Come for the politics, stay for the snark.

There is no compromise when it comes to body autonomy. You either have it or you do not.

Quote tweet friends, screenshot enemies.

Imperialist aggressors must be defeated, or the whole world loses.

Second rate reporter says what?

And now I have baud making fun of me. this day can’t get worse.

“In the future, this lab will be a museum. do not touch it.”

If you still can’t see these things even now, maybe politics isn’t your forte and you should stop writing about it.

Prediction: the gop will rethink its strategy of boycotting future committees.

Do not shrug your shoulders and accept the normalization of untruths.

It is not hopeless, and we are not helpless.

Too often we hand the biggest microphones to the cynics and the critics who delight in declaring failure.

I’m starting to think Jesus may have made a mistake saving people with no questions asked.

The truth is, these are not very bright guys, and things got out of hand.

Whoever he was, that guy was nuts.

There are consequences to being an arrogant, sullen prick.

We will not go quietly into the night; we will not vanish without a fight.

Innocent people do not delay justice.

The only way through is to slog through the muck one step at at time.

Wake up. Grow up. Get in the fight.

“Alexa, change the president.”

They fucked up the fucking up of the fuckup!

A norm that restrains only one side really is not a norm – it is a trap.

Balloon Juice, where there is always someone who will say you’re doing it wrong.

One lie, alone, tears the fabric of reality.

You are here: Home / Open Threads / Thursday Evening Open Thread: “A Verdict Has Been Reached… “ GUILTY, GUILTY, GUILTY!

Thursday Evening Open Thread: “A Verdict Has Been Reached… “ GUILTY, GUILTY, GUILTY!

by | 379 Comments

This post is in: ,

… And will be announced “immanently”, or maybe in half an hour?

ETA:
From the BBC’s liveblog:

Thursday Evening Open Thread: "A Verdict Has Been Reached... "
(H/t Trollhattan)

ETA Again:
Thursday Evening Open Thread: "A Verdict Has Been Reached... " 1

Reader Interactions

379Comments

  9. 9.

    JWR

    On the morning of the O.J. verdict, I was listening to a guy on Pacifica radio explain why reaching such a quick verdict, as I think that one was, was a good thing for the defense. And he was right. :(

  11. 11.

    zhena gogolia

    Trump is largely still, eyes closed or close to it, sitting as he often has during this trial. His fate is now in the hands of the jurors who are filling out their verdict sheet behind closed doors.

    NYT

    Sitting as he often has — asleep!

  18. 18.

    ArchTeryx

    @JWR: That would be the worst outcome to me. Eating crow AND he’s found innocent. I’m happy to trade my ego for having “CRIMINAL” stamped on TFG’s forehead for the rest of his miserable life. Having him found innocent by a jury of Manhattanites would be just too much for me to take.

  19. 19.

    Barbara

    @JWR: The most experienced criminal defense attorney in my firm told me that as well. He suggested that I stay in my office to avoid the applause of our staff as the verdict was read.

  24. 24.

    Ramona

    @JWR: i watched the oj trial and I remember the verdict coming in early but I don’t remember for how long they deliberated. Is this verdict early?

  25. 25.

    Scout211

    (TPM) It is palpable, folks.

    Meanwhile, a court security official tells us the following:

    “Keep the outbursts to a minimum. Stay in your seats until you are given instructions afterwards.”

  27. 27.

    zhena gogolia

    May 30, 2024, 5:02 p.m. ETJust Now
    Just now
    Maggie HabermanReporting from inside the courthouse

    Trump is sitting very still, his head slightly tilted to the right.

    Like a puzzled pug dog.

  30. 30.

    TBone

    Twelve New Yorkers, please reaffirm my faith in the Rule of Law.  Please show the entire world that the USA is not entirely bugfuck crazy. Thank you for your service.

  31. 31.

    J. Arthur Crank

    In a sane world, this would be a fast decision because he is obviously guilty.  Also too:  in a sane world we wouldn’t even know who he is because he would have been put in prison long ago.

  34. 34.

    zhena gogolia

    May 30, 2024, 5:05 p.m. ETJust Now
    Just now
    Maggie HabermanReporting from inside the courthouse

    One juror appeared to glance at Trump. The others didn’t.

  36. 36.

    Omnes Omnibus

    @Barbara: I was in law school for the OJ verdict.  Might have been the only white student who was happy with the verdict.

  42. 42.

    J. Arthur Crank

    I hope the judge refers to the defendant as “Donald Jessica Trump” when reading the verdict.  As I noted earlier, somehow that always cracks me up when Randy Rainbow says that in his parody music videos.

  47. 47.

    Scout211

    Trump has been found guilty on at least one count.
    The verdict continues to be read. He was charged with 34 total counts.

