If trump decides to go overboard on comments and cheekiness, couldn’t the judge put him in a separate room where he could watch and hear the proceedings without being able to comment? Ooh—kind of like he did on January 6th!
No. Not humorous, funny or sarcastic. If he disrupts the proceedings, lock him up for contempt.
Bound and gagged would quickly become Trump's central campaign ad, further incite his base and elevate him as a martyr.
Bobby Seale was bound, gagged and sentenced to four years in prison for 16 acts of contempt. He served three years because he verbally lashed out and interrupted the proceedings.
Seale's outbursts came after his attorney was hospitalized and the judge denied his requests for a continuance and self representation.
If Bobby Seale is the standard, Trump should be behind bars.
Rose If Trump disobeys the strict gag order, I hope that the judge sentences him to a butch hair cut and washes all the gunk off his orange-tinged face.
But TV is not allowed in the courtroom. What Justice Merchan can do is put him in jail for 30 days, forcing him to get to the court house in a bright orange jumpsuit and chains - that matching the color of his face and hair - should make great front page news. Of course he'll be allowed to change into suit, shirt, and tie, for his actual court appearance - but return to jail immediately court is dismissed for the day.And no, they don't serve fast food burgers in jail.
Fay, another option by Judge Merchan would be to order a competency hearing to determine whether he is fit to continue to attend the trial. If he is deemed to be 'unfit' the Republican party is going to have some decisions to make about a possible replacement as their nominee. Or run one who has been declared mentally unfit. The 25th Amendment covers 'a sitting president' not a candidate. I predict he will devolve and become unfit to continue. If you haven't read it, the April 11 The Big Picture substack interview of John Gartner, MD (psychiatrist) is an excellent description of (his view) of Trump's' mental state. He is saying he is in 'sundown' phase of dementia. So outbursts in court are symptoms of dementia.
Yes. Just to clarify one thing; the sundowning in dementia refers to the exacerbation of symptoms in the evenings. It’s not a phase but a characteristic of the presentation of the disease “after sundown.” I like your idea of a competency hearing if that’s possible. Get rid of him before he even picks a VP candidate.
First of all I’m so sorry Jen that your mother’s life ended that way. As for sundowning, I didn’t know what that term meant precisely. It’s a ghastly disease period; but the melting orange jello is murderous. Unfortunately many of his gang of sycophants are as well..
Thank you, Deborah, for clarifying. Have you by chance read the Substack article on The Big Picture, April 11? It’s a fascinating take on what’s going on for the late person, especially when the doctor compared his involvement over the past years.
It's not his base; it's his handlers. You know, the authors of Project 2025? Watch out for who is chosen as his VP candidate. THAT is who we all need to be concerned with. If the unspoken name is somehow re-elected, his handlers will shortly invoke the 25th amendment, and the VP will then be elevated. The unspoken name is just the idiot; the VP choice is the 'Hitler' we need to fear.
Absolutely Daniel, what an interesting point. I was looking at the list of potentials last night, wondering how they ever could work with him. A couple seemed quite bizarre, but then with your take on it, it makes total sense. They would be the choice of the handlers, and not ‘his’ choice.
Just like in '16. Pence wasn't HIS choice, he was the choice of the RNC, in order to bring in the christo-fascists. A useful tool. Now, the handlers are doing the thinking, and will decide who will be on the ticket. This is a truly scary time.
I thought about that very same scenario yesterday. His VP choice would be key to his election, and if it’s any of his inner circle, well, we’d be in deep sugar.
My mother died of dementia too. The sweetest woman began to hit my dad as he slept at night. I feel your sadness and I sympathize with you, but Trump was evil before dementia showed, so I don’t pity him now. That’s the truth.
Fred started manifesting at mid 80s it sounds like. He was a throughly horrible man, and passed his sociopathy to his son. He was a liar and cheat, and so is his son.
Still,one wonders if Drumpf is aware of how bad it's getting.
I wish the media would show it. So many have stories like ours, and it spares noones political feelings.
Hi Jen, That Donald Trump is a sociopath has been pointed out by many psychiatrists and psychologists and that trait is different from the dementia that is now manifesting. Two different things, but I would think with dementia layered onto his sociopathy, his case is probably worse - and chilling. He doesn’t have empathy, and no control.
Thanks for the update. I did notice in one photo, his hair was gray but the next day it was blond. I don't know who he thinks he's fooling, in younger pictures he had very dark brfown hair.
Regarding Trump's conduct in the coutroom, this, from
New York Consolidated Laws, Criminal Procedure Law - CPL § 340.50 Defendant's presence at trial.
3. A defendant who conducts himself in so disorderly and disruptive a manner that his trial cannot be carried on with him in the courtroom may be removed from the courtroom if, after he has been warned by the court that he will be removed if he continues such conduct, he continues to engage in such conduct.
Linda, that solution has CLASS. It solves the problem, and he can't say that he was deprived of his right to hear the proceedings. It shows that the court will go High when Trump goes LOW. As you said he was perfectly willing to sit by and do nothing on January 6th, 2021. The oath he took 4 years earlier to protect our laws and Constitution must have slipped his mind. Lets not let him take that oath again!
Even as Trump faces his first trial, The Washington Post is featuring Trump press person Kellyanne Conway, the woman who invented “alternative facts,” in a Virtual Program event on April 24. This is the women who lied, misinformed, and lied some more when she worked for the previous president. The WaPo is normalizing and legitimizing her abhorrent behavior while she was representing American policy and programs to America and the world.
The Washington Post led the way to uncover the crimes and immorality of the Nixon administration, and yet apparently believes Conway is worth our attention now. She frequently attacked the WaPo and other respectable news media, so the paper appears to be endorsing someone who forcefully denigrated a free and fair press.
I’m beyond disgusted with what appears to be this shameless pandering to Trump world (or the WaPo shareholders). I encourage subscribers to tell the WaPo what you think of this! Email the Opinions editor at David.Shipley@washpost.com. Send your LTE to letters@washpost.com.
It appears to me that Bezos has been more hands-off with WaPo up to now than many billionaires would have been. As for Kellyanne Conway and her "alternative facts," her ex-husband, George, is often published in WaPo Opinions section. As most 9f America knows, he's definitely no fan of tfg.
Bezos is undoubtedly well aware that there's little point in having a dog and barking yourself.
