While watching Trump’s speech last night from Mar-a-Lago, I was more interested in skimming the news articles for comments about the thirty-four counts that he was charged with, as they had recently been released. So, I was looking around at different news sites to get their take.
There was nothing in those counts that was different than expected. They were stacking the same charge across multiple business records (charge-stacking) using a convoluted legal theory that even the most left-wing commentator thought was a long shot to win. And yet, the deck is still stacked against the former President, as the judge hearing the case has already ruled against Trump’s business, he is in a district that is 99% Democrat-leaning, and it never was about justice but trying to find something to pin on the guy.
And so, I wasn’t surprised to find that the next time that there is a court appearance is, wait for it, Dec 4. Eight months from now he will have his court date, and that’s sooner than was requested:
Fox News reporter Jake Gibson, who was in the courtroom, said that prosecutors had asked for the January 2024 trial date. The Iowa caucuses — the first contest in the Republican primary — will be on February 5, 2024.
That means prosecutors want a trial that would undoubtedly affect the race for the Republican nomination, both by distracting the current frontrunner, and by tarnishing him relative to other candidates in the race.
Breitbart News via Alvin Bragg Asks Judge to Hold Trump’s Trial During Primary Season
So, the prosecutor wanted to have the court case during the GOP Primary season. I’m not sure whether it’s because they wanted to give Trump free air time and make a contribution to his campaign, or to try to boost his opponent, but if this weren’t about politics, they could have had this trial all wrapped up before the primary season. I mean… 8 months?!
Incidentally, Trump is right that there should be a Class E felony indictment toward whoever leaked the information on Trump’s indictment:
§ 215.70 Unlawful grand jury disclosure
A person is guilty of unlawful grand jury disclosure when, being a grand juror, a public prosecutor, a grand jury stenographer, a grand jury interpreter, a police officer or a peace officer guarding a witness in a grand jury proceeding, or a clerk, attendant, warden or other public servant having official duties in or about a grand jury room or proceeding, or a public officer or public employee, he intentionally discloses to another the nature or substance of any grand jury testimony, or any decision, result or other matter attending a grand jury proceeding which is required by law to be kept secret, except in the proper discharge of his official duties or upon written order of the court.
Unlawful grand jury disclosure is a class E felony.
NYS Code via The Real Felony in the Trump Case Is the One Bragg, Liberal Media Won’t Tell You About
This just feels like Banana Republic all the way around.