, on the other hand is a direct slap at the rule of law.
Judge Mechan, btw, quashed the subpoena against Daniels as being based on purely speculative grounds. It was an attempt to show collusion between Daniels and the producer of the documentary about her to release it "just before trial" to smear trump. I imagine the timing of the documentary was very much NBCU's own decision; the potential profitability of the documentary needed no other reason.
I have a question about holding others accountable as well:
As the Washington Post wrote today, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) said tonight, "The time has come for the House of Representatives to act and act decisively. We can either confront Russian aggression in defense of democracy or we can allow the pro-Putin extreme MAGA Republicans to appease” the Russian leader.
He is calling the extremists exactly what they are: pro-Putin. Is there any way to try congressional leaders of siding with the enemy?
Good question, Joan. I don't have a definitive answer, but two things come to mind. First, there would have to be a clear act of treason. Then, there would need to be good evidence available to the prosecution. I suspect Trump is a Russian asset and has already committed treason, but I can't prove it. Firing James Comey to derail the Russia investigation and his private talk with Putin in Helsinki are two highly suspicious acts, but suspicion alone is not enough.
Thank you. That answers my question. I knew there was an answer out there in the Cloud somewhere. If only wishes came true....
On the other hand, I'd like to add to my comment above that accusations like the one I proposed could become McCarthy-like hearings and I wouldn't want to see that happen.
Not sure, probably not, since would need proof of treason and meet that bar, usually reserved for spies
I think Trump was sedated to keep him from uncontrolled outbursts. Glad others are as concerned about Leo's contempt for subpoena.
It's worth keeping in mind that the hush money and the election interference connected to it occurred eight years ago; and the conspiracy to overturn a free, fair and lawful presidential election was hatched four years ago; and the attempted coup to subvert the Constitution and incite a violent insurrection so Donald Trump could illegally remain in power indefinitely took place nearly three and a half years ago.
And still no justice.
Until now, the legal processes surrounding Trump and the seven dozen felonies for which he has been indicted in four venues – two federal and two state – have been only performative, lacking the muscle or the teeth that would apply to any other defendant charged with such serious crimes. He violates gag orders with impunity and utter disdain for the rule of law yet hasn't been penalized for contempt.
The basic concepts of equal justice under law and speedy trial have been reduced to mere punchlines. Worst of all, Trump has gamed the justice system to such an extent – through delay, upon delay, upon delay, and bad-faith appeal upon bad-faith appeal – that he could escape accountability altogether.
The impeachment process failed America, and the justice system, up to now, continues to fail America.
What so far rates as a reality show would be laughable if the stakes for our democracy weren't so high.
Thank you. This is beautifully and succinctly said.
Excellent points. I definitely agree. However, when or if there is an actual consequence that can no longer be appealed or wiggled out of, I will finally breathe easy again.
This is the only country we have got—by which I also mean its design, structure and rules—and we are close to losing it due to cowardice, dishonesty and fear above all. Neither excuses nor blame suffice. The worst part for me is to lose it to such trash —the corrupt, the criminal and all their hangers on. Our still honest government officials had better start responding to the really critical situations we face instead of avoiding compromising and playing nice—as if everything were still normal and that all these people are good at heart.
It almost sounds like a scenario from Germany in 1932. Fast-forward 92 years, and, voilà, here we are. The parallels are eerie. Given the similarities, you may be interested in a new book by historian Timothy Ryback, "Takeover: Hitler's Final Rise to Power." A nonfiction horror story.
Seems this judge isn’t going to accept out of line behavior in his court nor in social media. I’m hoping this will be the case which finally derails this s . i . . h . w of a very dangerous individual.
Thank you for your erudite writing. It helps me to stay somewhat calm.
Glad to hear it
Follow the timeline, payments and people involved with Trump's NY election interference case with this infographic "https://thedemlabs.org/2024/04/13/election-interference-101-how-to-bury-a-scandal/"
https://thedemlabs.org/2024/04/13/election-interference-101-how-to-bury-a-scandal/
And Leonard Leo's influence network "Leonard Leo isn’t above the law. He is the law!"
https://thedemlabs.org/2024/04/14/leonard-leo-rejects-subpoena-project-2025-supreme-court-corruption/
Stellar commentary Ruth... ties together many ideas and concerns during this strange time. thank you as always.
So accurately and beautifully written, Ruth...we are so lucky to have you explaining everything TFG does and predicting what he'll do next. I feel more secure knowing that you're educating newscasters and millions of viewers on MSNBC, almost daily, about how to recognize a dangerous, authoritarian con-man when we see one. I feel better knowing that at least some fellow Americans are learning how to resist tyranny because it takes a village.
Also, for 8 years I've been hoping to see the "bubble of invincibility" punctured by something that would be noticeable to the general public. Something that would help them see the powerless, rageful "child" beneath the macho posturing, not the infallible, idealizeable Uber-mensch he tries to portray himself as. Today he looked exhausted and emotionally collapsed. I think that the mantle of authority worn confidently by Judge Merchan, his firmness coupled with fairness, is causing Donald to sense that he can't B.S, this guy, charm this guy, nor overpower him in any way, shape, or form. Merchan is like the father of his childhood who discovered the secret cache of knives, enforced the "law" and sentenced him to 5 years in a military-style boarding school. That's my guess as to why he looks defeated and can't stay awake. He's up against the immovable will of his "father" and knows that he can't B.S. his way into that desperately-needed position of dominance. When grandiosity is punctured in someone whose sense of self is thereby being supported, we usually see either narcissistic fury, abject depression, or a breakdown into a psychotically delusional state. To me it looks as if he's collapsing into a deflated state of despair and shame against which he struggles to maintain a "good-enough" feeling about himself...in other words, clinical depression. But whatever's going on with Trump, I feel personally protected by this firm yet fair judge, someone who holds this criminal to account. Thanks again, Ruth, for this most illuminating essay and I will broadcast it in my little sphere, expecting that other Lucidites will do the same. :-)
“Lucidities”!
I accidentally spelled that wrong...Lucidites! Thanks for calling that to my attention, Nancy. :)
I highlighted it because it’s a great name. Didn’t realize that it was spelled wrong (probably “autocorrect “)!
😁👍
Thank you
Mmmmm! Interesting to put it that way. My first look at your ideas. Personally I hate the Fear in me growing. Afraid to speak out unless it friends I’m with.
It is easy to be afraid and natural and normal, but it keeps us silent at the moments we most need to speak out. This is not a judgment, more a reflection of what's happened in history.