As for an equivalency between George Conway and Kellyanne Conway, I was reminded of a cartoon in which a television newsreader said, "Next up we will discuss the topic with someone whose job it is to be a well-researched and respected expert in the area. And, in the interest of balance, we will also talk to an idiot."
If Trump wins and has his way, Trump or his cronies will control, if not actually own, the Washington Post. Pretty much like Putin owns the news media in Russia. Even Bezos isn't immune from a dictator.
True, but he is pretty much a trumpster fan, after all it was the trumpster who gave Bezos the humongous tax break in 2017 and has promised even more this time. I wonder how the MAGA cult is going to enjoy losing their Social Security checks, their Medicare/Medicaid AND the Affordable Care Act so Bezos and Musk have even more money with which to gloat.
That's true, but since even the trumpster can't work miracles, it will take at least 6 months before he can destroy Social Security Administration and only the rock solid imbeciles will be able to blame Biden.
Having gone through the selection process and served on a jury, This IS serious business. It is Incredibly Important. I was HONORED to serve on a jury in a trial that was important to the individuals involved but it was not nearly as important as being an honest, sincere, fair juror in this monumental case.
May these jurors know I respect them (as a fellow juror once) and respect their service. It is crucial to justice being served & to democracy.
We truly are in this together and Thank You Joyce for Always making your expertise available to us to help with our understanding of the nuances and jargon that is often unfamiliar.
Hope the Vance critters all had a marvelous April weekend, too !!!
Thank you Beverly D for your Comment about respect for jurors & their crucial role & duties to justice & democracy.
I once had a jury pool in a Northern California case that was so large (270 folks) the Judge has to put us all in the largest courtroom to get everyone in. The Judge conducted the initial screening for a 30 Day Trial as I looked out on a sea of 270 faces. I noticed that only 4 faces were closely following the Judge's speech & general instructions. These 4 went on my mental list as Keepers. 1 juror was my favorite, a Librarian. Librarians stack the books with numbers & letter codes. Librarians must also enforce book borrowing & decorum rules. I love 'em.
The case settled over the Weekend & the remaining jury pool let out a unanimous cheer upon the news that the case had settled. The Manhattan potential jurors have much more serious matters to consider not a measly civil case.
When I disclosed that I was a court stenographer to the judge and counsel, I was eliminated from the pool. I was so eager to serve but it was not to be!
Nice to know, Bryan! The other handful of times I have been "chosen," I was eliminated because my number was beyond those actually called to the courthouse. I guess you could say that it is good news to have outsize numbers of citizens able to serve.
Yes Lynell & speaking of outsize number, my understanding is that Manhattan Judicial Administrators called-in 1800 potential for ALL Manhattan cases today.
I too once served on a jury and also felt honoured to do so. It gave me a great look inside the court system, plus gave me a lot of confidence in the justice system itself.
I’m thinking it is. One juror Can make or break a case but I'm not a lawyer. Just a juror once.
The trial I was on was a civil case; not a criminal case like Deranged Donnie’s trial.
We were giving a pen and a notebook labeled with our seat # (all had to be left on our chairs when breaks were taken, when we went home at night, and when the trial was dismissed). We couldn’t talk to one another, eat lunch together, have no contact outside the courtroom.
I took notes and noted, who said what & the time. When the defendant lied on the stand, I flipped back to his first statement, circled the time, flipped back to his most recent statement on the stand and noted the time & circled it. One of the defendant’s attorneys looked right at me as I made notes the entire time.
When we all returned from lunch, the judge informed us that the defense had settled the case while we were out & we were dismissed.
He also said: while looking directly at me, that the diligence and careful attention to this trial and facts is why the defendant settled. This is how the system of justice is designed to work- and why a jury of your peers is a bedrock of the system. We were then dismissed.
We were allowed to speak to the attorneys after being dismissed if we wanted. I was gut punched when one of the other jurors asked “why” they settled and the defense attorney said it was because the defendant made a false statement on the stand. The other juror then said, “well everyone lies…”. I was so incredulous and shocked, I said to her: he took an oath to Tell the Truth & Nothing But The Truth and then lied. She actually replied “so what”.
I replied, if it were you Or your daughter who had been defrauded and sold a defective home that was sliding off its foundation, would you think it was ok to cheat her or you and that lying was fine? I turned and walked away.
ABSOLUTELY DUMBFOUNDED that an American on a jury of Any Kind would think that taking an oath & that Lying is fine.
I imagine she is all in on Maga and sewage-spewage of Deranged Donnie, and “Q” and all the rest of the GOP nonsense!
When I turned 65 three years ago, I was sad to learn that I will no longer be considered for jury duty. I was also removed from the bone marrow donor pool at 65.
I was proud to serve on a medical malpractice case once.
My husband was the foreperson on a Grand Jury. That was fascinating. I was hoping to get the chance to do that.
I would like to see jurors in Massachusetts get paid better. As it is now it precludes potential jurors of low income or stingy employers. I don’t know how well they pay in other parts of the country.
Freedom For Refrigerators. Makes me wish I were young enough and healthy enough to attend these sessions dressed as a frozen vulva. The sophistry is thicker than my condescension, and that last is VERY thick. I will record anything shown on the tube to take in small doses. I continue to marvel at folks like you, Joyce. Your stamina in the face of all of this is super human. He shits on absolutely anything and blames the stench on others. We know what needs to happen, but will it?
Concerning the legislating home appliances plan - when I first saw this, I thought the Republicans couldn't even do an April Fools Day prank on time. Let alone a national budget or funding democratic countries in their fight for freedom.
How can this group of clowns possibly be in charge?
The looming trial of Donald Trump isn't just another courtroom drama—it's a full-blown, no-holds-barred referendum on the very soul of American justice. In her piercing commentary, Joyce Vance doesn't just sketch the legal battlefield; she throws us headlong into the tumultuous waters of political scandal and judicial integrity. Here we stand, onlookers at the gates of history, where the scales of justice wobble under the weight of a former president's defiance and deception.
Trump's antics—a maelstrom of tweets and tirades—are not just the desperate flailings of a man cornered; they are a calculated assault on the pillars of truth and accountability. As the trial unfolds, we are not mere spectators but active participants in a saga that will dictate the narrative of democracy and the rule of law. It's a show, alright—a tragic spectacle with liberties and laws in the spotlight, where every act, every scene, and every player will decide whether the American judicial system is a beacon of impartiality or just another rigged game in the high stakes casino of political power.
