Lawrence: I went to Trump's trial and found him in a jail of his own making

MSNBC
2 May 202420:25

Summary

TLDRThe transcript details a day in the life of Donald Trump during his trial, highlighting the strict confines of the courtroom as a metaphorical jail where he experiences limitations on his movement, speech, and actions for the first time. It describes Trump's demeanor, reactions, and the dynamics within the courtroom, including the performance of his lawyers, Todd Blanche and Keith Davidson. The summary also touches on the judge's patience, the jury's behavior, and the broader implications of Trump's presence and actions within the legal process.

Takeaways

  • 📺 Lawrence O'Donnell, the MSNBC host, mentioned that Donald Trump left the courtroom seemingly displeased with his presence.
  • 👀 Adam Class Field, a reporter, shared his observation of Trump's apparent anger and noted that Trump's political advisor, Boris Epshteyn, was aware of his presence.
  • 🚫 The transcript describes a tense atmosphere in the courtroom, with Trump accused of making mistakes and violating a gag order.
  • 🎓 Todd Blanche, Trump's lawyer, is criticized for his performance in court, including lying and failing to address Trump's attack on the jury.
  • ⏱️ The hearing was initially scheduled to address Trump's violations of the judge's gag order, with the prosecution presenting a case in 10 minutes.
  • 🗣️ Trump's comments about the jury being predominantly Democrats were highlighted as a significant violation.
  • 💬 Todd Blanche's defense of Trump was seen as ineffective and included a misleading statement about Trump's right to comment as a presidential candidate.
  • 🤔 The judge had to repeatedly ask Blanche to address the specific comments Trump made about the jury, indicating a lack of focus in Blanche's defense.
  • 👮‍♂️ The jury's behavior was described as wanting to distance themselves from Trump, highlighting an unusual dynamic in the courtroom.
  • 📚 Keith Davidson, a lawyer involved in arranging hush money payments, testified and was subjected to cross-examination that revealed his unsavory practices.
  • 👴 The script paints a picture of Trump as a 'small man' in the courtroom, experiencing a loss of control and freedom for the first time.

Q & A

  • What did Lawrence O'Donnell tease about in his show?

    -The transcript does not specify the exact topic Lawrence O'Donnell teased about, but it implies it was something significant related to the Trump trial.

  • How did Donald Trump react to Lawrence O'Donnell in the courtroom?

    -Donald Trump left the courtroom, squinting strangely at Lawrence O'Donnell, suggesting he was not pleased to see him.

  • What was Adam Class Field's impression of Donald Trump's behavior in the courtroom?

    -Adam Class Field interpreted Trump's behavior as a sign of displeasure towards him, noting that Trump muttered under his breath and seemed angered.

  • Why did Todd Blanche leave his law firm to represent Donald Trump?

    -Todd Blanche left his law firm because the firm wanted no association with Donald Trump. He then moved to Florida to become a full-time Trump defense lawyer.

  • What was the nature of Keith Davidson's work as a lawyer?

    -Keith Davidson primarily worked as a 'bottom feeder,' negotiating hush money payments for clients, including a $130,000 payment to Stormy Daniels on behalf of Donald Trump.

  • What was the judge's reaction to Todd Blanche's defense of Donald Trump's violations of the gag order?

    -The judge repeatedly asked Todd Blanche if Donald Trump violated the gag order and seemed to give up on Blanche, shaking his head and smiling strainedly at Blanche's response.

  • How did Donald Trump respond to questions about the gag order?

    -Donald Trump stated that he was not allowed to testify due to the gag order and mentioned his intention to appeal it, thus not answering questions directly.

  • What did the prosecutor argue about Donald Trump's comments regarding the jury?

    -The prosecutor argued that Donald Trump used his platform to criticize the seated jury in the case, which is a violation of the gag order.

  • How did the jury react to Donald Trump in the courtroom?

    -The jury entered the room quickly, avoiding eye contact with Donald Trump, and once seated, they paid strict attention to the proceedings without displaying any signs of humanity towards him.

  • What was the general atmosphere in the courtroom during the trial?

    -The atmosphere was tense, with strict attention to the proceedings, and a notable lack of the usual human interactions one might expect in a courtroom setting.

  • What was the significance of Courtroom 1530 in relation to Donald Trump?

    -Courtroom 1530 was described as Donald Trump's 'jail' for the day, as it was the first time he was confined in a way that restricted his movements and speech, mirroring a jail environment.

Outlines

00:00

📺 Media Interaction and Trump's Courtroom Behavior

The first paragraph discusses the anticipation surrounding Lawrence's show and Trump's trial. It details Maggie Haberman's live update on the Trump trial and Trump's peculiar behavior in the courtroom. Adam Class Field, a reporter, shares his experience of being in the courtroom and Trump's apparent displeasure at seeing him. The narrative also touches on Trump's political advisor, Boris Epshteyn, and the mistakes defendants like Trump often make in courtrooms. It concludes with a reflection on the nature of the courtroom as a place for those who have made grave errors.

05:03

🚫 Trump's Violation of Gag Order and Blanche's Defense

The second paragraph focuses on the hearing regarding Donald Trump's alleged violations of the judge's gag order. It outlines the prosecution's presentation of Trump's comments about the jury and other violations, such as his remarks about Michael Cohen and David Pecker. Todd Blanche, Trump's attorney, is criticized for his ineffective defense, particularly for not addressing Trump's attack on the jury. The paragraph also highlights Blanche's attempt to justify Trump's comments by claiming that as a presidential candidate, he can't simply say 'no comment,' which is debunked as a false statement. It ends with Trump inadvertently undermining Blanche's defense by correctly invoking the gag order when questioned about a witness.