  48. 48.

    zhena gogolia

    OH THANK YOU GOD HE HAS BEEN HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR SOMETHING FINALLY FINALLY FINALLY

  49. 49.

    SW

    Seem to be running against the tide but I don’t think a quick verdict is good for the defense.  In this case, it seemed that defense strategy was to aim for a holdout.  If that were the case it would seem that everyone else would try to talk sense to that person, a process that would take some time.

    couldn’t type fast enough ☺️

  53. 53.

    Scout211

    Trump has been found guilty on at least 10 counts. He has been found not guilty on zero counts.
    The verdict continues to be read. He was charged with 34 total counts.

  55. 55.

    J. Arthur Crank

    I am not watching a live feed, but I assume it is “drop your linen and start your grinnin'”?

  72. 72.

    MisterForkbeard

    Jesus H Christ. Guilty on all 34 charges?

    “Convicted Felon Donald Trump”

  86. 86.

    Captain C

    Donald Trump is the first president in US history to be convicted of a felony.

    –CNN’s live feed

  88. 88.

    ArchTeryx

    @TBone: Good. Stamp “CRIMINAL” on the fucker’s head and call it a day. It may not affect the election much, but it makes me feel a whole lot better about The City and whether it had the sense to call a crook a crook.

  90. 90.

    CaseyL

    GUILTY ON ALL COUNTS.

    I honestly feel like crying. Thank you, thank you, thank you to those brave jurors and to the Prosecution and Judge.

  94. 94.

    Ohio Mom

    I’ve been in a daze, sure that nothing much would happen the rest of the day. I went from zoned out to butterflies in my stomach in a split second, the moment I opened this page and saw this post.

  99. 99.

    raven

    The fucker got elected the day before my birthday and we had a really sucky gathering. We’re off for our anniversary dinner!

  101. 101.

    Another Scott

    https://nitter.poast.org/kyledcheney

    Counts 1-9: Guilty

    Counts 10-18: Guilty

    Counts 19-27: Guilty

    Counts 28-34: Guilty

    Donald Jessica Trump guilty on all charges.

    So we can call him Felon Individual #1 now, right??

    Is he crying yet??

    A good day.

    Cheers,
    Scott.

  102. 102.

    J. Arthur Crank

    Wow!   This  like when I was 20 years old and could eat anything I wanted without gaining weight, but only better!

  108. 108.

    zhena gogolia

    I’M FIRED UP AND READY TO GO! LET’S GO JOE! LET’S GO DARK BRANDON! KICK HIS ASS!

  110. 110.

    A woman from anywhere (formerly Mohagan)

    This reminds me of the classic Doonesbury strip in which Mark Slackmeyer, comments on Nixon, saying “Guilty, guilty, guilty!”

    ETA: Woo-hoo!

  115. 115.

    Ohio Mom

    When I was typing — guilty on all 34 counts?! Wow. I was not anxious very long. Now on to pinching myself.

  119. 119.

    Barbara

    @SW: What my fellow attorney told me was that in a case as complex as the OJ trial, with so many witnesses, and the most serious charges imaginable that could put him away forever, a jury would not convict without being much more deliberative.  This jury has been out for longer than the OJ jury was.

    Also, I would like to say that I RESENT more than I can say that so much of my emotional well-being can be pushed and pulled and twisted by this human piece of scum.

  121. 121.

    dmsilev

    YESSSSSSSSSS

    (decided not to scream out in the middle of meeting…)

    Edit: We did have (cup)cakes for snacks, so I had cake.

  123. 123.

    Old School

    Update the Doonesbury cartoon!

    Edit: Shakes fist at A women from anywhere (but changes it to a high five)

  124. 124.

    cmorenc

    WOO-HOO!!!!

    Finally, Trump is called to account.

    Not in the most serious case the feds have Trump dead to rights (classified docs case), but-for Judge Cannon.  Or the second-most serious case (but not by much) re: J6.

    But take a win, anyways.

  125. 125.

    Omnes Omnibus

    @LAO: My inner defense attorney is a little bothered by any convictions, but I’ll get over it pretty easily.  Rooting for a prosecution is weird.

  126. 126.

    J. Arthur Crank

    Question for the attorneys:   Is “guilty as fuck” a legal distinction  (as opposed to “guilty”) that allows a longer sentence?  Asking for a few hundred million friends.

  127. 127.

    Jinchi

    So do Iphones show fireworks when you text “convicted” like the do for “happy new year”?

  129. 129.

    Matt McIrvin

    @japa21: And the documents case was the strongest one, but it went to an obviously corrupt judge who is in the tank for Trump, so who knows.

  130. 130.