As Joyce Vance maps out, this trial could be the thread that unravels the fabric of deceit, or it could be a missed shot that ricochets through the annals of justice. What's at stake is clear: Can American justice withstand the whirlwind of political powerplay, or will it be bent and broken under the gavel of expediency and spectacle? This is the question we must grapple with as the courtroom doors swing open and the world watches, waits, and wonders.
Bob, his demise was already handed to him by an 80 year-old journalist who annihilated him. This is an important case to convict him as a criminal. But he was finished publicly by E. Jean Carroll.
Let’s relive the grand circus of American spectacle, where the acrobats of truth once swung high above the sawdust, E. Jean Carroll executed a triple somersault and landed squarely on the toupee of the great bloviating ringmaster himself, Donald J. Trump. Valere, in her flaming chariot of words, had it dead right — this was no mere victory in court; it was a slap in the pockmarked face of every gasbag who thought he could grope his way through the cosmos without a cosmic kick in the keister.
This court decision was not just a slap, it was a full-throttle, gonzo-blasted bazooka shot right through the greasy veneer of Teflon-coated politicians. Trump, the swaggering archetype of the untouchable patriarchal bluster, had been brought to his knees by truth, a concept he had long treated as a flexible acquaintance, much like his codes of ethics and his hairline.
Valere’s fiery post resonated with me, E. Jean Carroll’s biggest cheerleader. I wasn’t just supporting from the sidelines; I was lobbing verbal grenades and toasting to the downfall of the falsely untouchable. This was a time not just for sipping champagne but for smashing the bottles in the street! This was the time for wild dances and wilder dreams. It was not just a win in court; it was a win for every "nasty woman," every so-called "loser" or "slob" that ever had the gall to stand up and tell him to shove it. It was a victory for every voice that ever went hoarse from shouting into the wind of oppression and got up the next day to shout some more.
E. Jean Carroll stood up. She took on a Goliath in his high tower and showed us all that the mightier they think they are, the harder they fall. And fall Trump did, right into the chapter of history books marked "Beware: Here be the consequences of hubris and horror."
So, I raised my glass, threw my punches in the air, and typed my support with fingers afire. That day, I didn’t just write; I ignited. I didn’t just read; I rallied. And I didn’t just celebrate; I galvanized. Onward, through the fog!
Brilliant oh Gloria! Indeed, E. Jean is a goddess and it was she who brought Trump to his knees. We were all behind her. But you were the stalwart - supporting her in ways that *most* onlookers did not know about. We know she crushed him for all the world to see. And he knows it as well. She is the reason he has lost his 2024 presidential campaign. Republicans can turn away from many things and pretend they don’t matter. But a rapist? That’s different. Trump was not simply tainted after E. Jean’s victory. He received a mortal wound. The paper tiger, emperor with no clothes (and no money), orange helium, diaper wearing, cell phone, waving baby Trump balloon, now punctured and deflated: all are being walked on by protesting crowds - women and men who are celebrating Joe Biden’s re-election. Many thanks to E. Jean. If an 80 year old woman can go to the finish line with grace and courage and truth, so can we. She started, and we only have to finish 💙
Well said Gloria. Your operative phrase (for me) is 'it's....a tragic spectacle.' That is what we have become in the eyes of the world. It can only be fitting that there is a response from the jury that shows that they indeed took their responsibility seriously by listening to the evidence and discarding the blatherskite.
Gloria, I think you are right on. I have a difficult time comprehending that Trump is smart enough to be that calculating, but if I don't believe that truth - if we don't believe that truth - we're in big trouble as a country.
There ought to be a penalty when a US Representative brings a frivolous bill, like freeing refrigerators, to the floor. I'd suggest they have to forego one month's salary, since taxpayers, who pay their salaries and perks, suffer every time they waste House time on crap like this. Or, maybe hit them even harder and take away their limos and drivers or housing assistance for a month or two.
But they are a-okay with letting Russia destroy Ukraine. It's so unbelievable that Trump wants to destroy Ukraine because they wouldn't give him dirt on Biden. How could a person be so evil that they would allow an entire country be destroyed for their own revenge?
I haven't read the bills, but I suspect they are Republican bills meant to loosen regulations on the manufacture of home appliances. Misnomers are commonly used by Republicans to hide the real intent of their bills. I wouldn't be surprised if these bills were all created by one oligarch's lobbyist, undoubtedly a major Republican donor. I suspect they were created as separate bills because they dealt with different types of regulation initially created by different federal agencies. Democrats won't be so crass as to call these bills what they really are, "Death to Consumers Acts".
House members may have been ready to discuss laundry issues this coming week, but I'm here to tell you that a lot of very dirty laundry is about to be aired when Trump's trial starts!
Convict or acquit, I'm just hoping that voters can no longer see Trump as anything other than a liar, a cheat, and a heretofore coddled criminal!
The House Repub "legislative" agenda is well beyond the usual Onion offerings, and exceeds that which even SNL could confect...please tell me that it's just a great send-up, everybody in Congress has a big laugh, and then get down to the real business of the People.
Hilarious, were it not so tragically embarrassing.
Lance I remember when The Onion was so ludicrous that I could never confuse its headlines with what was occurring in the real world. Now I find scant difference in dealing with False Fact Fornicator.
I am so ready for tomorrow to begin. I’m pretty sure he will want to make a circus if the proceedings. Maybe he won’t be able to stay quiet and they can place him in a soundproof vault.
I am grateful that is delay tactics didn’t work. I still worry about MAGA goons creating havoc for everyone and their families who are involved in the case.
When I first glanced at the Republicans agenda I thought it was a spoof. I guess I should have waited to buy all new appliances. 😂 We all know there is a lot more for them to do. When will they do anything?
Thank you for this information tonight Joyce. We all better buckle up. I look forward to learning your thoughts in the coming weeks.
Thing is, as much he fancies himself some kind of capo dei capi mob boss, he not only lacks the dignity many had, he lacks their street smarts. Comes right down to it, he's not a very good crook. Could have saved himself all this trouble by having one of his big money pals quietly pay off Daniels and McDougal with bags of cash. But no --- had to go through a convoluted scheme leaving all kinds of fingerprints and paper in its wake. Could have been content to defraud the state at the same level as the rest of the NY real estate industry but no, had to do it more and more openly than anyone else, and is now facing nearly a half-billion dollar judgment. Could have kept his mouth shut about E. Jean Carroll and not be on the hook for another $90MM+ But, no.
