SPECIAL POST! A SUMMARY OF TRUMP IMPEACHMENT DAY II - ELECTRIC BOOGALOO
I Am A Child/Young Adult of the 80s. Sue Me!
The following is a summary of the activities surrounding the arraignment of Ex-President Trump, followed by yours truly and posted on Facebook on a string - here in one post for your convenience!
I: Follow is the correct descriptor - in a motorcade that, for those of a certain age might echo another famous vehicular procession of a kind, are heading at medium speed to a Miami courthouse to arraign Ex-President Trump in the classified documents matter.
Observers note there will be no perp walk, as the courthouse has underground passageways that will be used to avoid the ‘crowds’ there to ‘support’ Trump (though right now the turnout is … not that huge).
Also, do not expect a mug shot - a general photo will be used in its place. One question that is unknown is whether Trump will be detained, which is standard for cases of this type …
II: Trump has arrived at the court house.
Outside, a cult of Trump followers is grouped rather neatly in about 5-6 rows with several,of those obnoxious flags flying - nothing like, oh say, January 6, 2021.
Meanwhile, in DC the quiet-as-a-terrarium-turtle Mitch McConnell responds to a question about Trump by refusing to comment - that as MSNBC reports Senators Mitt Romney and John Thune criticizing Trump and condemning to a point the comments about “weaponizing the Federal government” (in opposition to fellow GOPers Lindsay Graham, Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz, who HAVE carried the “weaponization” charge with glee).
III: One of the still-standing Trump attorneys, parking garage litigator extraordinaire Alina Habba, does her best Ivanka with charges of “WEAPONIZATIONNNNN!!!” while attempting the apparent strategy of MegaWhataboutization and desperately trying to create false parallels to others, painting Trump as The Only Honest Man In AmeriMAGA.
IV: Despite a motion to bring cameras into the courtroom, the proceeding will have NO electronic devices of ANY kind, relying on old-fashioned sketch room artists when that moment arrives.
Reports are that the booking has taken place. Fingerprints have been taken digitally. Donald Trump is now the first former President in the history of the Republic to be held under arrest for federal felony crimes.
V: As a Trumper walks in the middle of the protest area with a giant TRUMP WON flag (fact check: Trump lost both popular votes in 2016 and 2020 and lost decisively in 2020), overall the pro-Trump turnout can be fairly called “modest.”
And now a hand held sign proudly says GOD BLESS TPUMP, along with a handful of thus far well-behaved counterprotestors.
Meanwhile, Trump supporter Senator JD Vance (OH) announces he will object to any and all motions to hire any and all Department of Justice positions except Marshalls, in petulant and fawning support of the Trump weaponization argument to defund police - or, in Vance and MAGA-Eze, to show how Trump is being persecuted by Biden.
In the words of Chryssie Hynde, way to go Ohio.
VI: As we await the transcripts and report from the court, a quick scan of social media reveals one fact I had not considered: Trump now has more indictments (two) than election victories (one via the Electoral College).
More fun facts: in the history of the Republic, a total of 71 felony charges have been made against former Presidents - and on THAT score, Trump is Number One on the total list with ALL 71!
Meanwhile, with trucks driving by, there may be more flags for Trump than protestors for Trump. Authorities prepared for up to 50,000 (though it does not take a lot of people to create a worse scenario, sadly).
VII: THIS JUST IN - Trump, of course, pleads “Not Guilty” to all 37 charges, signaling the hearing is likely completed.
VIII: Per MSNBC, the not guilty plea was stated by one of Trump’s remaining attorneys. There were three DoJ attorneys, two for Trump including a NY-based attorney who said he would be the chief defense attorney, and a “stone-faced” and silent Trump (though he will hold court tonight in NJ amid a group of Trump A-Listers including Mike Lindell, Kash Patel, and Sebastian Gorka). Jack Smith was apparently in the front row of the hearing.
Meanwhile, as more from an apparent very quick pro forma hearing awaits to be aired, social media is now agog over a photo on Fox of a woman Fox labeled as Melania but is quite clearly not Melania - so much so that #NotMelania is now trending.
IX: Trump’s co-defendant, Walt Nauta (who is being represented by a Trump campaign-funded attorney) also pled not guilty. The judge - NOT the controversial Aileen Cannon - did not place Trump under house arrest. He did instruct Trump not to discuss the case with potential witnesses, which will be tough because Nauta could be one and is still working with Trump (and also because, well, TRUMP).
Right now cameras are waiting for the Trump caravan to leave the court house (where he will then head to his golf club in NJ and probably violate the judge’s order), and the throngs of Trump supporters seem to be thinning even further … sad!
X: Still waiting for statements from attorneys. As they are, MSNBC reports Nikki Haley - who just yesterday dared to criticize Trump’s charges - fell in line with virtually all the other GOP candidates except Chris Christie today by promising to pardon Trump if she is elected (in case you are wondering how Trump stays in front in 2024 GOP polling).
Meanwhile, there apparently is no truth to the rumor that, since Trump cannot interact with potential witnesses, Trump himself was trying to add Donald Trump, Jr. to that list …
XI: Trump has left the building, making sure to drive past the group of supporters (and having several people step in front of the motorcade, necessitating police to clear the road).
No court dates have yet to be set - that will be Judge Cannon. And by the way, for those worrying about her apparent pro-Trump and legally inept record with Trump (per the review of her previous decision in the lead-up to this case), commentators note that prosecutors will be able to get immediate hearings before a panel of Appellate Court judges for any hincky rulings in the proceedings. So, chill about that.
XII: Trump has decided to get out of his limo in the Little Havana area of Miami to get some apparent ego gratification before heading to his scheduled screech-a-thon, where a group of alleged ministers and rabbis are “praying” “over” him. No reports of lightning hitting the building, alas …
XII: CBS reporter Graham Kates, who was in the court room, reports Special Prosecutor Jack Smith watched the proceedings and stared at Trump while Trump “slowly” exited the courtroom. Trump apparently glanced at reporters but not Smith until Trump left. (Recall Trump hysterically claimed Smith was “trembling” when Smith made his first statement on Friday, which of course didn’t happen - check the tape!).
NBC adds that after the hearing, Smith put his arm around one of his team’s attorneys and walked out “like they were best buds.”
... and that's a wrap! Thanks for following!