    ArchTeryx

    Now come the appeals. And there will be appeals, all the way to the Sinister Six. But regardless of whether the appeals are accepted or how they come out, people will remember 36 guilty verdicts. Let him and his fasicst followers yowl all day and night. They can’t change people’s memories of this day.

  140. 140.

    SomeRandomGuy

    FINALLY there’s a reason for  all that “can a nominee be replaced?” crap about Biden – *AMAZING* how much foresight the Republican party has been this year, floating trial balloons for “Biden” to be replaced!

  142. 142.

    Bill Arnold

    @MisterForkbeard:

    “Convicted Felon Donald Trump”

    Yes. It will be political malpractice to use the name “Trump” without the modifier “convicted felon”, when referring to convicted felon Donald J. Trump.

  143. 143.

    zhena gogolia

    May 30, 2024, 5:09 p.m. ET4 minutes ago
    4 minutes ago
    Jonah BromwichReporting from inside the courthouse

    Trump is unresponsive, sitting slack at the defense table.

    Jesse McKinley
    May 30, 2024, 5:09 p.m. ET4 minutes ago
    4 minutes ago
    Jesse McKinleyReporting from inside the courthouse
    He is largely expressionless, a glum look on his face, as “guilty” has just been heard 34 times.

    I guess Maggie is too upset to type.

  144. 144.

    Elizabelle

    As happy as the day we learned Antonin Scalia had left this mortal coil.

    And us without cold sparkly.  Cava in the freezer.

  146. 146.

    Soprano2

    The case was as convincing to them as it was to us. The rage truthing is going to be EPIC 🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳

  149. 149.

    MinuteMan

    I knew there was some reason I should have bought a bottle of champagne in the liquor store the other day but the little voice was too vague and I didn’t listen to it. I’ll have to improvise!

  150. 150.

    cain

    Now comes the next best part – the lamentations of his cult, the thumping of breasts, the pulling of hair, the crying, the weeping…

    Will Alito raise his American flag upside down again? How many will raise their flags upside down?!

  151. 151.

    Leto

    @ArchTeryx: Can you appeal a state ruling to the USSC? I know it’ll go to the NYSC, but USSC? I honestly don’t know. Also I’m so happy that we had Judge Merchan presiding over this because he painstakingly ensured that this was all above board, and would survive appeal.

  152. 152.

    Jeffro

    @J. Arthur Crank:Question for the attorneys:  Is “guilty as fuck” a legal distinction  (as opposed to “guilty”) that allows a longer sentence?  Asking for a few hundred million friends.

    LOLOLOL

    officially on the floor now, thanks!     ;)

  154. 154.

    Old School

    @Jinchi:

    So do Iphones show fireworks when you text “convicted” like the do for “happy new year”?

    You can add them to the text manually.

  157. 157.

    Matt McIrvin

    Loomis had his thumb on the “it isn’t going to make any difference” post button.

  162. 162.

    Mai Naem mobile

    Honestly I was expecting a hung jury. I am going to have to scrounge up some cake in a cup.

  163. 163.

    Layer8Problem

    I’m eating nothing but broth and lime jello for a particular medical procedure tomorrow, but damn it I’m gonna drink that frickin’ magnesium/potassium sulfate solution later like it’s goddamn champagne!

  166. 166.

    Chris Johnson

    I thought it was possible that could happen. :)

     

    Reality one, Trump zero!

  168. 168.

    ArchTeryx

    @Leto: That’s right it’s a state ruling. Yes, SCOTUS can and has gotten involved in state cases, even though they are not supposed to have jurisdiction in them. (Their pro-gerrymandering decisions rest on some of that). But yeah, a state criminal case would normally end at the NYSC, which would want nothing to do with TFG.

  170. 170.

    Elizabelle

    Screw Aileen Cannon.  That case should be underway now too.  I hope this verdict sends a chill down her back.

  171. 171.

    Death Panel Truck

    Yeh, we gonna put him so far back in jail this time
    That they’re gonna have to pump air into him!
     

    “Cops and Robbers”
    Bo Diddley

  172. 172.

    WaterGirl

    To quote myself from earlier today:

    I think I am more hopeful that Trump will be found guilty than most of you.  I don’t always have to be right, but I sure hope I am this time

    Hallelujah!

  174. 174.

    Scout211

    (NBC) Blanche argued for a motion of acquittal, but Merchan turned down that request.

    Sorry Blanche, no go.  But I’m sure your up front retainer for the appeal will be fine.  You’ll be fine.

  176. 176.

    Chet Murthy

    I just want to go on record as having been wrong wrong WRONG about Alvin Bragg and whether he was actually going to go after TFG.  I would hope that DA Bragg has a bright and long future in politics or jurisprudence.  He has served his city, his state, and his nation well.