Any chance he shuts The Donald up when he breaks the gag order? I’m thinking the 1st time it’s $10,000 payable in 48 hours, 2nd time $20,000/48 hrs, 3rd time $40,000/48 hrs & so forth. Failure to pay the fine within the prescribed time gets a night in a cell. Would that work?
He's baiting the Judge to do more than fine him, perhaps placing him in house arrest for a day? He then can claim that he is a victim in service to his supporters (he is their "retribution"). Note that he has claimed that "all hell" will brake loose when his trial begins which may be a signal for the most aggressive of his followers to start other insurrection-like violent incidents around the country. Perhaps he is hoping it would result in suspending the trial itself. His anxiety about this trial is evident as he directed his lawyers to file motion after motion to delay or suspend the trial indefinitely! Does he perceive that his payment of extortion money demonstrates his fear that it shows his weakness, or his vulnerbility, or that he will lose the votes of millions of conservative southern and mid-western women by detailed testimony that he was involved sexually while his wife was at home with his newborn child?
Orange 1 got a break with his vaudeville routine in the civil fraud trial because there was no jury. He didn't with Judge Kaplan in the second E. Jean Carroll defamation proceeding with a jury and I can almost guarantee that Judge Merchan won't be havin' it either. Orange 1 could show up when he wanted to in the two civil cases; he has to be in court for this criminal trial unless he gets a waiver from the judge so, I imagine it will be like pulling teeth for him to sit there quietly and respectfully for an extended period. What particularly galls him is being judged by 12 ordinary citizens called his peers. But the fact that they are ordinary folks means they usually don't take kindly to being disrespected by a defendant acting out in court. Since disrespect is very much an element of the trial, the defense probably should add some last minute cautions about deportment --- almost certain to be ignored.
Dale, LOL - 'almost certain to be ignored' is the operative phrase here. Expect devolution and implosion. He is going to have a conniption when Stormy testifies. But there is the Playboy Bunny, with whom it appears he had an affair during the same period he was visiting Stormy. The devil is in the details. But the National Inquirer guy will be a crucial witness as well: wasn't he given a deal? We need to hire a truck with a loudspeaker, and get France's orange Trump baby helium balloon with him wearing a diaper and holding his cell phone, tie it to the truck and circle the courthouse, blasting from speakers: "This is my country...." an old patriotic country song by Tennessee Ernie Ford - or the one Trump likes to play at rallies, the "Proud to be an American" one. That ought to do it.
I think Pecker will be crucial, like you said. Stormy may testify to certain things she knows about Trump like if he has any “beauty marks” and where. I don’t want to hear about his “mushroom”. Ewwwww…
Thank you Joyce for your helpful, insightful analysis of this coming week. Reading your posts always gives me hope for the rule of law. As we begin this Trump farce I will be looking to my email for your comments which always help calm down so I can sleep at night. Please keep them coming!!!! Also photos of the chickens, dog and cat would help.
Finally, I’m going to check my household appliances before bed so I can be knowledgeable about the important issues of the day according to our Congress. When will this ever end???
Oh my Goodness. Joyce I swear I was so amused at the end of your article about the GOP agenda for the House I laughed out loud. It was good in a way to laugh about the absurdity of the GOP Congress while the courtroom drama is ready to play out for their “fearless leader”. But read through it pretty quick. And now with threats of war in the Middle East and continuing sacrifices of the Ukrainian people while Johnson and tRump have their shitshow @ Mar a Lago, it shows how that faction of the House really is rudderless. Good night all
If trump decides to go overboard on comments and cheekiness, couldn’t the judge put him in a separate room where he could watch and hear the proceedings without being able to comment? Ooh—kind of like he did on January 6th!
I can’t wait to sit in the courtroom asa member of the press. I will be able to tap out stories in real time. Oh… goody goody gumdrops.
If Trump acts up, handcuffs and a mouth gag would be the appropriate response. No?
As was done to Black Panther Bobby Seales in 1968 in Chicago.
Yes, well that was very racist when that happened to Seales. It would, however, be a very gracious thing to do to Trump.
Right
No. Not humorous, funny or sarcastic. If he disrupts the proceedings, lock him up for contempt.
Bound and gagged would quickly become Trump's central campaign ad, further incite his base and elevate him as a martyr.
Bobby Seale was bound, gagged and sentenced to four years in prison for 16 acts of contempt. He served three years because he verbally lashed out and interrupted the proceedings.
Seale's outbursts came after his attorney was hospitalized and the judge denied his requests for a continuance and self representation.
If Bobby Seale is the standard, Trump should be behind bars.
Rose If Trump disobeys the strict gag order, I hope that the judge sentences him to a butch hair cut and washes all the gunk off his orange-tinged face.
Of course. I wish I had thunk that one.
I agree, but we all know there 2 sets of justice (?) one for Trump and the rest of us. Make that 3 systems; another for we minorities.
IN the Chicago trials, the judge was one of the clowns. Not a model for Trump's trial in any way whatsoever.
Such fun!! What entertainment! What retribution! What distraction! (🙄)
Definitely! Shame its not televised.
And give him a bottle of ketchup and closed-circuit TV, he'll be right.
But TV is not allowed in the courtroom. What Justice Merchan can do is put him in jail for 30 days, forcing him to get to the court house in a bright orange jumpsuit and chains - that matching the color of his face and hair - should make great front page news. Of course he'll be allowed to change into suit, shirt, and tie, for his actual court appearance - but return to jail immediately court is dismissed for the day.And no, they don't serve fast food burgers in jail.
Fay, another option by Judge Merchan would be to order a competency hearing to determine whether he is fit to continue to attend the trial. If he is deemed to be 'unfit' the Republican party is going to have some decisions to make about a possible replacement as their nominee. Or run one who has been declared mentally unfit. The 25th Amendment covers 'a sitting president' not a candidate. I predict he will devolve and become unfit to continue. If you haven't read it, the April 11 The Big Picture substack interview of John Gartner, MD (psychiatrist) is an excellent description of (his view) of Trump's' mental state. He is saying he is in 'sundown' phase of dementia. So outbursts in court are symptoms of dementia.
My eyebrows raised when I read that Judge Merchan presides over mental health courts.
Oh, oh, this one 🙋♀️🙋♂️🙋 I vote this option.
