Monday and Tuesday passed in Manhattan without an indictment. Trump, who claimed in a “truth” message that he would be arrested on Tuesday, was wrong. Again. Fox News is reporting tonight that Trump has not been formally notified as to whether Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg plans to bring charges against him.
"It’s an enormously sad moment for our country. That doesn’t mean that justice shouldn’t be done—it must be. But for me, at least, it’s more a somber moment of reflection." Yes, Joyce, I agree. We all need to reflect on the redistribution of wealth up to the super rich, loss of hope for millions of workers... starting with Reagan, now with tfg. In what ways did I allow this to happen? I didn't protest loud enough!
He has been committing crimes without consequence for many years, sometimes daily. If any of these investigations result in charges and accountability, it’s long overdue. I think a dance party would be appropriate if/when “no one is above the law” becomes reality rather than an out of reach ideal.
Joyce, in the second paragraph, is it a typo that “Cohen is currently Rudy’s attorney? Didn’t Michael lose his license to practice law? Not trying to nit-pick but I guess i am!
“If the system works, we continue to be a country governed by laws, not the whims of men.”
Trump’s whims have been navigating him away from accountability for decades while the system was working..However, I understand your point of view re: a former president, but I’m going to have to borrow a term Steve Schmidt likes to use for Kevin McCarthy to describe Trump, former president “in name only”. While it is a sad that one of our former presidents is about to be indicted, I look at the laundry list of criminal conduct and disgusting behavior and fallout from same including treason, so it could not happen to a more deserving person..
What is a very sad thing, is that it has taken so long with so much damage done to our country..
Can’t let Tfg change who we are as a nation then he wins. It is going to take along time to undo what has been done maybe not in my life time (I am 75)with what seems like baby steps toward justice may be but if you add all of them together we may finally reach the goal. That no matter who one is justice will win.
Thank you Joyce for your reporting on these developments. However I am wondering if anyone other than Trump has actually reported that there would likely be indictments coming this week? Or could this be classic Trump spreading a rumor about his victimhood and boosting his fundraising?
Thank you Joyce, this was an exceptional piece. I agree, even after all this time (I felt especially sick when Trump floated down the golden escalator and then went on to be elected), it's important to note that this is indeed a somber time. I almost feel like even if Trump is eventually jailed, the long term ramifications of what he and his family have inflicted upon this country is horrific and will have a long term chilling effects. I am sad and exhausted.
Professor Vance, thank you for your usual clear and insightful explanation of the proceedings. I am in agreement that this case is important because it tests our democratic institutions and how well they apply democratically. Most people do not believe that the rich and powerful are held to account, so seeing what happens is very important to our nation even if it is unprecedented. It is following unprecedented actions on Trump's part. Also, I have read today that there has not been much of a presence of people in the streets defending Trump and his cause. There was more press waiting to report on such actions.
It tells me that the 6 Percenters, Proud Boys, Boogaloo Boys, Oath Keepers, Neo Nazis, KKK, and other White Supremacist groups who are clearly not motivated by moral measures, but avoidance of punishment can be a motivator for some to leave these groups, or disengage. As they see the insurrectionists doing time they may not be so eager to break the law for Trump. Going to prison in disgrace is not the stuff of heroes. So we wait since we know that Trump has been successful in appealing until everyone tires or the political landscape changes. Perhaps he is planning to appeal until he dies. I want justice to prevail and I do not want him for president.
I"m not a lawyer so forgive me for my lack of knowledge in asking this question. Can the testimony received by the Manhattan Grand Jury (or any Grand Jury for that matter) be presented/used as evidence by other grand juries as they consider potential indictments?
Professor, I believe what I appreciate most when I hear or read you is your deeply reflective tone. Admittedly, over the past several days, I have shared the views of most pundits who, unequivocally, have asserted that the Stormy Daniels incident is, by far, not the best case to go out the door first, particularly considering the others are much more central to the crimes against democracy Trump has committed.
In response, you have been the first, and I believe the only commentator, who has analogized the Stormy Daniels incident as “the origin story for Trump’s efforts to manipulate elections in unfair ways.” Were Bragg’s investigation into the hush payments made on Trump’s behalf to lead to the first criminal charge against Trump, I would encourage you to amplify your perspective to help the rest of us view this flagship indictment through your lens.
When I heard Trump was the source for the Tuesday indictment information, I said, nope, not happening. If the city pulled out all the stops for the supposed indictment I feel bad for the people of NY having to foot the bill.
Everyday, still hoping to see/hear about an indictment from somewhere.
Prompt, as usual, with your very relevant legal information. I appreciate it tonight in particular since I was losing the thread on these rapidly occurring events. That is what I get for having my nose in a book instead of my eyes and ears glued to the news I suppose. Thank you!
Thank you for this, especially your sentiments at the end. So well said, as always!