  178. 178.

    Miss Bianca

    @ArchTeryx: never could figure out why you appeared to be so addicted to borrowing trouble about the jurors and this verdict. Man, I thought *I* was an unregenerate worrywart…

  180. 180.

    Ishiyama

    @J. Arthur Crank: There are cases where there are serious questions of culpability, identity, or privilege. Other cases are clear beyond cavil.  If you piss off the Judge by insisting on a trial with a non-serious defense, when you are obviously guilty, it can result in a more severe sentence. Especially if you lie on the stand – at least Trump’s lawyers stopped him from doing that.

  181. 181.

    trollhattan

    “It was later determined that the Truth-Social-reading juror was doing so ‘for the laffs.'”

  183. 183.

    gene108

    Does a felony conviction in New York mean Trump can’t vote in Florida unless he jumps through the hoops required in Florida for a convicted felon to vote?

  184. 184.

    Citizen Alan

    @Elizabelle: I was just thinking that exact same thing. That this is the most positive I’ve felt about the future of America since I heard Scalia died.

  185. 185.

    Mag

    Fantastic news! Hypothetically… in a just world, how many months could he be locked up?

  189. 189.

    mrmoshpotato

    @zhena gogolia:

    May 30, 2024, 5:09 p.m. ET4 minutes ago
    4 minutes ago
    Jonah BromwichReporting from inside the courthouse

    Trump is unresponsive, sitting slack at the defense table.

    So the orange shitstain died from finally being held accountable?

  191. 191.

    Redshift

    @ArchTeryx:

    Yes, SCOTUS can and has gotten involved in state cases, even though they are not supposed to have jurisdiction in them.

    I’m pretty sure there are only specific circumstances where they can, not just whenever the wingnut justices feel like it. The redistricting cases, for example, are circumstances where state courts are ruling on state implementations of federal law.

  194. 194.

    geg6

    My frayed faith in humanity, especially Manhattanites, is intact today.  Convicted felon X 34.

  197. 197.

    Another Scott

    @AM in NC:

    Maybe a better linky:

    Jury deliberations and verdict

    On May 28, though it is unclear what sentence Trump would receive if convicted, CBS reported that officials in state and federal agencies had begun preparing for possible incarceration.[468][469][470]

    On May 29, the jury began deliberations.[471] A few hours in, they asked to hear a readback of about 30 minutes of testimony by Pecker and Cohen. This involved an August 2015 meeting between these two, Trump, and Hicks, in which Pecker pledged to be Trump’s “eyes and ears” regarding negative stories about him; additionally, the jury wanted to hear Pecker’s testimony regarding an alleged phone call from Trump in which the two discussed a rumor that McDougal had gone to another outlet to publish her story.[472][473][474]

    On May 30, the readback was held.[475] Trump attorney Will Scharf told the press that, if Trump were convicted, the team was prepared to appeal.[476]

    Trump was found guilty on all 34 counts.[477]

    I still think it would be best for him to be sent to MDC Guaynabo in Puerto Rico…

    (Yeah, yeah, state charges. Still, it would be for his own protection, you see…)

    Cheers,
    Scott.

  198. 198.

    LAO

    I can’t believe I’ve got to take my fricking dog out. I’ll be back to bask in the comments.

  199. 199.

    Chat Noir

    fuck you, Donald Trump, you rancid piece of shit

    I concur with this sentiment.

  209. 209.

    zhena gogolia

    May 30, 2024, 5:18 p.m. ET2 minutes ago
    2 minutes ago
    Jonah BromwichReporting from inside the courthouse

    The judge excuses the parties, but not before asking about Trump’s bail status. He then releases him on his own recognizance. Trump leaves the courtroom, shaking his son Eric’s hand as he departs. He holds his jaw strong as he walks out.

    Fuck you, Jonah.

  210. 210.

    Joy in FL

    Guilty!  Yes !!!!

    Sharing this beautiful Justice is even better here on Balloon Juice.

    He is guilty x 34.  guilty guilty guilty guilty guilty guilty guilty guilty guilty guilty guilty guilty guilty guilty guilty guilty guilty guilty guilty guilty guilty guilty guilty guilty guilty guilty guilty guilty guilty guilty guilty guilty guilty guilty  !!!!!

  211. 211.

    PaulB

    The request for acquittal was based on, according to CNN: “Blanche says there’s no way the jury could’ve reached the verdict without the testimony of Michael Cohen, and that the defense believes Cohen committed perjury at this trial.”

    Well, Blanche, if you have evidence that Cohen committed perjury, then perhaps you should have brought up that issue during the trial?

    ETA: I assume that Trump is now ungagged?

  214. 214.

    Chris

    “Fezzik…  You did something right!”