Yes. Just to clarify one thing; the sundowning in dementia refers to the exacerbation of symptoms in the evenings. It’s not a phase but a characteristic of the presentation of the disease “after sundown.” I like your idea of a competency hearing if that’s possible. Get rid of him before he even picks a VP candidate.
Deborah and Jen,
First of all I’m so sorry Jen that your mother’s life ended that way. As for sundowning, I didn’t know what that term meant precisely. It’s a ghastly disease period; but the melting orange jello is murderous. Unfortunately many of his gang of sycophants are as well..
Thank you, Deborah, for clarifying. Have you by chance read the Substack article on The Big Picture, April 11? It’s a fascinating take on what’s going on for the late person, especially when the doctor compared his involvement over the past years.
Thanks, Valere, I did read the Substack on Trump’s Brain Isn’t Working. I also restacked it and sent it along to several friends!
What will his base do if he’s found unfit?
It's not his base; it's his handlers. You know, the authors of Project 2025? Watch out for who is chosen as his VP candidate. THAT is who we all need to be concerned with. If the unspoken name is somehow re-elected, his handlers will shortly invoke the 25th amendment, and the VP will then be elevated. The unspoken name is just the idiot; the VP choice is the 'Hitler' we need to fear.
I agree 100%. Project 25 will go into action even without Trump!
Terrifying.
Indeed.
Absolutely Daniel, what an interesting point. I was looking at the list of potentials last night, wondering how they ever could work with him. A couple seemed quite bizarre, but then with your take on it, it makes total sense. They would be the choice of the handlers, and not ‘his’ choice.
Just like in '16. Pence wasn't HIS choice, he was the choice of the RNC, in order to bring in the christo-fascists. A useful tool. Now, the handlers are doing the thinking, and will decide who will be on the ticket. This is a truly scary time.
I thought about that very same scenario yesterday. His VP choice would be key to his election, and if it’s any of his inner circle, well, we’d be in deep sugar.
His base will still be goose stepping for him....
I just read it.
My mother died of starvation at the end of her dementia.
While trumps condition is alarming. Mostly it makes me very sad,
My mother died of dementia too. The sweetest woman began to hit my dad as he slept at night. I feel your sadness and I sympathize with you, but Trump was evil before dementia showed, so I don’t pity him now. That’s the truth.
I am so sorry. It's a horrible end to a life.
Fred started manifesting at mid 80s it sounds like. He was a throughly horrible man, and passed his sociopathy to his son. He was a liar and cheat, and so is his son.
Still,one wonders if Drumpf is aware of how bad it's getting.
I wish the media would show it. So many have stories like ours, and it spares noones political feelings.
Hi Jen, That Donald Trump is a sociopath has been pointed out by many psychiatrists and psychologists and that trait is different from the dementia that is now manifesting. Two different things, but I would think with dementia layered onto his sociopathy, his case is probably worse - and chilling. He doesn’t have empathy, and no control.
Fay, have you noticed his makeup lately? It’s no longer orange and a meme indicated if he gets it any darker, he will have to deport himself! :)
Thanks for the update. I did notice in one photo, his hair was gray but the next day it was blond. I don't know who he thinks he's fooling, in younger pictures he had very dark brfown hair.
Or mental stimulents.
In a padded cell.
He'll need that so he doesn't injure himself when he totally loses it (actually I think he already has totally lost it).
Regarding Trump's conduct in the coutroom, this, from
New York Consolidated Laws, Criminal Procedure Law - CPL § 340.50 Defendant's presence at trial.
3. A defendant who conducts himself in so disorderly and disruptive a manner that his trial cannot be carried on with him in the courtroom may be removed from the courtroom if, after he has been warned by the court that he will be removed if he continues such conduct, he continues to engage in such conduct.
https://codes.findlaw.com/ny/criminal-procedure-law/cpl-sect-340-50/
Linda, that solution has CLASS. It solves the problem, and he can't say that he was deprived of his right to hear the proceedings. It shows that the court will go High when Trump goes LOW. As you said he was perfectly willing to sit by and do nothing on January 6th, 2021. The oath he took 4 years earlier to protect our laws and Constitution must have slipped his mind. Lets not let him take that oath again!
Even as Trump faces his first trial, The Washington Post is featuring Trump press person Kellyanne Conway, the woman who invented “alternative facts,” in a Virtual Program event on April 24. This is the women who lied, misinformed, and lied some more when she worked for the previous president. The WaPo is normalizing and legitimizing her abhorrent behavior while she was representing American policy and programs to America and the world.
The Washington Post led the way to uncover the crimes and immorality of the Nixon administration, and yet apparently believes Conway is worth our attention now. She frequently attacked the WaPo and other respectable news media, so the paper appears to be endorsing someone who forcefully denigrated a free and fair press.
I’m beyond disgusted with what appears to be this shameless pandering to Trump world (or the WaPo shareholders). I encourage subscribers to tell the WaPo what you think of this! Email the Opinions editor at David.Shipley@washpost.com. Send your LTE to letters@washpost.com.
The Washington Post's new CEO/Publisher is William Lewis, a Rupert Murdoch castoff.
Lewis replaces Jeff Bezos's previous disastrous hire, the dedicated Reaganite, Fred Ryan.
Billionaires' vanity projects rarely turn out well.
It appears to me that Bezos has been more hands-off with WaPo up to now than many billionaires would have been. As for Kellyanne Conway and her "alternative facts," her ex-husband, George, is often published in WaPo Opinions section. As most 9f America knows, he's definitely no fan of tfg.
Bezos is undoubtedly well aware that there's little point in having a dog and barking yourself.
As for an equivalency between George Conway and Kellyanne Conway, I was reminded of a cartoon in which a television newsreader said, "Next up we will discuss the topic with someone whose job it is to be a well-researched and respected expert in the area. And, in the interest of balance, we will also talk to an idiot."
What did you expect? Jeff Bezos owns the Washington Post.
If Trump wins and has his way, Trump or his cronies will control, if not actually own, the Washington Post. Pretty much like Putin owns the news media in Russia. Even Bezos isn't immune from a dictator.
True, but he is pretty much a trumpster fan, after all it was the trumpster who gave Bezos the humongous tax break in 2017 and has promised even more this time. I wonder how the MAGA cult is going to enjoy losing their Social Security checks, their Medicare/Medicaid AND the Affordable Care Act so Bezos and Musk have even more money with which to gloat.
