Trump will pardon Manafort right after he wins in 2020. Manafort knows it.
Mueller won't get anything from Manafort. And the hoax Mueller probe goes on. Trump is utterly unharmed as usual.
Nothing can harm Trump. After three plus years....nothing. When will people learn?
A picture of Trump crossing the swamp like Washington crossing the Delaware has recently gone viral. At this point we need another picture—one showing Trump flushing Mueller’s investigation down the toilet.
5
Getting too close?
2
As an elementary school teacher I'm very familiar with: "Don't look at me, look at what 'he' did" (as the finger points to someone else). Please. Let's not be so naive.
8
A new defense! Blame your co-conspirator:
I didn’t know I had to pay taxes. I didn’t know I had to register as an agent of a foreign government. I didn’t know that all these machinations were illegal.
It’s all his fault, he was my details guy.
Poor Paul; it’s going to be a long sentence in the Federal Pen.
My heart weeps Ukrainian cold borscht for you. Sigh.
9
They obviously have no defense.
12
"The devil made me do it."
10
Looking to inject reasonable doubt into the jury’s mind. We’ll see how that works.
2
Why has no one suggested that Manafort is taking a stand because the Russians might be threatening to him and his family? It is not an extraordinary leap considering the nuclear agent deaths.
6
I find it hard to believe that Trump feels that Trump cares about how Mr. Manafort has been treated. After all, Trump said he hardly knew him, that Manafort had very little to do with the campaign.
What truly is a very "sad thing for our country" is the Trump Presidency.
15
Manafort made his money mostly in Ukraine helping Yanukvovich - The US carried out coup in Ukraine to get rid of Yanukovich and put in their own puppet.
This is really about doing something for Ukraine - not really about Trump. He was only campaign manage briefly and his job was dealing with delegates at the convention.
The US is doing this more to help Ukraine than anything about Trump.
Trump should make sure he gets a Pardon.
I am stunned by the fact this man thought he should not plead guilty. Is his defense is basically, "Gates stole a large chunk of the even larger sum of money I stole and threw me under the bus"? Really? What is his legal team's next argument - ignorance of the law is an excuse? Do they really think any New Yorker in the jury is going to see this as a reason to render a verdict of not guilty? The jury may actually laugh out loud when the judge reads the verdict, provided the jury has not been threatened and/or paid off. Without Michael Cohen around to do that, it is problably unlikely...
12
I love it when con artists plea that they've been conned. Almost Invariably, they came to believe their own lies.
5
Talk about a desperate defense. And to think Manafort is paying these guys. He should have taken a plea.
6
As every good defense attorney knows, the easiest way to wrap a trial up quickly is to demonstrate that a client was made party to crimes committed by their co-conspirator.
There’s always appellate court...
7
He previously served as a political consultant in Ukraine, lived like a maharajah and ended up as Chairman of the Republican election campaign.
Seems a bit shady to me.
38
Trump attracts pillagers, braggarts, hacks. They’re in his past, his present, his family, his cabinet. They confuse wealth with merit, glitter with character, and they’re all about fast lanes and short cuts, which is to say that they’re reflections of him.
38
trump's campaign manager blaming his subordinates for the millions of laundered dollars deposited into his own bank account(s)? What a surprise!
9
Republicans seem to rely on blaming others. Something for people who are still in the White House to consider.
22
I notice all the arrows in the chart but only a broken arrow between Mueller’s investigation and Trump. What a pity.
The strategy of attacking the flipper (Gates) rarely works when a jury sees all the corroboration. This is going to be interesting. The rich are seldom prosecuted for moving their money around illegally. We'll see.
1
Manafort, like Trump, is another stable genius at work who got caught.
5
It’s been reported that the Manafort jury has not been told that the indictment is being prosecuted by Mueller’s office or that Manafort was Trump’s presidential campaign manager. Is the jury on this case so out of touch with current events that they are unaware of the background of this trial?
The jury selection process was not reported in the NYT. If only “low information” jurors were selected, they are likely to be swayed by emotional arguments and the attorney who wears the style of neck tie they prefer. (Recall Johnny Cochran.).
Years ago I was involved in an organized crime-related trial in New York where potential jurors were selected who never heard of John Gotti. You can just imagine that picture.
