TorquayFan

Danderman re. yours - "The question is whether the judge will allow a verdict of a misdemeanor rather than a felony." My understanding is that IF the misdemeanours were part of a 'hush up' because of the election then they become felonies. The evidence that Trump and the GOP wanted to keep the Stormy story from the electorate is overwhelming. Cohen is testifying next week and that should provide damning confirmation. As you say, only an errant Juror can save Trump from conviction . . . . . AIMHO

Its sad to see, (for me), a clear thread disappear into a sort of oblivion. Going back to the point of the thread, it looks to me, that the case is not on 'shaky ground' at all but is rather 'cast iron'.

Trump's Attorneys applied for mistrials at the end of an undeniably harrowing day for the 'Orange one'. Judge Merchan refused. Trump also asked for the 'gag order' to be adapted to allow him to reply to Ms. Daniel's lengthy and robust testimony. What ? How bizarre is that ? Trump can take the witness box IF he has anything to say. Judge Merchan refused of course. IMO there would have been a very good case to extend the gag order to cover the Judges in his trials, because Trump is making appalling comments about them ! It's clear to me that Trump led antics in SCOTUS and the Florida and Georgia Courts, make it more than likely that this will be the only case of the current big 4 to conclude, before the election in November. There was an extra insight into the 'access Hollywood' crisis today. Apparently in 2016 there were discussions about replacing Trump as the Presidential candidate if the Stormy revelations ran wild - quite a panic in fact. Thus the hush ! The threat of Trump being jailed for contempts remains - 10 counts. In fact, Trump committed an 11th in the Court when he was cursing during Daniel's testimony. Judge Merchan has that one tucked away and firmly in mind, I'm sure. Come on America !

Hi Hanaguma. I've not seen that idea floated by any of the commentators. As I understand, if Trump could prove the 'hush' WAS to protect Melania, maybe he'd escape, but unfortunately there's evidence that he tried to delay the payment to Stormy until after the Election, so he could then back out of the deal. In that case, Stormy would have published and Melania would have got the dirt. So no chance of him escaping on that pretext IMHO. Much of the evidence so far makes it obvious that the 'hush' DID have one purpose i.e. to get Trump out of the 'access Hollywood' crisis . . . . .

Just been looking around reports of Day 13 of the trial . . . Relevant to this thread is that at one point Judge Merchan called Trump's Lawyer Todd Blanche to the Bar and told him to control Trump who had muttered audible curses while Ms. Daniels was giving her testimony. Although it's frustrating, I think the Judge is right to try to handle this in a 'low key' manner - all the contempts are on record and jail time can be given at any time taking all 11 into account then. Blanche also asked for a mistrial - an idea which was swiftly dismissed by Merchan. Stormy's evidence and many other points make it crystal clear that the 'hush' was set up for the purpose of misleading the electorate, after the 'access Hollywood' crisis, neatly turning the 34 business records offences from misdemeanours into felonies. Trump is in great difficulty !

TBL - you seem to be looking at Trump with blinkers on ! That's even as you see the results of his life of dishonesty and chicanery, unfolding before your very eyes ? Think a little more about the things Trump is saying and try to understand what a terrible future for the USA will result from his current batch of autocratic ideas. Only mindless MAGA fanatics will fall for these antics and I think you are wrong in your hopes that Trump will gain support as these Indictments proceed. Trump seems to appeal to people who frankly appear on the TV as mindless and inadequate, (present company accepted). Is it that his Supporters are attracted by a need to appear different, macho, or something like that ? To me, he behaves like a big Baby and I can see that every day, with my own eyes.

There are interesting comments on Trump and his 10 contempts of Court - most observers are questioning why Trump has so far, avoided a night in jail, (or more). Is Trump above the Law ? Well in effect, so far, in respect of these contempts, yes he is. But Judge Merchan is aware that jailing Trump may trigger delays in the progress of the trial due to Appeals and there will be the difficulty of maintaining Trump's Secret Service protection. It's plainly ridiculous for Trump to claim he's been 'gagged' - he is simply restrained from attacking witnesses and jurors and their Families and in my opinion, the order should now be extended to cover the abuse of the Judges themselves - (not least this - Trump yesterday branded Special Prosecutor Jack Smith as a 'thick, evil, deranged thug') I think it fair to agree that the USA is NOW in a major battle to reinforce not only the Rule of Law but also Democracy itself - in my opinion this summary is well worth a long view : https://youtu.be/ZUQGkKmisik God bless America !