The MAGATS will just blame Biden when they lose all their federal benefits. That is what they have been brain-washed to do.
That's true, but since even the trumpster can't work miracles, it will take at least 6 months before he can destroy Social Security Administration and only the rock solid imbeciles will be able to blame Biden.
So why was Bezos at the State Dinner for Japan?
Don't know, I certainly wouldn't have invited him - surprised musk wasn't there too, Money, money, money - it means way more than its value.
Ownership of the Washington Post and its new slant is the reason I no longer subscribe to the Post.
Time for George to change his name.
Or Kellyanne to change hers.
Ha!
We need to think up a suitable new surname for Kellyanne.
their cheekiness is unbelievable.
Any thoughts on the likelihood of Kellyanne Conway becoming Trumps VP running mate?
They have a new owner, ergo change in coverage.
just wrote to him - thank you for the heads up about this
Having gone through the selection process and served on a jury, This IS serious business. It is Incredibly Important. I was HONORED to serve on a jury in a trial that was important to the individuals involved but it was not nearly as important as being an honest, sincere, fair juror in this monumental case.
May these jurors know I respect them (as a fellow juror once) and respect their service. It is crucial to justice being served & to democracy.
We truly are in this together and Thank You Joyce for Always making your expertise available to us to help with our understanding of the nuances and jargon that is often unfamiliar.
Hope the Vance critters all had a marvelous April weekend, too !!!
Thank you Beverly D for your Comment about respect for jurors & their crucial role & duties to justice & democracy.
I once had a jury pool in a Northern California case that was so large (270 folks) the Judge has to put us all in the largest courtroom to get everyone in. The Judge conducted the initial screening for a 30 Day Trial as I looked out on a sea of 270 faces. I noticed that only 4 faces were closely following the Judge's speech & general instructions. These 4 went on my mental list as Keepers. 1 juror was my favorite, a Librarian. Librarians stack the books with numbers & letter codes. Librarians must also enforce book borrowing & decorum rules. I love 'em.
The case settled over the Weekend & the remaining jury pool let out a unanimous cheer upon the news that the case had settled. The Manhattan potential jurors have much more serious matters to consider not a measly civil case.
When I disclosed that I was a court stenographer to the judge and counsel, I was eliminated from the pool. I was so eager to serve but it was not to be!
Of course, if I ever heard the words from a jury pool, " I'm Lynell(VA by way of MD&DC, Court Reporter" you would have been one of my Keepers . :-)
Nice to know, Bryan! The other handful of times I have been "chosen," I was eliminated because my number was beyond those actually called to the courthouse. I guess you could say that it is good news to have outsize numbers of citizens able to serve.
Yes Lynell & speaking of outsize number, my understanding is that Manhattan Judicial Administrators called-in 1800 potential for ALL Manhattan cases today.
Oh, I like folks that must keep Order, "Bryan be Quiet!".
Wow!
They don't seem to like teachers, either 🥴
I too once served on a jury and also felt honoured to do so. It gave me a great look inside the court system, plus gave me a lot of confidence in the justice system itself.
Beverly Is a unanimous vote necessary for conviction? If not, one MAGA juror could throw a spoke in the wheel of justice.
I’m thinking it is. One juror Can make or break a case but I'm not a lawyer. Just a juror once.
The trial I was on was a civil case; not a criminal case like Deranged Donnie’s trial.
We were giving a pen and a notebook labeled with our seat # (all had to be left on our chairs when breaks were taken, when we went home at night, and when the trial was dismissed). We couldn’t talk to one another, eat lunch together, have no contact outside the courtroom.
I took notes and noted, who said what & the time. When the defendant lied on the stand, I flipped back to his first statement, circled the time, flipped back to his most recent statement on the stand and noted the time & circled it. One of the defendant’s attorneys looked right at me as I made notes the entire time.
When we all returned from lunch, the judge informed us that the defense had settled the case while we were out & we were dismissed.
He also said: while looking directly at me, that the diligence and careful attention to this trial and facts is why the defendant settled. This is how the system of justice is designed to work- and why a jury of your peers is a bedrock of the system. We were then dismissed.
We were allowed to speak to the attorneys after being dismissed if we wanted. I was gut punched when one of the other jurors asked “why” they settled and the defense attorney said it was because the defendant made a false statement on the stand. The other juror then said, “well everyone lies…”. I was so incredulous and shocked, I said to her: he took an oath to Tell the Truth & Nothing But The Truth and then lied. She actually replied “so what”.
I replied, if it were you Or your daughter who had been defrauded and sold a defective home that was sliding off its foundation, would you think it was ok to cheat her or you and that lying was fine? I turned and walked away.
ABSOLUTELY DUMBFOUNDED that an American on a jury of Any Kind would think that taking an oath & that Lying is fine.
I imagine she is all in on Maga and sewage-spewage of Deranged Donnie, and “Q” and all the rest of the GOP nonsense!
It was quite the experience- in many ways.
As per usual, Keith, this one comes with a long back story. The short answer is here.
"Under current doctrine, jury verdicts must be unanimous to convict a defendant..."
The long answer is here:
https://www.law.cornell.edu/constitution-conan/amendment-6/unanimity-of-the-jury
When I turned 65 three years ago, I was sad to learn that I will no longer be considered for jury duty. I was also removed from the bone marrow donor pool at 65.
I was proud to serve on a medical malpractice case once.
My husband was the foreperson on a Grand Jury. That was fascinating. I was hoping to get the chance to do that.
I would like to see jurors in Massachusetts get paid better. As it is now it precludes potential jurors of low income or stingy employers. I don’t know how well they pay in other parts of the country.
Freedom For Refrigerators. Makes me wish I were young enough and healthy enough to attend these sessions dressed as a frozen vulva. The sophistry is thicker than my condescension, and that last is VERY thick. I will record anything shown on the tube to take in small doses. I continue to marvel at folks like you, Joyce. Your stamina in the face of all of this is super human. He shits on absolutely anything and blames the stench on others. We know what needs to happen, but will it?
Oh my, I would love to see that!
Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha….excellent Mimi!!🤣
And the SUDS Act. I just ....
this one went past me somehow....?
Stop Unaffordable Dishwasher Standards Act. Get it? They're so clever.