In the interests of a verdict based on the law and the evidence, I hope the jurors in the Manafort trial have common sense despite their purported ignorance of the case’s widely publicized background.
4
As for the defense--which one claims to be rich and lives an ostentatious lifestyle? Where did all the bribe money to Gates go? The "what about Rich Gates" defense will not fly.
5
So Manafort did not sign his own tax forms?
10
As a seven-year old child I was strictly informed by my school teacher that "the dog ate my homework" would not be accepted as an alibi for failing to turn in the assignment. I got the message. Apparently, Manafort did not.
Blame cannot be outsourced to employees any more than it can to the pet dog.
17
Hopefully if Gates take the stand he is asked what persuasive strengths he possesses to convince Manafort to buy $25000 suits.
13
This is the best defense that lavish lifestyle money can buy?
7
No one in this group is guilty of anything according to them. Its amazing, truly amazing to hear what they say. "i never met him", "he worked for me a short time", ..... take responsibility, be proud you stole millions..be proud you accomplished getting trump elected.. be a man.
4
I am not savvy at all about legal defenses, but it seems to me that by using a defense that it was someone else who is to blame, it makes it easier for Trump to pardon him, if convicted, as an unfair conviction, since he pleads not guilty from the git go. Does that make sense?
4
For Donald Trump, of all people, to complain about how "harshly" Paul Manafort is being treated is truly rich with irony and absurdity. How about modeling some of that gentleness and "fairness" you seem to value so much, Mr. Trump?
5
Poor Paul. Too busy buying fancy clothes to obey the law. Maybe he thinks he could help prosecute the tailor who sold him his suits and took money that should have been taxed. When you are so busy doing important things, the buck never stops with you. At least if you are a Republican.
44
There's the old saying that you can judge a person by his friends. President Trump and his friends/associates Michael T. Flynn, George Papadopoulos, Rick Gates and the smarm master Paul Manafort. Of course Trump will deny any knowledge about his former campaign staff. Trump and no one else in his inner circle vetted these guys? Trump knew the crooks he was getting to run his campaign, because that's how Trump probably runs all his businesses with shady characters who know how to skirt the law. Hopefully, Manafort will get what he deserves for money laundering and tax evasion. Manafort is going to miss his weekly dye job appointment when he's sitting in prison.
34
Hope a certain Precedent takes note of how this defense strategy goes down the "tubes". And Manafort goes up the "river".
13
Straight from the Book of Trump - anything bad is someone else's fault.
52
Al Capone was also convicted for tax evasion. Racketeering is hard to prove. In Mr Manafort's case: election fraud and manipulation, and oh yeah .....treason) are harder still to prove. We will learn about Mr. Manafort's fate regarding the latter charges soon enough.
8
Throw you team under the bus when something hits the fan.
Take credit for everything and blame for nothing.
Kiss up and kick down.
Cheat the nation because taxes are for chumps anyway.
Manafort would have fit in SO GREAT with trumps' WH!
Oh wait.....
30
Mana fort is a criminal, just a low life cheat and thief, who thinks that Trump will pardon him before he goes to jail for the rest of his life. Like all criminals he has the intellectual skills of a rabbit. If Trump pardons him any competent prosecutor could prove it’s to shield himself from criminal prosecution and obstruction of justice. So Trump will do nothing. If Pence succeeds Trump, then Manafort may receive a pardon along with Trump.
10
this exemplifies what i consider to be a travesty in american jurisprudence...
the "state" has to present evidence to "prove" it's allegations that the defendant did what the "state" charges. If, in the opinion of the jury, it does not, the defendant is deemed to be "not guilty".
It seems to me that if the defense is going to claim that "some other dude did it", the defense should be required to prove that someone else is guilty...and not be allowed to just make unfounded claims with no "proof beyond a reasonable doubt".
5
@an alternative view
There's a presumption, which I agree with, that it's better to let the guilty go free than to jail the innocent. So, no, the defense should not have to prove someone else committed a crime. The burden of proof should always rely on the prosecution because sometimes there just isn't enough evidence to prove something.