    Not every day you get to say that to the American justice system, let me tell you.

  215. 215.

    trollhattan

    Trump’s team is requesting a date of mid to late July for sentencing because of a conflict with another court hearing in Florida.
    Prosecutors do not object.
    Sentencing will take place on 11 July at 10:00 local time (15:00 BST) and the court will order a probation report for Trump, Merchan says.

    Will Independence Day come seven days late this year?
    Another court hearing, you say?

  216. 216.

    A woman from anywhere (formerly Mohagan)

    @M31: that was exactly my reaction, but great to see the actual strip :-)

  218. 218.

    wjca

    Everybody be advised: the standard acronym is now TCFG – The Convicted Former Guy.

  224. 224.

    Suzanne

    @mrmoshpotato:

    So the orange shitstain died from finally being held accountable? 

    Don’t get my hopes up.

    Although, if I may overshare…. One time I ate too many almonds and my shit was, in fact, Trump-colored.

  225. 225.

    mrmoshpotato

    @Captain C:

    GUILTY ON ALL 34!!!!! 

    It also means the disgusting, orange, fascist shitstain won’t want to have sex with any of the guilty charges.

  226. 226.

    Chris

    @Matt McIrvin:

    Loomis had his thumb on the “it isn’t going to make any difference” post button.

    Loomis is, at most, a decade away from putting on a MAGA hat and telling people to snort Ivermectin.

  228. 228.

    trnc

    @wjca:

    Everybody be advised: the standard acronym is now TCFG – The Convicted Former Guy.

    I’ll allow it.

  229. 229.

    Scout211

    The former president appeared red and sullen, arms moving at his side, as he left the courtroom where he has spent much of the last six weeks.

    Red and sullen?!  Lololololol!

  230. 230.

    trollhattan

    Be more like BBC.

    Trump about to speak after guilty verdict

    The former president – now a convicted criminal – is about to speak to the media.

    “Now a convicted criminal.” Yass.

  231. 231.

    Juice Box

    I was really worried for a minute. I broke my arm last winter and don’t have full strength back in my hand yet, my husband isn’t home and I was afraid that I wouldn’t be able to get the champagne bottle open. Fortunately, I’ve had another significant improvement

  233. 233.

    Scout211

    Trump’s sentencing hearing on July 11 will be just four days before the start of the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee.

  236. 236.

    SiubhanDuinne

    Public Notice:

    Several months ago I changed from referring to Trump as TFG (The Former Guy) to TIFG (The Indicted Former Guy).

    Effective immediately, and until further notice, I shall refer to him as TCFFG (The Convicted Felon Former Guy).

    Thank you all for your flexibility in adapting updated nomenclature.

  240. 240.

    Redshift

    @trollhattan:

    “It was later determined that the Truth-Social-reading juror was doing so ‘for the laffs.’”

    I hope none of the jurors talk, but if they do the one thing I would like to hear about is how supposedly all but one of the jurors wouldn’t look at TCFG (The Convicted Felon Guy) as they filed out, and some thought that was a good sign for the prosecution.

    I would love to hear that one juror say “I wanted to look the bastard in the eye as we went to convict him!”

  241. 241.

    p.a.

    Can’t process… Fitzmas… Mueller…  Ukraine evidence…  Impeachment 1… 1/6… 1/6 Commission…  Impeachment 2… no accountability… processing… processing…

    🎉🎆✨🧨🎉🌠🥂🍾🤣🤣🤣

  249. 249.

    Almost Retired

    At least he made a few classy statements afterwards to the press.  Oh wait….

  252. 252.

    Cacti

    Well knock me over with a feather.

    Now, does the Judge have the stones to give him a prison sentence?

  254. 254.

    hitchhiker

    And there was celebration throughout the land!!

    Well done, jury. Thank you from the USA, and the rest of the planet.

  255. 255.

    Bill Arnold

    @Martin:

    So, now we know that Trump definitively interfered in the 2016 election.

    Rigged it. May have won, fraudulently, due to that rigging.

  257. 257.

    ArchTeryx

    @Miss Bianca: Because TFG and the people that vote for him have burned me as a New Yorker for 40 years. This fucker was harder to actually get labeled as the crook he was than John Gotti. It wasn’t looking to pick a fight so much as fear that he’d just skate yet again.

  258. 258.

    Another Scott

    @Scout211: First debate date (if it happens) is on June 27.

    Hehehe.

    Felon Donald, you have so many firsts: First felon former president, first former president convicted of 34 counts including felonies.  How does it feel to be a felon??

    Cheers,
    Scott.

  259. 259.

    Joe Falco

    @Jinchi: Later, an aide goes to reassure Trump that thousands were cheering his name. “Sir, so many people were cheering your name. Countless people weeping in joy at your name.”