Yes I get it
Concerning the legislating home appliances plan - when I first saw this, I thought the Republicans couldn't even do an April Fools Day prank on time. Let alone a national budget or funding democratic countries in their fight for freedom.
How can this group of clowns possibly be in charge?
Gerrymandering. The GOP motto: If you can't win fair and square, CHEAT.
Speaking of stenches … he wears a diaper & will definitely stink up the courtroom. So gross.
The looming trial of Donald Trump isn't just another courtroom drama—it's a full-blown, no-holds-barred referendum on the very soul of American justice. In her piercing commentary, Joyce Vance doesn't just sketch the legal battlefield; she throws us headlong into the tumultuous waters of political scandal and judicial integrity. Here we stand, onlookers at the gates of history, where the scales of justice wobble under the weight of a former president's defiance and deception.
Trump's antics—a maelstrom of tweets and tirades—are not just the desperate flailings of a man cornered; they are a calculated assault on the pillars of truth and accountability. As the trial unfolds, we are not mere spectators but active participants in a saga that will dictate the narrative of democracy and the rule of law. It's a show, alright—a tragic spectacle with liberties and laws in the spotlight, where every act, every scene, and every player will decide whether the American judicial system is a beacon of impartiality or just another rigged game in the high stakes casino of political power.
As Joyce Vance maps out, this trial could be the thread that unravels the fabric of deceit, or it could be a missed shot that ricochets through the annals of justice. What's at stake is clear: Can American justice withstand the whirlwind of political powerplay, or will it be bent and broken under the gavel of expediency and spectacle? This is the question we must grapple with as the courtroom doors swing open and the world watches, waits, and wonders.
fitting that his demise be attached to a porn star.
Bob, his demise was already handed to him by an 80 year-old journalist who annihilated him. This is an important case to convict him as a criminal. But he was finished publicly by E. Jean Carroll.
Bless Her!!
Let’s relive the grand circus of American spectacle, where the acrobats of truth once swung high above the sawdust, E. Jean Carroll executed a triple somersault and landed squarely on the toupee of the great bloviating ringmaster himself, Donald J. Trump. Valere, in her flaming chariot of words, had it dead right — this was no mere victory in court; it was a slap in the pockmarked face of every gasbag who thought he could grope his way through the cosmos without a cosmic kick in the keister.
This court decision was not just a slap, it was a full-throttle, gonzo-blasted bazooka shot right through the greasy veneer of Teflon-coated politicians. Trump, the swaggering archetype of the untouchable patriarchal bluster, had been brought to his knees by truth, a concept he had long treated as a flexible acquaintance, much like his codes of ethics and his hairline.
Valere’s fiery post resonated with me, E. Jean Carroll’s biggest cheerleader. I wasn’t just supporting from the sidelines; I was lobbing verbal grenades and toasting to the downfall of the falsely untouchable. This was a time not just for sipping champagne but for smashing the bottles in the street! This was the time for wild dances and wilder dreams. It was not just a win in court; it was a win for every "nasty woman," every so-called "loser" or "slob" that ever had the gall to stand up and tell him to shove it. It was a victory for every voice that ever went hoarse from shouting into the wind of oppression and got up the next day to shout some more.
E. Jean Carroll stood up. She took on a Goliath in his high tower and showed us all that the mightier they think they are, the harder they fall. And fall Trump did, right into the chapter of history books marked "Beware: Here be the consequences of hubris and horror."
So, I raised my glass, threw my punches in the air, and typed my support with fingers afire. That day, I didn’t just write; I ignited. I didn’t just read; I rallied. And I didn’t just celebrate; I galvanized. Onward, through the fog!
E. Jean Carroll is a God among us.
Brilliant oh Gloria! Indeed, E. Jean is a goddess and it was she who brought Trump to his knees. We were all behind her. But you were the stalwart - supporting her in ways that *most* onlookers did not know about. We know she crushed him for all the world to see. And he knows it as well. She is the reason he has lost his 2024 presidential campaign. Republicans can turn away from many things and pretend they don’t matter. But a rapist? That’s different. Trump was not simply tainted after E. Jean’s victory. He received a mortal wound. The paper tiger, emperor with no clothes (and no money), orange helium, diaper wearing, cell phone, waving baby Trump balloon, now punctured and deflated: all are being walked on by protesting crowds - women and men who are celebrating Joe Biden’s re-election. Many thanks to E. Jean. If an 80 year old woman can go to the finish line with grace and courage and truth, so can we. She started, and we only have to finish 💙
BRAVA! So proud to call you friend.
Same: She Who Stirs the Storm and She who Causes Trouble!
Agreed
The msm would like us to believe it's "only" hush money paid out to a sex worker, but we must remember that it's an "election interference case."
Sweet justice!
Well said Gloria. Your operative phrase (for me) is 'it's....a tragic spectacle.' That is what we have become in the eyes of the world. It can only be fitting that there is a response from the jury that shows that they indeed took their responsibility seriously by listening to the evidence and discarding the blatherskite.
This will be a free for all in so many ways.
Brilliant writing Gloria! Thank you.
Thank you. I will not stay silent or passive in the face of this chaos!
Gloria, I think you are right on. I have a difficult time comprehending that Trump is smart enough to be that calculating, but if I don't believe that truth - if we don't believe that truth - we're in big trouble as a country.
Totally agree with you.
Well said, Gloria!
Thank you.
Truth. And beautifully expressed.
Thank you!!
There ought to be a penalty when a US Representative brings a frivolous bill, like freeing refrigerators, to the floor. I'd suggest they have to forego one month's salary, since taxpayers, who pay their salaries and perks, suffer every time they waste House time on crap like this. Or, maybe hit them even harder and take away their limos and drivers or housing assistance for a month or two.
Indeed, Deb! In any other workplace they’d be fired for dawdling and not doing their jobs!!!
We need to do more “employee reviews” of these disastrous clowns.
But they are a-okay with letting Russia destroy Ukraine. It's so unbelievable that Trump wants to destroy Ukraine because they wouldn't give him dirt on Biden. How could a person be so evil that they would allow an entire country be destroyed for their own revenge?
I haven't read the bills, but I suspect they are Republican bills meant to loosen regulations on the manufacture of home appliances. Misnomers are commonly used by Republicans to hide the real intent of their bills. I wouldn't be surprised if these bills were all created by one oligarch's lobbyist, undoubtedly a major Republican donor. I suspect they were created as separate bills because they dealt with different types of regulation initially created by different federal agencies. Democrats won't be so crass as to call these bills what they really are, "Death to Consumers Acts".