10:06

🎤 Trump's Jury Critique and Davidson's Testimony

The third paragraph delves into the specifics of Trump's violation of the gag order by criticizing the jury and the prosecutor's argument on this matter. It describes the judge's repeated questioning of Blanche regarding the violation and Blanche's implausible defense. The paragraph also paints a vivid picture of the jury's behavior in the courtroom, contrasting it with typical jury conduct. It concludes with the introduction of Keith Davidson, a lawyer involved in negotiating a hush money payment for Stormy Daniels on behalf of Trump, and the documentation of this negotiation.

15:08

👥 Character Examination of Davidson and Trump's Courtroom Experience

The fourth paragraph examines the character and actions of Keith Davidson, who is portrayed as having engaged in morally questionable activities throughout his career. It also discusses the cross-examination where Davidson's past actions are brought to light, including arranging hush money payments for other celebrities and trafficking information. The narrative then shifts to the observation of Donald Trump in the courtroom, describing him as a 'very small man' despite his physical height, due to his demeanor and the circumstances he finds himself in. The paragraph ends with a reflection on the idea of the courtroom as Trump's 'jail,' highlighting the loss of control and freedom he experiences there.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Lawrence O'Donnell

Lawrence O'Donnell is the host of an MSNBC show. In the transcript, he is mentioned as someone whom Donald Trump, the former U.S. President, looked at strangely as he left the courtroom. This detail illustrates the tense atmosphere and the high-profile nature of the trial.

💡Trump Trial

The 'Trump Trial' refers to a legal proceeding involving Donald Trump. It is the central focus of the transcript, detailing the courtroom dynamics, the participants' behaviors, and the legal issues at hand. It's a key concept as it sets the stage for the entire narrative.

💡Adam Class Field

Adam Class Field is identified as a reporter who has been present in the courtroom every day, covering the Trump trial. His role is significant as he provides first-hand accounts and observations of the trial's proceedings and the reactions of the individuals involved.

💡Gag Order

A 'gag order' is a legal directive prohibiting certain parties from discussing the details of a case publicly. In the transcript, it is mentioned that Donald Trump is under such an order, which he allegedly violated by commenting on the jury. This becomes a pivotal point in the discussion of the trial's events.

💡Todd Blanche

Todd Blanche is Donald Trump's attorney in the trial. The transcript discusses his professional background, his decision to represent Trump exclusively, and the impact on his credibility and career. Blanche's actions and statements are central to understanding the defense's strategy and the challenges it faces.

💡Keith Davidson

Keith Davidson is a lawyer who testified in the trial, known for negotiating hush money payments, including one for Stormy Daniels regarding her alleged affair with Trump. His testimony and the revelations about his practices highlight the underhanded tactics used to manage Trump's image during his presidential campaign.

💡Jury

The 'jury' in the context of the transcript refers to the group of individuals selected to hear the case and determine its outcome. The jury's composition and actions are discussed, including Trump's comments about them, which are a point of contention in the trial.

💡Criminal Courtroom

A 'criminal courtroom' is where criminal trials take place. The transcript describes it as a 'room of broken lives,' emphasizing the serious and somber nature of the proceedings. The setting is crucial for understanding the gravity of the charges against Trump and the legal process.

💡

💡Judge Merchan

Judge Merchan is the presiding judge in the Trump trial. The transcript mentions his interactions with Todd Blanche and his role in enforcing the gag order. His decisions and demeanor in court contribute to the overall tone and direction of the trial.

💡Michael Cohen

Michael Cohen is a former attorney for Donald Trump who is mentioned in relation to the hush money payment to Stormy Daniels. His involvement is significant as it ties into the allegations against Trump and the legal strategies employed by his defense team.

💡David Pecker

David Pecker, the former CEO of American Media Inc., is referenced in the context of violations of the gag order. His name comes up as part of the discussion around Trump's public comments about witnesses, which are restricted by the gag order.

Highlights

Lawrence O'Donnell, MSNBC host, reports on Donald Trump's unusual behavior in the courtroom.

Maggie Haberman's live update on the Trump trial includes Trump's strange reaction to O'Donnell.

Adam Class Field, a reporter present in the courtroom, shares his first-hand account of Trump's displeasure.

Field interprets Trump's facial expressions and eyes, suggesting a flash of anger towards him.

Trump's political advisor, Boris Epshteyn, is noted to be aware of O'Donnell's presence but does not advise Trump accordingly.

The article discusses the mistakes defendants like Trump often make in courtrooms and how they can be detrimental.

A description of Criminal Courtroom 1530 in Manhattan as a place for broken lives.

Todd Blanche, Trump's attorney, is criticized for his decision to represent only Trump and the impact on his professional life.

Blanche's professional humiliation in court, as noted by Judge Merchan, is highlighted.

Details of Donald Trump's violation of the judge's gag order, specifically his comments about the jury.

Todd Blanche's ineffective defense of Trump's violations and his lack of a legal argument.

Blanche's false claim in court that Trump cannot simply say 'no comment' as a presidential candidate.

Trump's own words contradict Blanche's defense and further damage his attorney's credibility.

Judge Merchan's patience with Blanche during the hearing and his eventual intervention to address Trump's comments about the jury.

Blanche's response to the judge's question, which the narrator considers preposterous.

The prosecutor's argument that Trump used his platform to criticize the sequestered jury in the case.

Details of the jury's behavior upon entering the courtroom, suggesting discomfort or a desire to avoid Trump.

Keith Davidson's testimony about his role in negotiating the hush money payment for Stormy Daniels on behalf of Trump.

Cross-examination of Davidson reveals his involvement in other hush money cases and the trafficking of information.

Reflection on the contrast between honorable lawyers and those who engage in unscrupulous practices, as represented by Davidson.