    Trump: “Cheering my name?”

    Aide: “Your name specifically…and a few other words, but your name was directly mentioned!”

  261. 261.

    PAM Dirac

    Damn, I did not expect this as a birthday present. Had a very nice afternoon with family and some old friends and some wine from my vineyard. Might have to exceed my wine quota and open something really nice. drumpf -> convicted felon drumpf : has a nice ring. I’ll drink to that.

  262. 262.

    JPL

    I want Jill to say something, like I can guarantee you that Joe never paid hush money to a porn star.

  263. 263.

    Randal Sexton

    Kind of an early start on beers today. I think they should be called conviction day and be aKind of an early start on beers today. I think that should be called conviction day and be a new national holiday

  271. 271.

    J. Arthur Crank

    Not that I need it, but this thread is the perfect work avoidance/procrastination tool.

  274. 274.

    Leto

    @Another Scott: The United States official policy is that we do not negotiate with convicted felons. President Biden will hold a town hall meeting, with free ice cream, discussing the most pressing issues with the nation.

  276. 276.

    A woman from anywhere (formerly Mohagan)

    @Old School: and  comment #52 gets it perfectly! Looks like my memory was slightly off, altho I remember the Guilty, guilty, guilty very clearly.

  278. 278.

    J. Arthur Crank

    @PAM Dirac:    Happy birthday!  If memory serves, you are somewhere on the east coast?  If so, then it is five o’clock where you are, so have at it!

  280. 280.

    Martin

    @Omnes Omnibus: Couldn’t it also apply if the case here relied on the felony relying on a violation of federal law as a secondary matter? He could appeal over whether that federal law was actually violated, no?

    I mean, I don’t think USSC overruling state supreme courts on electoral maps is a question of constitutionality, rather on interpretation of the VRA.

  281. 281.

    SW

    Then he goes out and attacks the guy who is going to sentence him! What a maroon.

  282. 282.

    Ceci n est pas mon nym

    Just now realizing how I’ve been holding my breath, anxious about a mistrial or hung jury, furious about the successful derailment of the other criminal trials.

    We are still a nation of laws. Proud to be an American.

  284. 284.

    ArchTeryx

    Perfect end to a good day. @Omnes Omnibus, you were right and I was wrong, and doG dammit I’m so glad that’s the case. Eat shit, you MAGAt motherfuckers. Every single one of you that voted that 34-times convicted felon into our White House and let him almost destroy all our lives. The half million dead of COVID because of his malignant attitudes. Let him rot where the rest of the Gambinos are rotting

    FUCK YOU.

  285. 285.

    MinuteMan

    I wonder if any of the branding agreements have a morals clause, etc., that will let them Dump Trump now that he’s a felon?

  292. 292.

    catclub

    I hope the NY State appeals court dawdles. No expedited consideration. Take their cues from Aileen Cannon

  294. 294.

    J. Arthur Crank

    @SW:

     

    Then he goes out and attacks the guy who is going to sentence him! What a maroon.

    Like all of us, the defendant has a First Amendment right to do this, and I will encourage him to keep exercising that right in this manner.

  297. 297.

    Chris

    @Chet Murthy:

    Nah.

    I’ve been watching his shock-the-bourgeois-libtard compulsion grow for years, and I’m increasingly convinced that’s where he’s headed.  Not right away, but give it a few cycles.

  298. 298.

    zhena gogolia

    Husband came in looking puzzled, as the strains of “My Country ‘Tis of Thee” rang out on the piano, then the penny dropped. I hope we didn’t scare the neighborhood with our whooping.

  299. 299.

    Ramona

    @zhena gogolia: I was the same way, I could only bear to watch for what the verdict would be over here at Balloon Juice!

    So happy! Guilty on all 34 counts×

  306. 306.

    Leto

    @Ceci n est pas mon nym: We’ve been collectively holding our breath since his fat ass came down the escalator. I hope this is just the first of many convictions, because as you said: We are a nation of laws. Imperfect as we are, we continue to strive.

  309. 309.

    Ceci n est pas mon nym

    I propose that he doesn’t need to be jailed before Election Day but that he must always be seen in public dressed as a cartoon felon, with a striped uniform and a ball and chain attached to his ankle.

  310. 310.

    UncleEbeneezer

    @Chet Murthy: Good for you.  We all mistakes.  And pessimism is seductive to most of us.

    On a happier note, what a wonderful way to be proven wrong! :)

  312. 312.

    Tony Jay

       NYT Editorial Opinion

    With Manhattan jurists and Ohio diners alike choosing partisanship over forgiveness, senior voices call on Biden to issue immediate pardon or risk charges of election interference.

    Probably. But who the fuck cares?