4
@an alternative view This a variation of what lawyers for the accused call "the empty chair defense", i. e., blaming everything including The Great Flood on anyone else not present or maybe the family dog. In this case the empty chair has a present occupant. This is good for the defense as they have the opportunity impeach his testimony and bad for them if he can point to facts and practices supported by documentary evidence that support his testimony.
How the defense demonstrates that Manafort was able to pay millions for houses, cars, furnishing, suits and other accoutrements of the supposed good life WITHIN his reported income is a mystery to me but will probably be presented to the jury with cold clarity by the prosecution and fulsome misdirection by defense counsel.
None of this may seem fair or logical, but defense counsel has considerable latitude in American jurisprudence. Anyone in the dock will appreciate having counsel willing and able to create enough bewilderment among the jury to achieve at least a hung jury.
I think Manafort is guilty as charged. As much as one might despise POTUS, I don't see that much if anything here involves him as it is not a crime to have hired a venal creature like the accused. It is, however, consistent with his shallow approach to all things. On the other hand, that he engaged Manafort's services with little or no vetting says something else about the man that only the voters can judge and certainly should.
1
@an alternative view, The defense is allowed to raise doubts. It is up to the jury to judge them reasonable.
1
Don't you love it? International Mafia Robber Barons throwing each other under the bus. Sharks eating sharks. They can't destroy each other fast enough for me.
A news report in Bloomberg today said the judge barred the use of the word "oligarch". It's too laden with contempt. Never mind that the "oligarchs" have been robbing us blind and trying to take over OUR governments at every level - and governments around the world - with their 40+ year hostile financial takeover attempts.
Wonder if he'll allow International Mafia mention? That is the truth of it.
36
It’s good to see such a revolutionary and gentlemanly legal strategy from the defense team and not at all what I would expect from anyone remotely associated with the Trump Administration-the “I was bad but he was way way worse” legal theory.
15
@Something New And Different
...and almost as good as "the dog ate my homework' excuse.
News flash: If the dog at your homework, he would have been thorough, neat, and you wouldn't have noticed, not unless you went to look for the homework.
The dog is a professional. Manafort is not!
1
Didn't he sign his tax returns? Case closed.
39
Poor guy was "duped" by all those others. How stupid do they think we are?
11
Maybe Mueller will decide not to call Gates as a witness. That would make Manafort's lawyer look like an idiot.
4
John Belushi was more credible:
"It wasn't my fault!"
6
Round up the usual suspects! Little people are guilty, not me!
4
Is it the "what about?" or the "witch hunt" defense?
3
Perfect, blame someone else. No worries even if he is found guilty Trump will throw him a pardon.
5
"Your honor, in my defense, I was watching Roseanne reruns"
9
“Paul Manafort’s Defense Team Opens Trial by Blaming Associates,” which is in tune with Trump’s attitude of blaming everybody else for his erroneous and maniacally unstable performance. Nothing new, typical trumpism.
10
You can be a millionaire.. and never pay taxes! You say.. “Steve.. how can I be a millionaire.. and never pay taxes?” First.. get a million dollars. Now.. you say, “Steve.. what do I say to the tax man when he comes to my door and says, ‘You.. have never paid taxes’?” Two simple words. Two simple words in the English language: ‘I forgot!’
— Steve Martin
12
Typical Republican. Not my fault. Someone else did it.
If Manafort is convicted, I hope the judge (jury?) wastes no time in passing sentence and that the sentence is the max for each charge, to be served consecutively.
25
In the end, they will blame Obama.
42
Seems odd that the defense appears to be based on discrediting a witness. This isn't really a witness trial. This is a paper trail trial. It will be interesting to see if there are any rabbits to be pulled out of any hats. But this seems a weak opening gambit.
10
Manafort has pleaded not guilty because if he spills what he knows, the Russians to whom he owes money will arrange for the polonium pinprick.
But he also fears serious prison time.
Look for a plea late in the trial and a government promise to put him the witness protection program. Whether that would save his life is anyone's guess.
12
Manafort is a traitor in bed with a foreign government and the honest truth is that he did not seek a deal with Mueller because he's already been promised a pardon and a golden parachute. He's going through the motions, but the outcome is fairly predictable. Mark my words: He will be pardoned. Period, end of subject.
12
Imagine the hubris of telling a jury of ordinary people that the accused lived a lifestyle they cannot imagine. Would that make make you empathetic towards him?