The 'bonus' paid to Cohen was simply to cover the taxes that would arise and that would have to be paid by Cohen under the arrangements. The 'catch and kill' scheme disclosed by Pecker and the 'National Enquirer' was truly shocking and this evidence has so far been damning for Trump. The indictment covers 34 (?) felonies regarding falsifying business records which would be otherwise regarded as misdemeanours were it not for the fact that it was all done for the purpose of hiding truths from USA voters at a time when hackles were up about attitudes to women. Clearly a scheme for electoral manipulation. I'm glad to have read the 'other side' of the argument in that piece from 'The Hill' but for me it was just, 'huffing and puffing'. It's amazing to me that a sordid and unstable character like Trump can be taken seriously, by anyone at all.

TBL - "Perhaps the judge doesn't fancy having to go into witness protection." IMO it's dangerous to make points like that. However, IMO Judge Merchan won't have to go into protection and anyway he'd stand up to any threats. Thankfully, protests so far have been limited. Here lies the USA's hopes for a more orderly future. Go USA !

TBL - we'll have to agree to disagree on that. Trump's Lawyers from the start have been acting under his instruction to delay, delay, delay and this explains the very long time it's taken to get these indictments into Court. These tactics continue even in the current case but Judge Merchand is standing up to the prevarication. Time will tell. SYL - driving to Korat to watch the Swatcats !

Jury of 12 and the 6 alternates ready to sit on Monday. In Trump's Day 4 exit speech, his mantra, 'Witch Hunt' is a misnomer . . . . rather call it a 'Law Hunt'. Apparently at the end, Trump got up to go before the Judge's direction and was corrected. The Judge seems fair but firm in these difficult circumstances and the many gross Contempts committed by Trump have, as yet, gone unpunished - any other Defendant would have been looking at a barred window by now. Sad to see it all. But come on USA !

Ric - with all respect - Democracy has a meaning in it's own right. Irrespective of Political Parties, the USA has a Constitution AND Laws - under which, for offences against, Trump has been caught out by acts he made and the events he created. Trump recognises no higher Authority than himself and will as a result of his hubris, fail in his endeavours. Which WILL be for the greater benefit of the USA and the World. IMHO ! I wanted to reply to points in your posts l but could find only blind stuff. If you think this is some kind of conspiracy or plot, lets see how it goes in this NY trial, Florida, Georgia and Washington DC. And the 'Class Action' about 'Truth Social". Future happenings there will be based in FACTS and LAW. GN

Dream on Big Star - let's not quibble - let's see how it turns out . . .

Earlin - thanks I'd seen that 'exit' speech earlier and I have to say that Trump cuts a particularly pathetic figure again and again and it's sad to see. There's a lot of stuff around the 'Tubes'. IMO we are not seeing a great political conspiracy against Trump, but simply, the Law and Order of the USA being reasserted by the Establishment, the Law, against a monumental rascal - it's all catching up with him. And thank the Lord for that! I wonder if Judge Merchan is going to pick up on the 8 contempts that have been widely spotted - or will he stick with an April 23rd review as noted.

This 'criminal case' targets "34 criminal charges of falsifying business records in the first degree" (WikiP). A case of massive importance - in the weeks after the Hollywood scandals, Trump paid and concealed, illegal hush monies, to influence voters prior to the 2016 election. One of 4 damning indictments across the USA, with Florida, Georgia and Washington DC re. the Jan 6th debacle. I hear that there's a possibility that the Florida 'documents' case could actually proceed even before this one is completed. Difficult days for Donald. Not helped by by the TMTG share price - which actually recovered a little yesterday to $33.18 but TMTG is mired in legal disputes from other Founding shareholders. Truth Social network owned by TMTG had sales of $4 million last year with losses, unbelievably, of $58 million - I mean, how exactly does a Company do that !!! Apparently, (we shall have to see), razor sharp 'class action' Lawyers in NY are looking at putting together a 'class action' against Trump for many of his statements about the financials of TMTG. That could cost Trump a lot - there is nothing in Truth Social to justify these TMTG valuations, except, the inexplicable faith that some have in Trump, despite all the evidence to the contrary. You have to feel as sorry for him as he seems to feel for himself, but let's hope that justice will be done in the end. Hard times for Donald.

Yes it looks good but Friday morning some of the 12 Jurors might fall away as happened yesterday - but they'd soon be replaced one hopes. It's progressing much faster than expected. The quota for 6 alternates has to be completed too. 'Swearing in' and a Trial commencement Monday would be good. Trump's disgusting behaviour out of Court should be rewarded with a night or two in jail.

