A few thoughts about yesterday in the judicial system:
- While the Manafort case has no direct connection with Trump, Mueller needed a win to convince the handful of undecideds that the investigation isn’t just a “rigged witch hunt.” He got it.
- The really appalling thing about the Manafort conviction is Trump’s reaction; instead of distancing himself from the man, he continues to say, essentially, that a little fraud among friends isn’t worthy of prosecution. Given his history, that’s exactly what you would expect. As far as he’s concerned, anyone–the government included–who permits himself to be duped by a liar gets what he deserves.
- Cohen’s statements about the hush money in open court clearly make him criminally responsible for a campaign finance violation. He won’t be removed from office for that, however. His base is glad he paid the hush money; without it, Clinton would be president today, women, gays, and illegal immigrants would be in charge, and the country would be going to hell in a handbasket.
- There can be no serious dispute that the hush money was paid at Trump’s direction. No one would do that without the client’s knowledge and approval. Trump’s only legal defense, in the final analysis, will be that he did it, not to win the election, but to save his marriage. His previous denials won’t help him persuade anyone with that defense.
- Unfortunately, Trump now has a greater incentive to stay in office after yesterday, because he knows he’s looking at a potential jail sentence the minute he leaves office.
- Get ready for lots of chants of “Jail to the Chief!” and “Lock him up!” for the rest of his term.