A personal account of observing Trump in the courtroom, noting his physical stature and behavior.

The metaphor of the courtroom as Trump's 'jail', highlighting the restrictions on his freedom and behavior.

Transcripts

00:01

I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO MORE ON

00:04

THAT, LAWRENCE.

00:05

THAT IS A DEEP TEASE, AS THEY

00:06

SAY IN OUR BUSINESS.

00:07

HAVE A GOOD SHOW.

00:09

>> THANK YOU.

00:10

>>> AT 4:26 P.M.

00:13

TODAY, MAGGIE HABERMAN POSTED

00:15

THIS TO THE LIVE UPDATE OF THE

00:17

TRUMP TRIAL, REPORTING FROM

00:18

INSIDE THE COURTROOM.

00:20

TRUMP LEFT THE COURTROOM

00:23

SQUINTING STRANGELY AT LAWRENCE

00:25

O'DONNELL, THE MSNBC HOST, AS

00:29

HE DID.

00:30

ADAM CLASS FIELD WHO HAS BEEN

00:32

IN THE STORY EVERY DAY -- IN

00:35

THE COURTROOM EVERY DAY

00:37

REPORTED THE STORY THIS WAY.

00:39

HE MUTTERS UNDER HIS BREATH, I

00:42

WAS SITTING RIGHT NEXT TO HIM,

00:43

MEANING RIGHT NEXT TO ME.

00:45

MY FIRST TIME IN THE TRUMP

00:49

TRIAL COURTROOM AND IT SEEMS

00:51

DONALD TRUMP WAS NOT REALLY

00:52

PLEASED TO SEE ME.

00:54

THAT IS A SHOT OF ME.

00:57

IT LOOKS LIKE I AM VERY FAR

01:00

BEHIND DONALD TRUMP, BUT I AM

01:01

ACTUALLY IN THE FIRST ROW

01:02

AVAILABLE TO THE PRESS AND

01:03

VISUALLY THERE WAS NOTHING

01:04

BETWEEN DONALD TRUMP AND ME

01:05

WHEN I WAS SITTING THERE AND

01:07

LATER IN THE AFTERNOON I WAS

01:08

SITTING AT AN EVEN BETTER SPOT.

01:12

AND I HAVE MY INTERPRETATION OF

01:14

WHAT DONALD TRUMP'S FACE AND

01:15

EYES WERE TRYING TO SAY TO ME

01:16

HIS FLASH OF ANGER WITH ME AT

01:19

THE END OF THE HOUR.

01:20

HE SHOULD NOT HAVE DONE IT, OF

01:22

COURSE.

01:23

DONALD TRUMP SHOULD NOT HAVE

01:25

DRAWN ATTENTION TO ME.

01:26

DONALD TRUMP'S POLITICAL

01:27

ADVISOR WAS THERE, SITTING IN

01:29

THE FRONT ROW RESERVED FOR

01:31

TRUMP FAMILY MEMBERS WHO DID

01:33

NOT SHOW UP ONCE AGAIN.

01:34

BORIS EPSHTEYN WAS SITTING IN

01:36

FRONT OF ME AND KNEW I WAS

01:37

THERE.

01:38

HE SHOULD'VE TOLD DONALD TRUMP

01:41

WHEN YOU WALK BY O'DONNELL,

01:43

DON'T GIVE HIM THE SATISFACTION

01:45

OF MAKING A MOMENT ABOUT HIM,

01:48

BUT DEFENDANTS LIKE DONALD TRUMP

01:49

ALWAYS MAKE MISTAKES AND

01:53

COURTROOMS.

01:54

AND MISTAKES ARE WHAT HAVE

01:56

SLANDERED DONALD TRUMP IN

01:58

CRIMINAL COURTROOMS.

02:00

MANHATTAN'S CRIMINAL COURTROOM

02:04

1530, IS A ROOM OF BROKEN LIVES.

02:08

LIKE ALL CRIMINAL COURTROOMS,

02:11

IT HAS SEEN AN ENDLESS PARADE

02:13

OF THE BROKEN LIVES LIVED BY

02:16

THE PEOPLE WHO HAVE MADE THE

02:22

WORST MISTAKE IN THEIR LIVES

02:24

THAT LEAVES THEM SITTING IN THE

02:26

DEFENDANT'S CHAIR IN THAT

02:27

COURTROOM.

02:28

OTHER THAN THE FALSELY ACCUSED,

02:30

VERY BAD MISTAKES, OFTEN A

02:33

SERIES OF BAD MISTAKES, LEAD TO

02:36

CRIMINAL COURTROOMS.

02:38

DONALD TRUMP WAS NOT THE ONLY

02:41

BROKEN LIFE IN THAT ROOM ON

02:43

DISPLAY TODAY.

02:44

THE BROKEN MAN SITTING BESIDE

02:47

HIM AT THE DEFENSE TABLE ROSE

02:49

ONCE AGAIN TO DEFEND THE

02:55

INDEFENSIBLE.

02:56

EVERYONE IN NEW YORK LEGAL

02:58

CIRCLES, INCLUDING PEOPLE I

02:59

RESPECT THE MOST, HAVE AT ONE

03:00

POINT OR ANOTHER TOLD ME THAT

03:01

TODD BLANCHE IS AN EXCELLENT

03:02

LAWYER.

03:02

SOME OF THE PEOPLE WHO TOLD ME

03:05

THAT MONTHS AGO HAVE SWITCHED

03:07

TO THE PAST TENSE.

03:11

WAS AN EXCELLENT LAWYER BEFORE

03:13

HE SOLD HIS PROFESSIONAL SOUL

03:14

TO DONALD TRUMP.

