This judge is taking no crap from Donald Trump
If I lived in New York and was called as a potential juror in Donald Trump’s hush money trial, I would lie like a cheap rug during voir dire. I would absolutely have to be a part of that jury so that I could stick it to him. I suspect some of those who have been questioned have done the same to get seated on the jury. The voir dire has certainly been interesting and perhaps a bit entertaining. One potential juror, who works for the Bronx district attorney told attorneys during questioning that the Manhattan DA would have to prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt. He further said that he has friends in law enforcement who are “pro-Trump” but that he has no opinion about national politics. Bullshit. I would strike him so fast it would make his head spin. Another potential juror responded when asked of her opinion of Trump: “I don’t really have one, especially in this courtroom. I think he will be treated as anybody else, and no one is above the law. So, I’m here just to hear the facts on both sides.” Should Blanche (Trump’s attorney) believe her? It’s a tough call. What I can say without reservation is that these attorneys have a very difficult job ahead of them. Trying to find an impartial jury for such a polarizing figure is going to be tough if not impossible. I’ll send them my hopes and prayers.
One potential juror did speak with the press after she was excused. Kara McGee works in a cybersecurity job and cannot serve because of her schedule. She was disappointed. She said to the reporter: “I don’t approve of what he did as a president,” though she does understand the right to a fair trial. She said that she could have put her personal feelings aside and made her decision based on the evidence. McGee said that the atmosphere in the courtroom was “tense” and that they all took turns answering a 42-item questionnaire.
One interesting thing of note: Judge Merchan has ruled that Trump cannot attend the Supreme Court hearing next week. According to Deadline, after jury selection ended for the day, Todd Blanche asked for Trump to be excused on April 25. Judge Merchan rejected his request, saying: “Arguing before the Supreme Court is a big deal, and I can certainly appreciate why your client would want to be there. But a trial in New York Supreme Court is also a big deal. I will see him here next week.” Judge Merchan also declined another request for Trump to be excused for campaign activities. He told Blanche that if the jury is present, Judge Merchan expects Trump to be present. He also threatened to have Trump arrested if he does not appear. Judge Merchan will be holding a hearing to determine whether Trump has violated his gag order. It appears that Judge Merchan is taking no crap from Trump or his attorneys. He seems like one who might possibly let Trump cool his jets in a cell.
Shirley is a former entertainment writer and has worked in the legal field for over 25 years