September 9, 2023

“The mug shot did good for him. They’re just grasping at straws to try and get him to stop running. And he’s running anyway.”

Said Lydia Lozano of Summerset, S.D., "who wore Mr. Trump’s mug shot on a blue T-shirt with the outline of an American flag," quoted in "‘I’m Being Indicted for You,’ Trump Tells South Dakota Rally/In his first rally since his fourth indictment, the former president focused on his Republican rivals and President Biden, as some in the crowd wore Mr. Trump’s mug shot on their T-shirts" (NYT).

Also, Josh Haeder, South Dakota’s treasurer, proffered a riddle: "How many indictments does it take to steal the presidential election in 2024? Here’s the answer: There’s not enough, because Donald Trump will be the next president of the United States of America."

By the way, how would "the outline of an American flag" look different from the outline of any other flag (I mean, excluding Nepal, etc.)?

Meanwhile, in The Washington Post, there's this modest note from Aaron Blake — "A reminder of how one juror could save Trump."
[O]n the vast majority of charges recommended by the Georgia special grand jury, the vote was not unanimous. To win convictions, however, all jurors must vote in favor.

Of the seven recommended charges against Trump, each featured precisely one grand juror who voted against, with between 17 and 21 grand jurors voting in favor....

[R]ecommending charges — the role of the special grand jury — presents a significantly lower bar (probable cause to support the charges) than will be confronted by the trial juries, which will have to determine the defendants’ guilt beyond a reasonable doubt....

Trump has regularly focused intensively on building a devoted and unceasingly loyal base, often at the expense of his broader appeal. This has involved launching into vast and conspiratorial theories of persecution. And polls show that a lot of Americans believe these things, with as many as 4 in 10 believing falsely that the 2020 election was stolen from Trump and as many as 1 in 5 saying that Trump has done “nothing wrong” — not even something merely unethical — in each of his indictments.

From the comments over there:

Do we really need this doom and gloom? Isn't bad enough we have to see Trump's fat orange face all over the news, but now you need to remind us that he could get off because of some MAGA juror? Thanks guys.

49 comments:

Iman said...

The Far Left fears Trump and they think they can stop him using their “go-to” campaign of selling crazy to a nation that has had more than enough, thank you, these last 31 months.

gspencer said...

One juror = nullification

Enigma said...

Trump mug shot: Logical parallel to the Christian cross...with the founder Jesus dying on the cross...."He died for your sins"...as worn around the necks of millions of Catholics, and an image in pretty near every Christian church ever built.

Did the left think about the consequences of creating a martyr? It seems not, but then, few people in power think about what will happen past their next social media post.

Bill R said...

"...how would "the outline of an American flag" look different from the outline of any other flag "

I appreciate people who insist that words have actual meaning. You must be some sort of lawyer or something.

Sean Gleeson said...

Re: "how would 'the outline of an American flag' look different from the outline of any other flag"

I was wondering the same thing! The best explanation I could come up with is, perhpaps the writer meant the elements of the flag (i.e. stars and stripes) were somehow outlined on the shirt? Something like this?

Just a theory.

stlcdr said...

After Hours: love that movie. It's a great, bizarre, story (arc/circle).

Buckwheathikes said...

There will be no MAGA on Trump's jury. Only Hillary donors. Ya'll really don't understand how the 4th Reich works do you?

Kakistocracy said...

‘I’m Being Indicted for You,’ Trump Tells South Dakota Rally

Trump was indicted for all of us. This approach is readily understood by Christians & New Testament scholars, but it’s something of a novelty for the American legal system.

Temujin said...

Thanks for the 'After Hours' insert. One of the most fun and underrated movies of the 80s.

As for these obnoxious and over the top attacks on Trump, I wonder if, when Trump is inaugurated, any people on the Left (and many on the right) will realize that they made it happen. Again.

mezzrow said...

"they're not coming for me, they're coming for you."

Trump will take on your "sins" (i.e. your refusal to accept the new improved ways) for expiation, while you witness the attempt at his destruction by the soulless forces of power and privilege. Who can deliver this man from persecution and resurrect his rightful seat on the throne of the most powerful force in the world? Obi-wan Voter, you're our only hope!

What could possibly go wrong? Does the WaPo grasp the part they play in this drama? How would Taylor Lorenz like to see this resolved? Who's that knocking at my door?

gilbar said...

President Trump said...
In the end, they're not coming after me. They're coming after you — and I'm just standing in their way

Wilbur said...