03:15

TODD BLANCHE WAS A MUCH

03:17

RESPECTED, HIGHLY PAID PARTNER

03:19

ENEMAS DAYS PARTNER IN A

03:24

PRESTIGIOUS MANHATTAN LAW FORM

03:26

AND ACQUIRING VALUABLE SKILLS.

03:28

HE COULD'VE STAYED IN THAT

03:30

PARTNERSHIP FOR THE REST OF HIS

03:31

PROFESSIONAL LIFE.

03:32

HE COULD'VE BEEN WELL-REGARDED

03:33

FOR THE REST OF HIS

03:35

PROFESSIONAL LIFE.

03:36

INSTEAD, TO TAKE ON DONALD

03:38

TRUMP AS A CLIENT HE HAD TO

03:40

QUIT HIS LAW FIRM BECAUSE THE

03:42

LAW FIRM WANTED NO ASSOCIATION

03:43

WITH DONALD TRUMP AND HAVING

03:45

QUIT HIS LAW FIRM HE MOVED WITH

03:48

HIS FAMILY TO FLORIDA TO BECOME

03:50

A FULL-TIME TRUMP DEFENSE

03:53

LAWYER, WORKING FOR EXACTLY ONE

03:55

CLIENT.

03:56

THERE IS NO GOOD STORY IN THE

04:00

HISTORY OF JURISPRUDENCE ABOUT

04:02

A CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAWYER WHO

04:05

DECIDES TO WORK FOR ONLY ONE

04:09

CLIENT.

04:10

THE CLIENT WHO HAS ENOUGH

04:12

CRIMINAL LEGAL BUSINESS TO KEEP

04:15

THAT LAWYER EMPLOYED FOR YEARS

04:18

AND YEARS AND YEARS.

04:20

EVEN MAFIA LAWYERS HAVE HAD

04:23

MANY OTHER CLIENTS NOT IN

04:24

ORGANIZED CRIME.

04:25

IN CRIMINAL COURTROOM 1530,

04:27

TODD BLANCHE LAST WEEK SUFFERED

04:29

THE ULTIMATE PROFESSIONAL

04:32

HUMILIATION WHEN JUDGE MERCHAN

04:35

SAID TO HIM, YOU ARE LOSING ALL

04:38

CREDIBILITY WITH THE COURT.

04:40

AS I SAID AT THE TIME YOU CAN

04:42

SPEND A LIFETIME IN COURTROOMS

04:44

AND NEVER HEAR A JUDGE SAY THAT

04:46

TO A GOOD LAWYER, NEVER.

04:49

TODAY'S COURT SESSION BEGAN

04:51

WITH WHAT WAS SCHEDULED AS A

04:52

HALF HOUR HEARING ABOUT DONALD

04:54

TRUMP'S LATEST VIOLATIONS OF

04:55

THE JUDGE'S GAG ORDER.

04:57

THE PROSECUTION PRESENTED THOSE

04:59

FOR NEW VIOLATIONS IN A 10

05:03

MINUTE, TIGHT, LOGICAL,

05:04

SEEMINGLY IRREFUTABLE

05:05

PRESENTATION.

05:06

THE WORST OF THE VIOLATIONS WAS

05:08

DONALD TRUMP'S COMMENT LAST

05:10

WEEK ABOUT THE JURY.

05:12

THE PROSECUTOR READ IT TO THE

05:13

JUDGE.

05:15

THE FIRST ITEM HE RAISED,

05:17

QUOTE, THIS IS WHAT DONALD

05:18

TRUMP SAID.

05:19

THAT JURY WAS PICKED SO FAST,

05:20

95% DEMOCRATS.

05:23

THE AREA IS ALMOST ALL

05:26

DEMOCRAT.

05:27

YOU THINK OF IT AS A PURELY

05:28

DEMOCRAT AREA.

05:29

IT IS A VERY UNFAIR SITUATION,

05:30

THAT I CAN TELL YOU.

05:31

THE PROSECUTOR THEN WENT ON TO

05:32

CITE OTHER VIOLATIONS IN THE

05:36

GAG ORDER WHICH FORBIDS DONALD

05:38

TRUMP FROM MAKING ANY PUBLIC

05:39

COMMENTS ABOUT WITNESSES.

05:40

PROSECUTORS CITED RECENT

05:41

COMMENTS ABOUT MICHAEL COHEN

05:44

AND DAVID PECKER.

05:45

WHEN TODD BLANCHE STOOD UP TO

05:47

DEFEND DONALD TRUMP'S APPARENT

05:49

VIOLATIONS OF THE GAG ORDER, HE

05:52

RAMBLED ON WITHOUT MAKING A

05:54

SINGLE LEGAL POINT FOR 20

05:57

MINUTES.

05:58

AND NEVER SAID A WORD ABOUT THE

06:02

MOST SERIOUS VIOLATION, DONALD

06:07

TRUMP'S ATTACK ON THE JURY.

06:09

TODD BLANCHE WAS TRYING TO

06:11

DEFEND DONALD TRUMP'S COMMENTS

06:12

ABOUT WITNESSES.

06:13

HE SAID, QUOTE, HE CAN'T JUST

06:14

SAY NO COMMENT REPEATEDLY WHEN

06:17

HE IS RUNNING FOR PRESIDENT.

06:19

THAT IS, OF COURSE, A LIE.

06:21

THAT IS A LAWYER TELLING A LIE

06:24

IN A COURTROOM.

06:25

IT IS NOT JUST A POINT OF

06:26

ARGUMENT.

06:27

CANDIDATES REFUSED TO COMMENT

06:27

ON ISSUES ALL THE TIME.

06:29

NO ONE DOES IT MORE THAN DONALD

06:31

TRUMP.