House members may have been ready to discuss laundry issues this coming week, but I'm here to tell you that a lot of very dirty laundry is about to be aired when Trump's trial starts!
Convict or acquit, I'm just hoping that voters can no longer see Trump as anything other than a liar, a cheat, and a heretofore coddled criminal!
Let the coddling end. Jail him and let the cuddling begin.
LOL!
JBOL! 🤣
The House Repub "legislative" agenda is well beyond the usual Onion offerings, and exceeds that which even SNL could confect...please tell me that it's just a great send-up, everybody in Congress has a big laugh, and then get down to the real business of the People.
Hilarious, were it not so tragically embarrassing.
Lance I remember when The Onion was so ludicrous that I could never confuse its headlines with what was occurring in the real world. Now I find scant difference in dealing with False Fact Fornicator.
Vote Blue 💙
I am so ready for tomorrow to begin. I’m pretty sure he will want to make a circus if the proceedings. Maybe he won’t be able to stay quiet and they can place him in a soundproof vault.
I am grateful that is delay tactics didn’t work. I still worry about MAGA goons creating havoc for everyone and their families who are involved in the case.
When I first glanced at the Republicans agenda I thought it was a spoof. I guess I should have waited to buy all new appliances. 😂 We all know there is a lot more for them to do. When will they do anything?
Thank you for this information tonight Joyce. We all better buckle up. I look forward to learning your thoughts in the coming weeks.
Thing is, as much he fancies himself some kind of capo dei capi mob boss, he not only lacks the dignity many had, he lacks their street smarts. Comes right down to it, he's not a very good crook. Could have saved himself all this trouble by having one of his big money pals quietly pay off Daniels and McDougal with bags of cash. But no --- had to go through a convoluted scheme leaving all kinds of fingerprints and paper in its wake. Could have been content to defraud the state at the same level as the rest of the NY real estate industry but no, had to do it more and more openly than anyone else, and is now facing nearly a half-billion dollar judgment. Could have kept his mouth shut about E. Jean Carroll and not be on the hook for another $90MM+ But, no.
Any chance he shuts The Donald up when he breaks the gag order? I’m thinking the 1st time it’s $10,000 payable in 48 hours, 2nd time $20,000/48 hrs, 3rd time $40,000/48 hrs & so forth. Failure to pay the fine within the prescribed time gets a night in a cell. Would that work?
It's only a thousand dollars in New York or jail time for contempt of court. That makes it a hard choice for the judge....
He's baiting the Judge to do more than fine him, perhaps placing him in house arrest for a day? He then can claim that he is a victim in service to his supporters (he is their "retribution"). Note that he has claimed that "all hell" will brake loose when his trial begins which may be a signal for the most aggressive of his followers to start other insurrection-like violent incidents around the country. Perhaps he is hoping it would result in suspending the trial itself. His anxiety about this trial is evident as he directed his lawyers to file motion after motion to delay or suspend the trial indefinitely! Does he perceive that his payment of extortion money demonstrates his fear that it shows his weakness, or his vulnerbility, or that he will lose the votes of millions of conservative southern and mid-western women by detailed testimony that he was involved sexually while his wife was at home with his newborn child?
Rats
If the bastard starts mouthing off, fit him with a ball gag, per "the gimp" in Tarentino's *Pulp Fiction.*
😂😂
Orange 1 got a break with his vaudeville routine in the civil fraud trial because there was no jury. He didn't with Judge Kaplan in the second E. Jean Carroll defamation proceeding with a jury and I can almost guarantee that Judge Merchan won't be havin' it either. Orange 1 could show up when he wanted to in the two civil cases; he has to be in court for this criminal trial unless he gets a waiver from the judge so, I imagine it will be like pulling teeth for him to sit there quietly and respectfully for an extended period. What particularly galls him is being judged by 12 ordinary citizens called his peers. But the fact that they are ordinary folks means they usually don't take kindly to being disrespected by a defendant acting out in court. Since disrespect is very much an element of the trial, the defense probably should add some last minute cautions about deportment --- almost certain to be ignored.
Dale, LOL - 'almost certain to be ignored' is the operative phrase here. Expect devolution and implosion. He is going to have a conniption when Stormy testifies. But there is the Playboy Bunny, with whom it appears he had an affair during the same period he was visiting Stormy. The devil is in the details. But the National Inquirer guy will be a crucial witness as well: wasn't he given a deal? We need to hire a truck with a loudspeaker, and get France's orange Trump baby helium balloon with him wearing a diaper and holding his cell phone, tie it to the truck and circle the courthouse, blasting from speakers: "This is my country...." an old patriotic country song by Tennessee Ernie Ford - or the one Trump likes to play at rallies, the "Proud to be an American" one. That ought to do it.
I think Pecker will be crucial, like you said. Stormy may testify to certain things she knows about Trump like if he has any “beauty marks” and where. I don’t want to hear about his “mushroom”. Ewwwww…
Dear heavens…the agenda!! Joyce, if you hadn’t clarified that for us, I would literally think it was a script off of SNL!
🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️
I’m rested and ready to follow the jury selection process throughout the week! Thanks so much for breaking it all down for us!
Watch SNL this Saturday. They’ll probably do their Cold Open on the trial. Should be good.
Thank you Joyce for your helpful, insightful analysis of this coming week. Reading your posts always gives me hope for the rule of law. As we begin this Trump farce I will be looking to my email for your comments which always help calm down so I can sleep at night. Please keep them coming!!!! Also photos of the chickens, dog and cat would help.
Finally, I’m going to check my household appliances before bed so I can be knowledgeable about the important issues of the day according to our Congress. When will this ever end???
We ARE all in this together. Thanks again.
Hell has finally frozen ! Now for a conviction
Oh my Goodness. Joyce I swear I was so amused at the end of your article about the GOP agenda for the House I laughed out loud. It was good in a way to laugh about the absurdity of the GOP Congress while the courtroom drama is ready to play out for their “fearless leader”. But read through it pretty quick. And now with threats of war in the Middle East and continuing sacrifices of the Ukrainian people while Johnson and tRump have their shitshow @ Mar a Lago, it shows how that faction of the House really is rudderless. Good night all
I was cracking up too at Joyce’s sense of humor!
Shitshow … but his diapers!