"Re: "how would 'the outline of an American flag' look different from the outline of any other flag"

It's a dog whistle to the Left. American flag = bad.

Jamie said...

as many as 4 in 10 believing falsely that the 2020 election was stolen

This phrase has bugged me from the get-go. How do you "believe falsely"? Of course what they mean is "believing false claims that..." but they always seem to put it in these terms that imply that the "believer" is culpable for her belief. (These days, criminally culpable, in fact.)

And - they don't even try to pretend they're reporting any more, do they? I gather this was an opinion piece, but "believing falsely" and "false claims" and such are standard fare in "straight" reporting now. No "so and so has claimed," no "this or that court rejected claims... on procedural grounds" - just "what the other side claims or believes is false and/or debunked because we say so."

hombre said...

I wonder if it's possible to find one juror in DC Or Atlanta with brains and integrity.

DC has answered that question in the negative many times. It may still be possible in Atlanta although the Special Grand Jury recommendations suggest it is unlikely.

I do like the optimism of the Trump supporters, but I can't imagine how, when confronted with Democrat lawlessness, they can believe the election will not be stolen regardless of the Republican nominee.

tommyesq said...

[O]n the vast majority of charges recommended by the Georgia special grand jury, the vote was not unanimous.

This, when the burden of proof is lowered simply to probable cause, the prosecutor is the only one who offers evidence, s/he is not under any requirement to present mitigating or exculpatory evidence, and is not bound by the rules of evidence or the Constitution - e.g., hearsay evidence can be presented. The Defendant and his/her counsel cannot present their own evidence, cross examine any prosecution witnesses, or even offer objections to the evidence being presented. Despite all of these insane advantages, they still had at least one juror vote not to indict.

tommyesq said...

Also, this is a very pooorly-worded article - "[O]n the vast majority of charges... the vote was not unanimous... Of the seven recommended charges against Trump, each featured precisely one grand juror who voted against...." I mean, I suppose 100% (i.e., "each") does constitute the "vast majority," but it sure seems like the author was trying to imply that there was unanimity on at least some of the charges.

tommyesq said...

The best explanation I could come up with is, perhpaps the writer meant the elements of the flag (i.e. stars and stripes) were somehow outlined on the shirt? Something like this?

Would that be covered by the Althouse Amazon Services Associates program? Order now and Ann earns a fee!

Narayanan said...

Did the left think about the consequences of creating a martyr?
==========
in The Fountainhead [book] Ellsworth Toohey ... "I refuse to participate in creating a martyr"
- after Steven Mallory shoots at him.

I have wondered what he meant!!?? can someone explain.

Kakistocracy said...

"You're gonna fit right in. Everyone in here is innocent.” ~ Red

Narayanan said...

Trump mug shot: Logical parallel to the Christian cross
========
crown of hair <=> thorn+halo??

who wore it better?

West TX Intermediate Crude said...

DA Fani in Atlanta ruled that no pictures or ID of jurors in the Trump trial will be allowed.
Some sort of reverse secret juror intimidation going on- it will be let on that anyone who leans not guilty will be an exception, to allow Antifa or other Red Guard to pay that juror or his or her family a visit.

M Jordan said...

Years ago PBS did a mostly weak version of “A Tale of Two Cities.” But one scene really touched me. Monsieur DeFarge, husband of the deranged Madam DeFarge, is sitting at the kitchen table, alone, and flashes of the guillotine blade drop on head after head as he recalls the recent carnage. With each each slice, he flinches. Finally he pounds the table with his fist and cries out, “Enough!”

Surely you liberals, Ann Althouse, are nearing this point. I call on you to pound the table and cry “Enough!” Do it now before it’s too late to matter.

Bob Boyd said...

The American flag unquestionably has a grander, older, more high-flying outline.

Teri Garr is awesome.

Rusty said...

Trump learned a lesson early in life. A lesson many people never learn.
You only lose when you give up.
Quit ain't in him.

Dave Begley said...

1. “This has involved launching into vast and conspiratorial theories of persecution.”

Not a conspiracy theory if that is what has happened.

2.” but now you need to remind us that he could get off because of some MAGA juror?”

This how the American system work. Criminal guilt must be unanimously established by a unanimous jury. Deal with it.

traditionalguy said...

Onward Trump’s Soldiers marching as to war with their President’s mug shot going on before. Just humming that this beautiful morning.

Now if the Globalists One Party doesn’t declare war on Russia just to stop his re-election.

Drago said...