Manafort's lawyer must be channeling his inner Trump to think regular people will forgive his crimes based on their inability to understand his level of luxury and privilege.
79
Manafort needs to get another lawyer. One who knows the Twinkie defense won’t cut it. If Manafort or his attorney had any brains they’d be talking to Mueller about you-know-who.
10
So, in other words, Donald Trump hired Duke from Doonesbury as his campaign manager...
16
It’s simple for Manafort and his lawyer. If he made money whichever way he deserved it. If he did not pay taxes, took money out from the banks then it’s the associates fault. He is clean. He is busy cheating others, he has no time to look into petty things like paying taxes. He has time to spend $21000 in one afternoon but no time otherwise.
In today’s climate anything is possible. If you have one jury who is sold on Trump, Manafort is free
4
A jacket made from an ostrich. Words fail me.
34
"A jacket made from an ostrich. Words fail me."
Words may fail you as to Mr. Manafort's lifestyle but you must assume his innocence until the jury comes back with a verdict which says otherwise. Isn't that the American way of justice?
2
Joseph Puentes, those prosecuting Manafort are Republican or Republican-appointed attorneys. The Democrats have absolutely nothing to do with it. Likewise, the FISA applications for wiretaps were approved by Republican or Republican-appointed judges.
4
@Joseph Puentes: I'm a Democrat. I don't mind people being rich as long as they earned it honestly and paid the people who did work for them (unlike someone we know...)
"He lived a lifestyle that most people can only dream of." Based on the straws that the defense is grasping onto, I expect Manafort will in the foreseeable future be living a lifestyle that most people would only have nightmares about--federal prison.
35
Many wonder why Manafort hasn't copped a plea and cooperated with Mueller. Some say Manafort is hoping for a pardon from Trump. But, that is likely the tail end -- not the front -- of the story.
This is a simple theory. The Kremlin has told Manafort they have his back. As long as he holds the line, they stand ready to guarantee a "Get Our of Jail Free Card" after this trials by having Putin tell Trump to give him a pardon.
And that was likely a major item on the agenda of Trump and Putin's recent private summit. And, of course, Trump has no option given the goods and financial leverage the Kremlin holds over him.
29
Blame everyone else, including your subordinates.
It's a fitting defence strategy for the former "Team Trump" Campaign Chair.
24
Birds of a feather flocking together indeed! Although this trial is not about Donald Trump or his wrongdoings, it shines an indelible light on the sleaziness of the company that Donald Trump keeps. The lifestyles, the attitudes, the bullying, all resemble organized crime thugs , who have probably also never read the Constitution of the United States.
And the power that Mr. Manafort and others like him believed they possessed was not power at all. True power is the ability to work successfully without self-destructing and without doing harm to others. The rest is self aggrandizing ,and at its worst, diabolical.
12
Mr. Zehnle, the lawyer of Mr. Paul Manafort, has a good point. The associate of Manafort pleaded guilty for lying to the FBI. Therefore the prosecution will need very solid evidence like another credible witness (more than one) and a good paper trail, to support the testimony of basically an admitted liar.
1
his point really isn't all that good. It is standard in criminal trials that conspirators roll over on each other. Fed Prosecutors know this and their cases NEVER rely on a single witness much less an indicted co-conspirator.
Add to that the complexity of the case and you can bet that the Feds have thousands of pages of supporting and rebuttal evidence to go along with the 100 exhibits already on their evidence list.
16
@Wilbray Thiffault are you kidding us? Don't you think with the time since he was arrested till now they have not dotted every "i" and crossed every "t". Yes Rick Gates may have lied but upon the government informing him the "jig is up" he then told the truth. Having a good point does not make one innocent nor does it mean you did not commit the crime.
1
"“He even lied about where he was living.”
I can't even start to tell you how many people i know here in NYC, who have falsified their address to get their kid into a better public school.
Or those who have a summer home in Vermont, and register their car their.
And then, there are the folks, who actually live in Connecticut, and have the expensive art they buy shipped to their NYC apartment, so they don't have to pay Connecticut's personal property tax.
Fudging your residence is, for the rich, who have many homes, a standard operation. If every rich person in America, was subjected to the type of scrutiny Manafort has been, and heavily fined for their activity (the normal way to treat tax evaders) we would have a balanced budget.