06:32

DONALD TRUMP VERY SPECIFICALLY

06:36

REFUSED TO DECLARE HIS POSITION

06:38

ON ABORTION FOR MONTHS AND

06:39

MONTHS DURING REPUBLICAN

06:40

PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARIES.

06:41

NO POLITICIAN IN OUR HISTORY

06:43

HAS REFUSED TO ANSWER MORE

06:44

QUESTIONS THAN DONALD TRUMP.

06:47

WHILE HIS MOUTH IS STILL MOVING,

06:49

SAYING OTHER THINGS IN RESPONSE

06:50

TO THE QUESTION, USUALLY

06:51

NONSENSE AND LIES HAVING

06:53

NOTHING TO DO WITH THE QUESTION.

06:55

AND JUST TO SINK TODD BLANCHE

06:57

EVEN DEEPER INTO THE DARKNESS

06:59

OF HIS BROKEN PROFESSIONAL LIFE,

07:04

DONALD TRUMP HIMSELF PROVED

07:05

TODD BLANCHE WAS LYING AT THE

07:07

END OF THE DAY.

07:08

AFTER DONALD TRUMP WALKED

07:11

ANGRILY PAST ME INTO THE HALLWAY

07:13

OF THE COURTROOM, WHERE HE

07:14

SPOKE TO A POOL OF REPORTERS

07:16

WITH THE CAMERAS ROLLING, THE

07:19

LAST QUESTION ASKED OF HIM WAS

07:21

WHAT DID HE THINK OF THE

07:23

WITNESS WHO TOOK UP MOST OF THE

07:25

TRIAL DAY TODAY, KEITH

07:26

DAVIDSON?

07:28

AND DONALD TRUMP SAID, WELL,

07:31

I'M NOT ALLOWED TO TESTIFY.

07:33

I'M UNDER A GAG ORDER, I GUESS,

07:37

I CAN'T TESTIFY.

07:38

NOW WE ARE GOING TO BE

07:40

APPEALING THE GAG ORDER.

07:41

I WOULD LOVE TO ANSWER THAT

07:41

QUESTION.

07:42

IT IS A VERY EASY QUESTION.

07:45

THE EASIEST QUESTION SO FAR,

07:46

BUT I'M NOT ALLOWED TO TESTIFY

07:48

BECAUSE THIS IS A JUDGE WAS

07:50

TOTALLY CONFLICTED.

07:50

HE HAS ME UNDER AN

07:52

UNCONSTITUTIONAL GAG ORDER.

07:52

THOSE WERE DONALD TRUMP'S

07:53

WORDS.

07:54

OF COURSE DONALD TRUMP IS NOT A

07:57

MASTER OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE.

07:58

HE DID NOT MEAN TESTIFY.

07:59

HE SIMPLY MEANT I CANNOT ANSWER

08:00

YOUR QUESTION BECAUSE I AM

08:03

UNDER A GAG ORDER.

08:05

TODD BLANCHE MAY HAVE LEARNED

08:06

NOTHING IN THE COURTROOM TODAY,

08:08

BUT DONALD TRUMP DID.

08:09

HE LEARNED FROM THAT HEARING

08:11

HOW TO RESPOND TO A QUESTION

08:13

ABOUT WITNESSES IN THIS CASE,

08:15

WHICH IS TO NOT ANSWER AT ALL

08:21

AND IF HE WANTS TO, CITE HIS

08:23

GAG ORDER, WHICH IS EXACTLY

08:25

WHAT DONALD TRUMP DID AT THE

08:26

END OF THE DAY.

08:27

DONALD TRUMP'S RESPONSE IN THE

08:28

HALLWAY TODAY DIRECTLY

08:29

CONTRADICTED TODD BLANCHE.

08:30

DIRECTLY DESTROYED TODD

08:32

BLANCHE'S CREDIBILITY AND

08:36

AGAIN, THE PRINCIPAL ARGUMENT

08:39

IN DEFENSE OF DONALD TRUMP'S

08:40

VIOLATIONS OF THE GAG ORDER.

08:42

SO A WEEK AFTER THE JUDGE TELLS

08:43

TODD BLANCHE HE HAS LOST

08:44

CREDIBILITY WITH THE JUDGE, HOW

08:46

COULD IT GET WORSE FOR TODD

08:47

BLANCHE?

08:48

DONALD TRUMP FOUND A WAY TO

08:51

MAKE IT WORSE TODAY.

08:53

DONALD TRUMP WENT OUT IN THE

08:54

HALLWAY AT THE END OF THE DAY

08:56

AND IN EFFECT RIDICULED TODD

08:59

BLANCHE'S DEFENSE OF DONALD

09:01

TRUMP'S VIOLATIONS OF THE GAG

09:02

ORDER.

09:03

APPARENTLY TODD BLANCHE HAD NO

09:06

INTENTION OF EVEN ADDRESSING

09:07

THE WORST VIOLATION OF THE GAG

09:09

ORDER PRESENTED BY THE

09:10

PROSECUTORS, WHICH WAS DONALD

09:11

TRUMP'S COMMENTS AND ATTACKS

09:13

AGAINST THE JURY WHO HE ACCUSES

09:16

OF BEING 95% DEMOCRAT WITHOUT

09:20

HAVING ANY IDEA HOW MANY OF

09:22

THOSE JURORS MIGHT BE

09:23

DEMOCRATS, HOW MANY MIGHT BE

09:24

REPUBLICANS.

09:25

12% OF THEM VOTED FOR DONALD

09:29

TRUMP.

09:29

JUDGE MERCHAN IS NOT AN

09:31

INPATIENT JUDGE.

09:33

THERE ARE SOME WHO COULD ACCUSE

09:35

HIM OF BEING TOO PATIENT, LIKE

09:36

THIS MORNING.