"It’s an enormously sad moment for our country. That doesn’t mean that justice shouldn’t be done—it must be. But for me, at least, it’s more a somber moment of reflection." Yes, Joyce, I agree. We all need to reflect on the redistribution of wealth up to the super rich, loss of hope for millions of workers... starting with Reagan, now with tfg. In what ways did I allow this to happen? I didn't protest loud enough!
He has been committing crimes without consequence for many years, sometimes daily. If any of these investigations result in charges and accountability, it’s long overdue. I think a dance party would be appropriate if/when “no one is above the law” becomes reality rather than an out of reach ideal.
Indict him. Then ask the judge for a gag order and shut him up.
Joyce, in the second paragraph, is it a typo that “Cohen is currently Rudy’s attorney? Didn’t Michael lose his license to practice law? Not trying to nit-pick but I guess i am!
“If the system works, we continue to be a country governed by laws, not the whims of men.”
Trump’s whims have been navigating him away from accountability for decades while the system was working..However, I understand your point of view re: a former president, but I’m going to have to borrow a term Steve Schmidt likes to use for Kevin McCarthy to describe Trump, former president “in name only”. While it is a sad that one of our former presidents is about to be indicted, I look at the laundry list of criminal conduct and disgusting behavior and fallout from same including treason, so it could not happen to a more deserving person..
What is a very sad thing, is that it has taken so long with so much damage done to our country..
Great ending comments. Thank you. We all need to take a deep breath and absorb what you are suggesting. Let justice be done one step at a time.
Can’t let Tfg change who we are as a nation then he wins. It is going to take along time to undo what has been done maybe not in my life time (I am 75)with what seems like baby steps toward justice may be but if you add all of them together we may finally reach the goal. That no matter who one is justice will win.
Thank you for your tireless efforts towards Democracy! You ROCK Joyce Vance 🙏🏻
Thank you Joyce for your reporting on these developments. However I am wondering if anyone other than Trump has actually reported that there would likely be indictments coming this week? Or could this be classic Trump spreading a rumor about his victimhood and boosting his fundraising?
Thank you Joyce, this was an exceptional piece. I agree, even after all this time (I felt especially sick when Trump floated down the golden escalator and then went on to be elected), it's important to note that this is indeed a somber time. I almost feel like even if Trump is eventually jailed, the long term ramifications of what he and his family have inflicted upon this country is horrific and will have a long term chilling effects. I am sad and exhausted.
Professor Vance, thank you for your usual clear and insightful explanation of the proceedings. I am in agreement that this case is important because it tests our democratic institutions and how well they apply democratically. Most people do not believe that the rich and powerful are held to account, so seeing what happens is very important to our nation even if it is unprecedented. It is following unprecedented actions on Trump's part. Also, I have read today that there has not been much of a presence of people in the streets defending Trump and his cause. There was more press waiting to report on such actions.
https://www.politico.com/news/2023/03/21/maga-protesters-in-manhattan-crowded-out-by-anti-trump-rivals-00088099
It tells me that the 6 Percenters, Proud Boys, Boogaloo Boys, Oath Keepers, Neo Nazis, KKK, and other White Supremacist groups who are clearly not motivated by moral measures, but avoidance of punishment can be a motivator for some to leave these groups, or disengage. As they see the insurrectionists doing time they may not be so eager to break the law for Trump. Going to prison in disgrace is not the stuff of heroes. So we wait since we know that Trump has been successful in appealing until everyone tires or the political landscape changes. Perhaps he is planning to appeal until he dies. I want justice to prevail and I do not want him for president.
I"m not a lawyer so forgive me for my lack of knowledge in asking this question. Can the testimony received by the Manhattan Grand Jury (or any Grand Jury for that matter) be presented/used as evidence by other grand juries as they consider potential indictments?
Professor, I believe what I appreciate most when I hear or read you is your deeply reflective tone. Admittedly, over the past several days, I have shared the views of most pundits who, unequivocally, have asserted that the Stormy Daniels incident is, by far, not the best case to go out the door first, particularly considering the others are much more central to the crimes against democracy Trump has committed.
In response, you have been the first, and I believe the only commentator, who has analogized the Stormy Daniels incident as “the origin story for Trump’s efforts to manipulate elections in unfair ways.” Were Bragg’s investigation into the hush payments made on Trump’s behalf to lead to the first criminal charge against Trump, I would encourage you to amplify your perspective to help the rest of us view this flagship indictment through your lens.
When I heard Trump was the source for the Tuesday indictment information, I said, nope, not happening. If the city pulled out all the stops for the supposed indictment I feel bad for the people of NY having to foot the bill.
Everyday, still hoping to see/hear about an indictment from somewhere.
Prompt, as usual, with your very relevant legal information. I appreciate it tonight in particular since I was losing the thread on these rapidly occurring events. That is what I get for having my nose in a book instead of my eyes and ears glued to the news I suppose. Thank you!