16
@Peter Zenger So this would be a good start.
2
It takes authentic discipline, I think, not to rush to judgment over Manafort’s complicity in basically systematically stealing some years ago money due to the US Treasury, for those presently so repulsed by Trump as president. And this because of Manafort’s subsequent connection to Trump’s political campaign that wound up successful. That, for the sake of justice though, is the civic ... if not personal ... obligation of every citizen. What seems to be very much worth considering in following the Manafort trial, no matter how it turns out, is how personally destructive the drive for wealth can be, including even possibly when conducted within the rules of law. Avarice is a big deal, no exceptions. Pyrrhic victories aren’t. The concern for the “economy” is, however, so pronounced in this nation. One has to wonder: To what end?
2
It's just the beginning. Blaming the others has become the familiar phenomenon of the Trumpist propaganda and/or legal defensive slogans. Trump could not distance himself from the trial forever. He and his children will soon be dragged into this "OK Alexandria."
Lock them up.
5
Manafort's lawyers' "deflection" approach is entirely predictable. They had nothing else to work with. Mr. Mueller is a cool, intelligent and calculated prosecutor. He will certainly prove Manafort is a criminal, beyond a shadow of a doubt, even if the judge is Right-leaning. Once done, his trial in September/October will benefit from Manafort's proven unreliability as a dependable witness. Even if Trump pardons Manafort, which he is likely to do, lasting damage will be done to the GOP, not to Mr. Trump, as Mr. Trump is not the real problem in the present government. He's just a flash of Fool's Gold in the pan. More and more, the midterms are looking like they may shape up to be the Blue Wave the majority quietly hope for.
8
I have had two, maybe three opportunities to serve on a "jury with my peers" but never made the cut. One time we were all sitting in the room awaiting the start and someone came in and said - "You are all dismissed, a settlement has been reached." Personally there are two things I wish: That I could serve on this jury and I would love the opportunity to be on a Grand Jury - perhaps something dealing with Jared Kushner!
12
"Paul Manafort travels in circles that most people would never know,” his lawyer, Mr. Zehnle, said. “He lived a lifestyle that most people can only dream of.”
What an odd thing for a defense lawyer to say in a financial fraud case. I can see why the prosecution would make such statements, and they did here, but what point is Mr. Zehnle trying to make here? Rich people are to be held with awe? Or that they are above the law? I doubt that will go down well for any one outside the gilded circle. Strange opening tactic.
51
It's the Trump-I-am-rich-and-therefor-above-the-laws-others-must-obey Defense.
7
This jumped out at me, also. It's a defense tactic, rooted in TV "reality shows" such as "The Apprentice" , which could backfire. It's apropos, that a defense lawyer applies it in the case of a Trump associate.
Current society's adulation and emulation of the wealthy and powerful is a tricky theme to advance here. The "disconnect and dislike, after 15 minutes of fame", on the part of the viewer, can be quite vicious.
2
@Memi von Gaza "Rich people are to be held with awe? Or that they are above the law?" Frank Bruni said it well a day or two ago: "They confuse wealth with merit, glitter with character, and they’re all about fast lanes and short cuts, which is to say that they’re reflections of him (Trump)."
1
Al Capone was finally convicted of tax fraud and sentenced to eleven years in jail.Mr.Manafort's lame efforts to blame his bank fraud on a bookkeeper will not protect him.It is safe to say he did not pay taxes on his ill gotten gains.The IRS will have the last word.
14
Since the evidence has not been disclosed yet, I strongly disagree with your conclusions.
The Chicago Federal Savings Bank loaned Mr Manafort $17M which they have stated was based on appropriate collateral.
1
Will Mr Manafort blame his lawyers' defense strategy of "blame others" when the jury returns its verdict?
13
Calm down America.
Let's leave the issues to the investigation and the courts.
I am an Australian who has a stake in the debate.
There are many issues to debate at law.
Be aware that the Internet Research Agency based in Russia captures negative views of America and according to National Public Radio has been fiddling with Facebook USA.
I assert that the US is more than its current president and that issues of family nepotism are being handled by your courts.
Cynicism is not helpful.