09:38

HE LET TODD BLANCHE SAY NOTHING

09:41

FOR OVER 20 MINUTES TODAY

09:42

BEFORE THE JUDGE FINALLY HAD TO

09:45

INTERRUPT HIM AND SAY, CAN I

09:48

ASK YOU TO ADDRESS THE COMMENTS

09:50

THAT WERE MADE ABOUT THE JURY?

09:54

TODD BLANCHE BEGAN WITH THE

09:58

STUPIDEST POSSIBLE RESPONSE

09:59

ABOUT THE ACTUAL WORDS DONALD

10:00

TRUMP SAID.

10:01

DONALD TRUMP TOLD THE JUDGE, IT

10:05

WAS A 15 SECOND STATEMENT OUT

10:08

OF AN INTERVIEW THAT WAS OVER

10:09

21 MINUTES LONG.

10:11

IT DOESN'T MATTER IF THE

10:13

INTERVIEW WERE FIVE DAYS LONG.

10:17

WHAT MATTERS IS WHAT DONALD

10:19

TRUMP SAID.

10:20

DID HE VIOLATE THE ORDER?

10:23

THE JUDGE REPEATEDLY HAD TO ASK

10:24

TODD BLANCHE, DID HE VIOLATE

10:29

THE GAG ORDER?

10:30

TODD BLANCHE ACTUALLY SAID,

10:31

QUOTE, THE GAG ORDER

10:34

SPECIFICALLY REFERENCES ANY

10:35

PROSPECTIVE JUROR OR ANY JUROR

10:37

IN THIS CRIMINAL PROCEEDING, SO

10:39

HE WASN'T REFERENCING JUROR

10:42

NUMBER 4 IS A DEMOCRAT.

10:45

WHEREUPON YOU COULD SEE THE

10:48

JUDGE GIVE UP ON TODD BLANCHE.

10:50

HE SHOOK HIS HEAD.

10:53

THE JUDGE SHOOK HIS HEAD,

10:55

SMILED IN A STRAINED WAY JUST A

10:57

BIT.

10:58

I SILENTLY LAUGHED AT THE

11:01

PREPOSTEROUS THING THAT TODD

11:02

BLANCHE JUST SAID.

11:04

IT WAS THE MOST PREPOSTEROUS

11:07

POSSIBLE ANSWER TODD BLANCHE

11:08

COULD'VE GIVEN.

11:09

I WASN'T TALKING ABOUT JUROR

11:15

NUMBER 4. YOU CAN'T FIND THAT

11:18

REACTION IN THE SCRIPT, THE

11:19

REACTION OF THE ROOM.

11:20

YOU CAN'T FIND THE JUDGE'S

11:23

PHYSICAL REACTION TO WHAT HE

11:24

HEARD TODD BLANCHE SAY.

11:25

THE TRANSCRIPT IS JUST WORDS

11:26

AND THERE IS SO MUCH THAT

11:28

HAPPENS IN THAT ROOM BEYOND THE

11:31

WORDS.

11:32

IN PRESENTING THIS VIOLATION

11:33

ABOUT THE JURY, THE PROSECUTOR

11:34

SAID HE USED HIS PLATFORM TO

11:37

CRITICIZE THE SEATED JURY IN

11:38

THIS CASE.

11:39

THERE IS NO INFERENCE NEEDED.

11:42

IT IS NOT JUST ANY JURY.

11:45

IT IS THESE JURORS IN THIS

11:48

CASE, SITTING RIGHT IN THIS ROOM IN A FEW MINUTES AND TODD

11:50

ROOM IN A FEW MINUTES AND TODD

11:52

BLANCHE IS A DISGRACEFUL AND

11:56

GUARANTEED TO LOSE VIOLATION OF

11:58

THE GAG ORDER, TO ACTUALLY SAY

12:03

DONALD TRUMP DID NOT SPECIFY

12:05

ANY ONE OF THE JURORS.

12:06

NO HE DIDN'T.

12:07

HE SPECIFIED EVERY ONE OF THE

12:08

JURORS.

12:09

EVERYONE OF THEM WHO FILED INTO

12:11

THAT ROOM AT THE END OF THE

12:14

HEARING AND PASSED BY DONALD

12:15

TRUMP AS FAST AS THEY COULD,

12:17

WITHOUT LOOKING AT HIM IN ANY

12:18

WAY, AS IF THERE WERE AN

12:21

OBSTACLE THERE THAT THEY HAD TO

12:22

SPEED PAST, SOMETHING

12:23

DANGEROUS.

12:24

I HAVE NEVER SEEN A FASTER

12:28

WALKING JURY IN MY LIFE.

12:31

A JURY WHO WANTS TO PASS BY

12:33

THAT DEFENDANT.

12:36

MOVE PAST THE DEFENDANT OVER

12:38

AND DONE WITH AS FAST AS THEIR

12:40

LEGS CAN CARRY THEM.

12:42

IT IS NOT UNUSUAL FOR SOME

12:43

JURORS TO TAKE IN THE ROOM WHEN

12:48

THEY ENTER IN CASES.

12:49

THEIR EYES SOMETIMES FALL ON

12:50

THE PROSECUTOR, OFTEN ON THE

12:51

JUDGE.

12:51

SOMETIMES ON THE DEFENDANT.

12:53

FREQUENTLY SMILE AT THE JUDGE.

12:55

SOMETIMES THERE CAN BE SMALL

12:56

SMILES THAT ARE FLASHED AROUND

12:59

THE ROOM BY JURORS THAT DON'T

13:01

REALLY TELL YOU ANYTHING ABOUT

13:03

WHAT THEY ARE THINKING, BUT

13:04

OFTEN SHOW YOU THAT A GROUP OF

13:06

PEOPLE ARE ENTERING THIS ROOM

13:08

WITH HINTS OF HUMANITY ON

13:10

DISPLAY.