  313. 313.

    Scout211

    Governor Pritzger.  Yes!

    (NBC) Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker posted a fiery statement to X slamming Trump after the verdict was read.

    “Donald Trump is a racist, a homophobe, a grifter, and a threat to this country,” the Illinois governor said. “He can now add one more title to his list — a felon.”

  314. 314.

    Geoduck

    @BethanyAnne: TPM has been having tech problems all week I guess.

    Meanwhile, over on LGM, Loomis is being Loomis, and mostly getting viciously slagged in the comments. EDIT: I see this has already been covered.

    And Yay!

  316. 316.

    zhena gogolia

    @TBone: I’m confused, because Sally Field isn’t in Sleepless in Seattle. Am I missing something?

  317. 317.

    trnc

    @Leto: I hope they’ve taken his passport.

    I hope they take it, put a one way ticket to Russia in it with a note “Good until July 11” and hand it back to him.

  318. 318.

    Redshift

    @Martin:

    Couldn’t it also apply if the case here relied on the felony relying on a violation of federal law as a secondary matter? He could appeal over whether that federal law was actually violated, no?

    From my reading about the jury instructions, a weird thing about the New York “bootstrapping” law is that the jurors weren’t required to agree on which of the proposed laws he conspired to break, they just each had to decide that he had broken one. So I’m not sure there’s technically a federal law involved in the conviction as a matter of record, even if it was part of the case for conviction.

  319. 319.

    Omnes Omnibus

    @ArchTeryx: FWIW, I did not say that he would be convicted.  I said that your 50/49.9 for conviction vs hung jury was a pessimistic assessment.

  320. 320.

    Marcopolo

    Hope this means drumpf will be disenfranchised for the Nov 2024 election.

    Also, someone needs to keep an eye on both the Alito flagpoles 🤣

  321. 321.

    Scout211

    NBC says he is not a convicted felon until he is sentenced on July 11.  Is this correct LAO or anyone who knows NY law?

  322. 322.

    wjca

    @catclub: I hope the NY State appeals court dawdles. No expedited consideration.

    What’s wrong with an immediate Reject?

  323. 323.

    UncleEbeneezer

    @Chris: Nah.  He gets way too much pleasure and attention griping about Dems as a member of the coalition.  There’s nothing even remotely Conservative or Authoritarian about his political ideology.  If anything, he’d become an alienated Leftist who refuses to vote.  But even that is unlikely.  Say what you will about Loomis’ Eeyore-ism, but he knows damn well that the Dem Party is the only hope for his political interests.  And he believes in voting.  He’ll just endlessly whine while doing it.

  325. 325.

    Mag

    @Mag: To answer my own question. Max sentence would be 1,632 months, which is 4 years per guilty count. Since he his a first time offender, yeah right, it is unlikely he’ll serve time.

  326. 326.

    Ruckus

    @Omnes Omnibus:

    Don’t think like a lawyer, think like a victim.

    Because that’s what we all are, victims of djt.

    It sounds like the trial was well handled and the juniors did their civic duty. I’ve been on juries before and one never really knows how any other juror will vote.

  327. 327.

    karen marie

    @Mai Naem mobile: I expected deliberations to go for at least till some time next week.

    I am so relieved. His supporters will be pissed but it beats what we’d have to live with had he been acquitted. Either way, they’re insufferable but at least now he’s officially a criminal.

  329. 329.

    The Thin Black Duke

    Guilty.

    As an ex-New Yorker, I’m proud of my hometown today.

    Good job.

  335. 335.

    catclub

    @wjca: If they reject then it can go to the US Supreme Court.  If they dawdle, it won’t get there.  Rule of law and procedures.  Ask  the people who appeal after being convicted of murder.

  339. 339.

    PAM Dirac

    @Miss Bianca: Yeah I remember when my birthday was always Memorial Day and then the holiday got switched to last Monday. But now, my birthday will ALWAYS be drumpf conviction day no matter what. Feels good. If you ever get back to Frederick, the ’23 vintage is turning out REALLY well. Love to share with you some time.

  342. 342.

    wjca

    @moonbat: Are we laying odds yet on whether he skips the country before sentencing?

    Depends entirely on whether he thinks he might get jail time.  If the penalty is merely monetary, he’ll stay.  If jail time is in prospect, look for his aircraft to head out.  Whether he has a passport or not.

  344. 344.

    UncleEbeneezer

    Ryan Goodman on Xitter:

    I anticipate: – DA asks for incarceration as sentence. – Justice Merchan imposes period of incarceration. I’ll discuss 7pm ET
    @OutFrontCNN
    Factors: – Gravity of election fraud (Merchan has emphasized it) – Defendant expresses no remorse – Defendant’s “history and character”

    2/ Analysis of sentencing here.
    See Question 47. “If convicted, what will be Trump’s sentence?”