Rich: 'You're gonna fit right in. Everyone in here is innocent.” ~ Red

Red- fctional dude from fictional movie.

“Show me the man and I’ll show you the crime." - Lavrentiy Beria

Beria- actual living Soviet dude that built a system to indict, convict, imprison and murder his innocent political enemies.

Just like todays New Soviet Democraticals...who have finally, after decades of tireless planning and work, built their own geograhical defined mini Soviet "judicial" systems to do the very same thing.

Which explains Rich's comfortable and confident posture on these many cases. The fix is in so corrupt democraticals have nothing to fear and any conservative or republican can be dragged in from anywhere and tossed into a Star Chamber.

Darkisland said...

Jury nullification means that a juror can vote not guilty even if they believe the defendant (or victim in this case) committed the (so-called) crime.

They can vote not guilty for any reason or no reason at all.

Typically it is because they believe the law is wrong.

And once submitted their vote cannot be questioned or overturned

In the 80s or 90s there was a group running radio ads explaining and supporting jury nullification.

We need them now more than ever.

John Henry

Drago said...

Its interesting reading the absolute panic on the part of The New Soviet Democraticals that there just might be one, secret, undiscovered, WrongThink, Non-New Soviet Democratical that could be swept into a jury box within a New Soviet Democratical controlled jurisdiction and that one person might notice an innocent getting railroaded and not go along with it.

But I dont think our New Soviet Democraticals have to worry too much about that.

In other high profile cases we've seen New Soviet Democraticals following around jurors and identifying them.

What do you think the assault odds are on any juror in Fulton County or Washington DC or NYC that doesn't go along with Mau Mau-ing Maoist mob?

About 230% I'd wager.

FWBuff said...

A small juror the size of a large juror.

mikee said...

Now that jury nullification is on the table, let's talk about plea deals, too. has Trump been offered any deal to make his felony charges become mere misdemeanors, like so many really violent criminals are treated by DAs these days? That could be a real win/win, with Trump walking with 30 days of community service for a reduced charge of malicious lingering with intent to politicize, or some such, rather than RICO felonies. The prosecution says, "SEE, HE IS A CRIMINAL!" for the Leftist base, and Trump performs his community service by giving puclic service speeches on political issues, maybe on the campaign trail, to his supporters.

Michael K said...

Now that we know Fani Willis was raised by a Black Panther father whose live in girlfriend was Angela Davis, the picture is becoming clearer. That Obama judge who denied change of venue also looks familiar.

Drago said...

Darkisland: "They can vote not guilty for any reason or no reason at all.

Typically it is because they believe the law is wrong.

And once submitted their vote cannot be questioned or overturned"

Unsurprisingly, one finds approximately zero rogue jurors in Soviet/Maoist judicial history.

That is likely our politicized "legal" model moving forward.

Yancey Ward said...

"This has involved launching into vast and conspiratorial theories of persecution."

Written non-ironically, too!

In the Florida case, Trump might be able to hang the jury- the judge isn't likely to help the government shape the jury so that no Trump supporters get on it, so it is likely the government will work hard to get the trial moved to D.C. before it ever begins. In the Fulton County, New York City, and D.C. cases, the judges there will bend over backwards, and then some, to ensure the jury is comprised completely of Trump haters, so he is unlikely to have a single juror who wouldn't convict even if the prosecution rested immediately after the opening statement.

In all of the cases, it will be made clear to each jury that their names and addresses are known- expect to see lots of media stories about how reporters have uncovered the identities and addresses of all the juries involved, and that the reporters are sitting on the information to allow "justice" to be done "properly".

Drago said...

The next major target after Trump, Alito and Thomas, is clearly Elon Musk.

The New Soviet Democraticals are already floating treason and FARA violation lies against Musk with their Starlink/Crimea BS and "glass house" fabrications and the accelerated lies about X hate speech/disinformation hoaxed up "studies".

The New Soviet Democraticals cant hide their spittle flecked lust to take Musk out and divvy up his business empire amongst their preferred henchmen and globalist lackeys.

Big Mike said...

It's a dog whistle to the Left. American flag = bad.

@Wilbur, +1

Michael K said...


In other high profile cases we've seen New Soviet Democraticals following around jurors and identifying them.

What do you think the assault odds are on any juror in Fulton County or Washington DC or NYC that doesn't go along with Mau Mau-ing Maoist mob?


That was so obvious that it explained the refusal to allow venue change for Chauvin. That jury was terrified. I expect this jury will be 90% black witha white suburban woman or two. Easily intimidated.