13:11

NOT SO WITH THE TRUMP JURY WHEN

13:13

THEY ENTER.

13:14

WHEN THEY TOOK THEIR PLACES IN

13:17

THE JURY BOX, WHICH I HAD A

13:19

VERY FULL VIEW OF IN THE

13:22

AFTERNOON, THEY SETTLED INTO

13:23

THEIR ROLES AND ALL PAY VERY

13:25

STRICT ATTENTION AT ALL TIMES

13:26

TO WHAT IS HAPPENING IN THAT

13:30

ROOM AND IT DOES NOT SEEM THAT

13:34

ANY OF THEM HAVE LIKELY

13:36

COMPLAINED ABOUT FREEZING IN

13:37

THE COURTROOM AS DONALD TRUMP

13:38

HAS DONE RELENTLESSLY,

13:39

INCLUDING ONE OF THE MIDDLE-

13:42

AGED JURORS WHO WAS WEARING

13:44

NOTHING BUT A T-SHIRT ALL DAY.

13:46

THAT IS HOW FREEZING IT WASN'T

13:47

IN THE COURTROOM.

13:49

BUT AS A DEFENDANT IN THE

13:53

COURTROOM EVERYONE MOMENT MUST

13:54

BE CHILLING.

13:55

CERTAINLY IT IS FOR DONALD

13:56

TRUMP.

13:57

DONALD TRUMP SPENT MOST OF HIS

14:00

COURTROOM DAY LISTENING TO

14:03

SOMEONE HE HAS NEVER MET.

14:05

THE THIRD BROKEN LIFE ON

14:06

DISPLAY IN THE COURTROOM TODAY,

14:08

KEITH DAVIDSON, A LAWYER WHO

14:10

EVEN TODD BLANCHE CAN LOOK DOWN

14:12

ON.

14:13

KEITH DAVIDSON'S TESTIMONY

14:17

REVEALED THAT HE MAKES MUCH OR

14:20

MOST OF HIS LIVING AS A BOTTOM

14:22

FEEDER IN THE CESSPOOL THAT NO

14:24

LAW SCHOOL STUDENT HAS EVER

14:26

ASPIRED TO.

14:27

ATTORNEY KEITH DAVIDSON

14:28

NEGOTIATED $130,000 HUSH MONEY

14:31

PAYMENT TO STARS STORMY DANIELS

14:33

TO GUARANTEE HER SILENCE ABOUT

14:35

HER ONE, ACCORDING TO HER, VERY

14:38

QUICK SEXUAL ENCOUNTER WITH

14:39

DONALD TRUMP.

14:41

THAT HE NEGOTIATED THE $130,000

14:44

DEAL WITH MICHAEL COHEN IS

14:46

DOCUMENTED IN EMAIL RECORDS,

14:48

TEXT MESSAGES AND VOICE

14:51

RECORDING RECORDS.

14:52

THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO

14:53

REASONABLE DOUBT LEFT IN THE

14:55

ROOM ABOUT KEITH DAVIDSON

14:58

NEGOTIATING THAT DEAL ON BEHALF

15:00

OF STORMY DANIELS WITH MICHAEL

15:02

COHEN.

15:03

THAT IS THE ESSENCE OF HIS

15:04

TESTIMONY.

15:05

THAT IS WHAT IT IS ABOUT.

15:08

THAT IS WHY HE IS A WITNESS.

15:10

BUT WHEN YOUR LIFE GOES SO FAR

15:11

OFF COURSE THAT YOU FIND

15:13

YOURSELF NEGOTIATING HUSH MONEY

15:15

PAYMENTS WITH PRESIDENTIAL

15:17

CANDIDATES SO THAT YOU CAN HELP

15:19

HIDE THE TRUTH ABOUT THAT

15:22

CANDIDATE FROM VOTERS FOR A FEE

15:24

OF $10,000 THAT YOU EARN FROM

15:27

THAT TRANSACTION, IT MIGHT NOT

15:30

BE THE ONLY UNSEEMLY THING

15:32

YOU'VE BEEN INVOLVED WITH IN

15:34

YOUR LIFE.

15:35

AND SO ON CROSS-EXAMINATION,

15:38

MUCH TO DONALD TRUMP'S DELIGHT, I AM SURE, BUT TO NO RELEVANT

15:41

I AM SURE, BUT TO NO RELEVANT

15:44

POINT, DONALD TRUMP'S OTHER

15:47

CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAWYER, EMIL

15:49

BOVE, TRIED TO EXPOSE KEITH

15:51

DAVIDSON'S ROLE IN TRYING TO

15:52

ARRANGE HUSH MONEY PAYMENTS AND

15:54

SUCCESSFULLY ARRANGING HUSH

15:55

MONEY PAYMENTS, IN ONE CASE FOR

15:58

AS MUCH AS $2 MILLION, FROM

16:00

OTHER FAMOUS MEN INCLUDING HULK

16:01

HOGAN AND CHARLIE SHEEN.

16:02

KEITH DAVIDSON WAS ALSO

16:02

INVOLVED IN TRAFFICKING

16:04

INFORMATION ABOUT THE TREATMENT

16:05

OF YOUNG ACTRESS LINDSAY LOHAN

16:08

IN A REHAB FACILITY.

16:12

THIS TESTIMONY FROM THIS PERSON

16:14

WHO HAS SULLIED HIS LAW DEGREE,

16:16

TOOK PLACE IN A BUILDING FILLED

16:20

WITH HONORABLE LAWYERS WORKING

16:23

FOR GOVERNMENT SALARIES OR FOR

16:25

PUBLIC DEFENDER WAGES WHO EVERY

16:28

DAY MAKE THE LAW A NOBLE

16:30

CALLING.