Danderman - "Trump could argue that Michael Cohen paid off the ladies without Trump's knowledge, to help win the 2016 election" . . . . except that Trump repaid Cohen with a series of CQ's bearing his signature. Trump is due in Court this morning so that'll be interesting - unless he can contain his naturally abusive nature, he might be spending tonight behind bars. Trump is in for a hard time - I understand there are many witnesses for the prosecution including some from Trump's own camp !

Walker - a step too far methinks. But I get it. Trump's behaviour is seditious and treasonous but even so . . . . . better not to create a Martyr?

A dear Friend of mine, now passed, recounted to me, I think a year before the pandemic, that JL and CT, had flown into Korat by private jet from Singapore, and after meeting the Governor, stayed in Korat for a few days. Later they went down to area Phuket, (with my Pal and his wife and many others) and rented a resort with 10 luxury bungalows at enormous cost for a week and then flew back to the States. I had never then heard of JL. It seems he can sing and has obviously done well but his Wife, CT, seems to me the worst kind of self-publicising 'influencer'. I'm trying to be polite but in the UK papers, if she has a headache, we all have to suffer it. They seem to be a prosperous couple and I wish they would quietly enjoy it. CT in particular.

TBL - "He knows that going to jail will just make him more popular". Oh he 'knows' that does he ? BUT is he right ? Surveys show that he'll lose lots of republican support, except of course, from MAGA fanatics. I'm glad that he is looking forward to going to jail, because that is very likely indeed to be his fate. Trump's problem is he sees no greater Authority than himself. A 'great honour' ? Yes dopey Donald - the 'great honour' will be for all law abiding USA citizens. Nelson Mandela - ha ha !!

The 'HENG BAND' lately of the 'Check In' now the Monkey Bar in Korat. They played western rock, 2 lead guitars at one stage and better than the originals. Estranged - Guns and Roses Rock and Roll - Led Zeppelin Yellow - Cold play Creep - Radiohead etc.etc. That was a great night out. Thanks Guys !

Rabbit you're rampant. Your minus 3 - "they should have invested it , the system is ****. Yes they should have invested it but no they didn't AND if they had they would have had to UP other taxes which you would have whinged about too. The UK Govt has spent your State Pensions on us already M8 and that's that ! The workforce in 7 years time will have to pay yours THAT'S WHY we shouldn't indulge the 'triple lock at their expense . . . . Your last - again I'm not talking about means testing everyone, just using tax returns to determine which retirees have so much wealth and money that the State Pension will be pin money. And for all, increasing pensions by RPI is more than enough.

Thanks NR - an interesting insight. I wondered how these fires start ? Yes some nutters but . . . . In the Ban Pang area I report from, i see fires way upon the mountains where no one go to or access. Some start naturally and are inaccessible. Let's not forget the ICE fumes contributing, and the current blistering temperatures. Just that Thailand should do what they can. ATB

George good post. We just had a week 100km south west of CM - even there, the air looks fuggy and the views across the valley to other mountains is hazy. Evening time we sit on the roof of 'home' in the foothills and have a beer. Only a few stars can be seen but just a few years ago, it seemed like you could see thousands. Not too much evidence of crop waste being burnt but in 10km walks around the foothills, the low grass has burnt or is burning and much smoke results. I did see a team of 8 on 4 mbikes coming up the track and they put out a low grass fire - I guess. It was not burning the next day. Returning yesterday on H106 from Lee to Thoen, there were many 'low grass' fires but the mountains were so steep, you can't put them out. And Thoen was smoky. To limit this damage, hard to know how to tackle it. Not applicable to this area, but easy to control, it should be a criminal offence for a sugar mill to accept burnt cane. To be enforced. For other crops, there must be solutions too. Cheers.

(Technical hitch there ! Post just repeated ?) Thaibeachlovers - if Trump is seen to be heading for jail by November he won't win the election. There may yet be new twists to come in this tale. Quoting from your reply to mine earlier . . . "The elephant in the room if he is locked up is the reaction of his base. IMO it'd be a brave judge that locks him up, unless they want to spend the rest of their lives in protective custody, or go into witness protection. If anyone thinks the Capitol invasion was bad, they ain't seen anything yet, if Trump is actually incarcerated, and they must know that." Tbl, for you to be exhalting these fears is IMO, inappropriate in any discussions of these Elections. You should be hoping that NOTHING like this occurs again. As the year progresses, and 'supporters' see their contributions to Trump's cause swallowed up by legal fees incurred recklessly and their investments in Truth Social plummet, Old Don may lose some of his gloss. Re. Frank's earlier comment, the Jan 6th insurrection was murderous - a fair adjective IMO. Absolutely shameful behaviour - that's why many have been jailed.