Tina Trent said...

Mark Steyn has had enough. And he has lived the nightmare of relentless legal prosecution for decades now: https://www.steynonline.com/13761/the-real-new-normal.

Let's not forget that Angela Davis, now an "esteemed professor" who commands up to $50,000 per speech in our degraded, no, utterly perverted institutions of higher education, bought and smuggled in the rifles that were used to kidnap jurors and blast a judge's head off in 1970. In 1972, an all-white jury acquitted her of all charges, including being a fugitive from the law. Yet there was never any question that Davis bought the rifle used to kill the judge and smuggled it to the defendants. The Rolling Stones, John Lennon and Yoko Ono supported Davis for blowing off the judge's head.

I suppose there's an amusing cosmic justice in Lennon getting precisely the same, then.

However, Fani Willis is tough on crime in the black community. I oppose her prosecution of Trump. But her prosecution of violent criminals, gangs, and corrupt Atlanta school officials has been pretty fearless.

Oligonicella said...

Althouse:

"By the way, how would "the outline of an American flag" look different from the outline of any other flag (I mean, excluding Nepal, etc.)?"

It wouldn't. I couldn't find a picture of that individual so it isn't confirmed a linguistically correct description or not.

But no intelligent person would assume a true outline to be other than the American flag.

Iman said...

Is that the descendant of slave owners Angela Davis?

Free Manure While You Wait! said...

"And polls show that a lot of Americans believe these things, with as many as 4 in 10 believing falsely that the 2020 election was stolen from Trump"

Extrapolated, 4 in 10 out of a country of more than 330,000,000 is a shit-ton of people, as in 132,000,000. Perhaps those people are on to something. Especially when one considers that the media have been banging "The election was not stolen!" drum for two and a half years. A great man once said, "You can't fool all of the people all of the time."

I haven't voted in 20 years and even I still question the result.

Free Manure While You Wait! said...

"Did the left think about the consequences of creating a martyr? "

There a few things that Americans love more than seeing an underdog come from behind and win.

Free Manure While You Wait! said...

"FWBuff said...
A small juror the size of a large juror."

Any chance you have a newsletter of which I can subscribe?

wildswan said...

Here's how jury selection worked in the recent DC prolifers trial which resulted in Planned Parenthood donors and abortion supporters on the jury while all the prolifers were deselected. It was stated that the trial was not about abortion but about whether a certain statute was violated. Could the jurors evaluate whether the statute was violated regardless of their views on abortion? The prolifers said the trial was about abortion and their principles would come into play whereas the proaborts said they could dispassionately evaluate whether the particular statute had been violated. They then got on the jury while the prolifers were struck off. So, listen to the question. Answer the actual question honestly.
By the way, know that the actual elements of the FACE Act were not proven but the pro-abortion jury voted the prolifers guilty, anyhow. So all this shows how the Trump trials will go. And after Trump, it will be th turn of conservative citizens to face a jury selected from a similar pool in a similar way. And those jurors are all quite sure they will never face a jury. And if everything stays the same, they never will. Fauci will always be believed. Yes or no?

Michael K said...

However, Fani Willis is tough on crime in the black community. I oppose her prosecution of Trump. But her prosecution of violent criminals, gangs, and corrupt Atlanta school officials has been pretty fearless.

Kinda like Kamala Harris before she became a big time politician. Biden was author of all those laws that put black men in prison for marijuana.

Amazing transformations. The black LA DA who was defeated by Gascon was also tough on crime. Politics is a great convertor. Fani has ambition and that will flip her "tough on crime" phony pronouncements.

Eva Marie said...

“the outline of an American flag”
I think this means an outline including outlines of Stars and Stripes. To test this I put ‘outline of a frog’ in the google search box and clicked on images. Some were images of outlines of the outside of a frog, most included outlines of the eyes etc.

Eva Marie said...

“the outline of an American flag” (part 2)
I don’t know why I chose a frog for my example. This time I put ‘outline of an American flag’ into the search engine and chose images and google provided an outline of the flag with outlines of Stars and Stripes. However if I put ‘outline of a flag’ into google then I get images of a blank flag. (Instead of a recurring tune, the question of the flag outline kept popping up in my mind all day.)

mrkwong said...

I want someone far more brutal than trump.

He doesn't come close.



Cromwell, bayonets...

Mumblix Grumph said...

"It's ok to let a corrupt government prosecute and persecute their enemies because he looks all icky and stuff!"

Good grief.