16:31

BUT EVERY COURTHOUSE HAS THE

16:34

OTHER KIND OF LAWYERS.

16:36

THE WORST KIND OF LAWYERS,

16:37

PASSING THROUGH THOSE COURT

16:39

HOUSES EVERY DAY, TOO.

16:42

AND WITH EVERY BIT OF DIRT THAT

16:45

KEITH DAVIDSON REVEALED ABOUT

16:47

HIMSELF AND EVERY BIT OF DIRT

16:49

THAT WAS THROWN AT HIM BY

16:51

DONALD TRUMP'S LAWYER, WHAT

16:53

REALLY MATTERED IN THAT ROOM IS

16:55

THAT THE OLDEST PERSON IN THE

16:58

ROOM, SITTING UNDER A CROWN OF

16:59

BLONDE HAIR AT THE DEFENSE

17:01

TABLE, LIVED HIS LIFE IN SUCH A

17:04

WAY THAT HIS FUTURE WAS IN THE

17:09

HANDS OF KEITH DAVIDSON IN

17:11

OCTOBER, 2016, WHEN HE WAS

17:14

ASKING THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED

17:16

STATES OF AMERICA TO MAKE HIM

17:19

THE NEXT PRESIDENT.

17:21

I WAS SITTING IN THE FRONT ROW

17:22

OF THE REPORTER SECTION OF THE

17:25

COURTROOM, WHICH IS ACTUALLY

17:26

THE THIRD ROW OF SPECTATOR

17:27

SEATS.

17:28

THE FIRST ROW IS RESERVED FOR

17:29

CIRCUIT SEVIS AGENTS.

17:32

-- FOR SECRET SERVICE AGENTS.

17:34

THE SECOND ROW IS FOR THE

17:36

FAMILY AND THEN THERE IS THE

17:38

THIRD ROW, WHERE IN THE

17:39

AFTERNOON THERE WAS NOTHING,

17:41

NOTHING BETWEEN ME AND THE BACK

17:43

OF DONALD TRUMP'S HEAD.

17:45

THE SAME SEAT WAS OCCUPIED LAST

17:47

WEEK BY THE WRITER, JONATHAN

17:51

ALTER, WHO WROTE AT SOME LENGTH

17:53

FOR THE WASHINGTON MONTHLY

17:55

ABOUT HIS DAY OF CONTEMPLATION

17:57

STARING AT, QUOTE, THE BACK OF

17:59

HIS HEAD.

18:00

THE METICULOUSLY COIFFED

18:03

SOUFFLE.

18:04

WHAT YOU SEE UNDER THE HAIR IN

18:07

THAT COURTROOM IS A VERY, VERY

18:09

SMALL MAN.

18:11

DONALD TRUMP IS ACTUALLY THE

18:14

TALLEST PERSON IN THE

18:15

COURTROOM.

18:15

AT LEAST AN INCH TALLER THAN I

18:17

AM, BUT WHEN HE SITS IN HIS

18:20

CHAIR, HE DOES IT WITH THE

18:22

COMMON SLUMP OF THE ELDERLY.

18:24

HE SINKS.

18:25

HIS 77-YEAR-OLD BACKBONE

18:27

SHRINKS TO THE POINT WHERE HE

18:30

IS SITTING AS THE SHORTEST MAN

18:33

AT THE DEFENSE TABLE AND HE SITS FOR THE FIRST TIME IN HIS

18:36

SITS FOR THE FIRST TIME IN HIS

18:39

LIFE AS A LITTLE MAN IN

18:44

CONFINEMENT.

18:45

THERE ARE MANY PEOPLE IN

18:46

AMERICA HOPING DONALD TRUMP

18:47

GOES TO JAIL.

18:48

THERE MAY BE JUST AS MANY OR

18:50

ALMOST AS MANY HOPING THAT HE

18:52

DOESN'T, BUT FOR THOSE WHO HOPE

18:56

DONALD TRUMP GOES TO JAIL, YOU

18:59

CAN PUT ASIDE SOME OF THAT HOPE

19:00

NOW, BECAUSE COURTROOM 1530

19:03

FROM 9:00 A.M.

19:04

TO 4:30 P.M.

19:07

IS DONALD TRUMP'S JAIL.

19:10

IT IS THE FIRST TIME IN HIS LIFE

19:13

HE IS NOT ALLOWED TO LEAVE THE

19:15

ROOM WHENEVER HE WANTS TO.

19:16

IT IS THE FIRST TIME IN HIS

19:18

LIFE WHEN HE DOESN'T GET TO

19:21

DECIDE WHEN TO ENTER.

19:22

IT IS THE FIRST TIME IN HIS

19:24

LIFE THAT HE DOES NOT GET TO

19:26

DECIDE WHAT TO SAY.

19:29

HE IS NOT ALLOWED TO SPEAK. HE IS NOT ALLOWED TO MOVE.

19:31

HE IS NOT ALLOWED TO MOVE.

19:33

HE IS NOT ALLOWED TO LEAVE.

19:38

THERE IS NO DIET COKE IN THE

19:40

ROOM.

19:40

DONALD TRUMP HAS NOT

19:44

EXPERIENCED ANYTHING CLOSE TO

19:45

THAT SINCE HIGH SCHOOL AND IN

19:47

HIGH SCHOOL IT WAS NEVER FOR

19:48

MORE THAN 45 MINUTES OR AN HOUR

19:49

AT A TIME.

19:50

DONALD TRUMP'S JAIL IS UPON HIM

19:51

NOW.

19:52

HE MIGHT FACE MORE JAIL TIME.

19:56

SOME FORM OF REAL JAIL TIME,

20:00

BUT FOR NOW, THESE ARE THE VERY