All right; the trial is over. The judge was conflicted, the prosecutor was corrupt, the prosecution’s witnesses were liars, none of it ever happened and it was all a political ploy by the Radical Leftist Democrats to persecute the Saviour of America.
Gawd, does that man go on. But there are a couple of points to be made, “moving forward” as the expression goes.
Jail Time?
This is an interesting question. Even without the political angle, it was white-collar crime with an elderly perpetrator, a first offender. Usually this elicits a suspended sentence with an ankle bracelet and weekly reporting. The wags are already suggesting a parole officer as a running mate, to simplify matters.
However, when the results of the crime could have affected the Presidential election, it’s not so simple. Add in the nine counts of contempt of court and the above-mentioned tirade against the judicial system, and the judge seems to have plenty of ammunition, whatever he decides.
Whatever happens, there will be plenty of pressure from both sides of the political spectrum. The judiciary really needs to be independent.
Appeal
Of course there will be an appeal. There always is. The Gigolo Juggler keeps as many balls in the air as he can, hoping none of them hit the ground before they’re off the radar and forgotten.
Order of Events:
First the sentencing hearing in July. At that point the appeal is tabled. Then that goes to court. If the appeal is upheld, then there’s a new trial. This ought to keep the chickens from coming home to roost until well after the election.
Immunity
This is why the New York charges were so important. All the other charges are Federal in nature, and the President can pardon the guilty. The fraud charges are the jurisdiction of New York State and only the Governor of New York (traditionally a Democrat) can pardon them.
What to Do Now?
A Republican supporter interviewed on CBC last week laid out the pattern, and a couple of polls support him. (Keeping in mind that polls depend on people following widely held norms. A wild-card candidate is unpollable.) The felony charge is no big deal to many voters, and by election time, a lot of water will have frothed under the bridge. He suggested the best course of action for the Democrats is to hark back to the chaos of the country and the White House four years ago. It is reasonable to suggest that the felon’s motivation in running again is mainly so he can squash the legal charges against him. So, instead of working on the troubles facing the United States and the world, the renewed Republican Administration will focus its energies on subverting the Justice System. If enough swing voters are tired of the brouhaha, this line will be effective.
Interesting Note
Benjamin Netanyahu was on the same crusade against Israel’s judiciary when Hamas played into his hands with their raid. Yes, democracy is under siege right now.
The Bottom Line
The one point that came out loud and clear from this week’s oratory; the true test will be in the ballot box come November. All the legal proceedings will be dust in the wind. The only way America can move forward as a world leader is by the Republicans choosing the obvious candidate and losing by the biggest margin possible
It’s commonly said that people who are being fooled find it very hard to admit it. However, if they get fooled badly enough to open their eyes, they become very angry at the perpetrator. This is already a vicious bunch of people, and their vengeance could be quite appropriate. But only after he loses the election.
(Which, by the way, will be rigged, of course.)