    3/ Prospect of incarceration as a sentence is also raised by being found guilty on all 34 felony charges. Biggest factor in Trump’s favor: The rarity of incarceration as a sentence for first time offender of a Class E Felony.

    4/ Another factor that counts toward incarceration: The many criminal contempt findings (beyond a reasonable doubt) for Defendant’s gag order violations. (h/t @acoyne)

  345. 345.

    Bruce K in ATH-GR

    Damn, I picked the wrong evening to get sucked into flying computer spaceships.

  352. 352.

    like a metaphor

    @Mag:@Mag: To answer my own question. Max sentence would be 1,632 months, which is 4 years per guilty count. Since he his a first time offender, yeah right, it is unlikely he’ll serve time.

    if my math is correct, that would be 136 years.

    lock him up !

  355. 355.

    Ridnik Chrome

    @SiubhanDuinne: All this time I thought TFG stood for “That F***ing Guy”.

     

    (Former regular commenter here, delurking after long absence)

  357. 357.

    Geminid

    @moonbat: I think Trump’s gonna stay and try to win this election. That’s his only hope of avoiding personal and financial destruction.

  358. 358.

    kalakal

    I think it’s safe to say that TCFG’s dream of being accepted as part of New York society has recieved something of a setback

  359. 359.

    SpaceUnit

    My guess is that he’ll be sentenced to parole.

     

    Which tends to be awkward when you’re running for president.

  360. 360.

    LAO

    Well, y’all did not disappoint.

    As a minor aside, I don’t believe, based on the charges, which are the lowest level felony in NYS, the defendant will be sentenced to jail time. I hope I’m wrong but I think I’m not.

  361. 361.

    Ceci n est pas mon nym

    @Geminid: ​

    Probably. But I’d say there’s a nonzero chance of some campaign videos being produced in Russia. Perhaps he’ll have a whole fearless leader in exile thing going.

    “As General Charlie McCarthy said in the Phillipines in WW1, I shall reshurnnanurnnle…”

  363. 363.

    Chief Oshkosh

    Just saw a former prosecutor on the TV noting that Class E felons rarely get time. However, he then emphasized that given Trump’s total lack of remorse and his outrageous courtroom behavior, it would not be out of the ordinary for judge to sentence him to a short stay in the klink.

    Before this afternoon, I never dreamed that Trump would be found guilty on all 34 counts. Now I’m wondering about the chef’s kiss of a month or so upstate.

  365. 365.

    Eric S.

    @Scout211: IANAL but I believe this is true. As I recall Ken Whatshisname, CEO of Enron, is technically not a felon because he died before sentencing.

  367. 367.

    Citizen Alan

    @Scout211:  I have to confess: JB Pritzger scares the shit out of me. Because on paper, he seems absolutely perfect. But my mind simply rebels at the idea of a “good” billionaire, so it comes up with increasingly lurid theories about what awful sins he’s concealing behind the mask of a good Democrat.

  368. 368.

    TS

    Good News to wake up to down under! Jury appeared to take enough time to be serious about their deliberations – no doubt some of the disciples will now love him more

    How on earth can a reputable political party nominate such a person to lead their party?

  370. 370.

    MazeDancer

    @LAO: He’s a white collar, first time offender. No jail. Unless he keeps insulting the judge.

    But id he gets convicted on anything else, jail time!

  371. 371.

    Warblewarble

    Was this the day tRUMP became presidential ? after all he got 100% of the votes.

  372. 372.

    LAO

    @Scout211:

     

     

    NBC says he is not a convicted felon until he is sentenced on July 11. Is this correct LAO or anyone who knows NY law?

    Yes., NBC is correct.

  373. 373.

    Mousebumples

    @MazeDancer: I think 34 days in jail (1 per count) would be appropriate.

    Or longer. But I’m trying to be reasonable.

    Saw this news right before going to pickup the kids about 90 minutes ago. Just enough time for a FUCK YES, before I had to put down my phone.

    🎉🎉🎉

  374. 374.

    MisterForkbeard

    @LAO: And I don’t care, I’m calling him a convicted felon anyway. As should everyone.

  375. 375.

    Uncle Jeffy

    I heard that the judge will sentence him to either home confinement or a short prison term “in light of his advanced age”

  376. 376.

    Lyrebird

    @p.a.: … 1/6 Commission… Impeachment 2… no accountability… processing… ​
     

    Beautifully put!

    This whole thread is the best!!!

  379. 379.

    The Lodger

    @Elizabelle: Aileen Cannon is going to shrivel up and vanish out of terror. The documents case is going away for the lack of a judge.

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