Seeding doubt concerning US Justice is a Putin ploy I assert.
I do not see a flotilla of refugees lining up for domicile in Russia, North Korea or China.
Mr Trump is subject to your Constitution.
Let's be patient about how your legal system deals with issues.
Perhaps vote.
21
Actually, NO...Mr Trump is NOT "subject to the Constitution". He has proven that, time and time again. Our patience has run out, as we do not have the luxury of 'time' anymore.
7
more accurately mmcshane, the elected GOP members of congress and the former "conservative" party members have abdicated their responsibility to hold him accountable. Two different problems with two different solutions, both attainable by one action on the part of every offended American.
come November VOTE to remove the GOP from control of Congress. Then we can solve the two problems.
18
AMERICA IS IN CONSTITUTIONAL CRISIS, private citizen.
You calm down. WE THE PEOPLE are going to fight like hell to save/preserve/restore OUR United States of America.
By the way, the Robber Barons are coming after YOUR country, too, with the help of your home-grown Google (Alphabet). Maybe you work for them?
2
This trial will indeed be the acid test of whether the lies of Manafort, Trump, and all the associated low life characters who are up to their eyeballs in Russian deals will get away with it or not. "And justice for All...?" We shall see!
29
Judge Napolitano explains that Manafort was exonerated from these same charges eight years ago by . . . of all people, then-prosecutor Rod Rosenstein. Rosenstein will be the first witness for the defense at this trial. He will have some explaining to do.
3
two things wrong with that claim.
1) it is made by one of the Trump-extremist shills that earn an income by spinning conspiracy theories.
2) Manafort was NOT exonerated, they just did not charge him. Two different things.
Furthermore let's assume for conversation sake, that there was an "exoneration" determination (even though there was no indictment, no charges were filed or court case heard).
Don't you think his attorney would have been shouting that in his opening statement? If true, it would be a factual, provable, and documented situation that Manafort's attorneys would have been spreading all over the news media for works.
It would have been in every pre-trial filing they made, and every motion hearing they had would have included that claim.
But no, crickets on this issue, until they managed to get one of the Trump shills to speak on Fox & Friends and to Alex Jones at InfoWars.
6
Face it, the fact that Mr Gate's has turned government witness is going to make his testimony suspect at best. Of course he is going to do and say whatever he can to alleviate his own guilt and lay it on Mr Manafort. I'm not a fan of either gentleman but I have always felt that government witnesses who themselves are guilty are absolutely terrible witnesses.
2
It's not like Gates had a choice. He didn't, and neither will Trump.
3
so under your belief, the "best evidence" possible in a case should not be used. That makes no sense what so ever.
The Feds always have tons more evidence than just a co-operating witness, but by trying to diminish the value of their testimony you assist Manafort and criminals like him.
Rethink your position and apply critical thinking to what you say.
4
"He lived a lifestyle that most people can only dream of."
Most people I know dream of being able to pay their bills and having adequate health coverage for their families. I actually find his lifestyle of so called luxury and vapid excess to be kind of disgusting. I mean, who blows through sixty million dollars to sell your soul for an ostrich coat? Really?
71
Agreed C. Cooper. I find his lifestyle very distasteful and would not want to live it and I would not want friends who have his lifestyle.
8
Agreed. I left the high wages and high stress of California's tech sector for a life of peace and quiet and time spent in pursuits other than earning and spending money. I'm not the only one of my friends to do this.
5
Just like the big brother who blames everything on his little brother. This is not a real defense. The paper trail evidence seems overwhelming. The best thing that can happen is that somehow it is linked to Trump.
31
Would any of this matter if, as I understand it, Trump ends up pardoning Managort, Don Jnr, Kushner?
Why bother? This Manafort seems to have gazillion money to go through the motions of this trial.... knowing fully well that he will be pardoned.
4
1) you cannot use dirty money to pay for your defense
2) his accounts have been frozen
3) If Trump tries to pardon any of those people, particularly if the D's take any part of Congress this November, the dogs will be losed in a fashion that will scare the orange off the 70 year old baby.
4) not trying criminal cases because of the "threat" of a possible pardon amounts to letting criminals in high office do anything they want with no consequences.
5) not trying to these complaints signals the world that the U.S. is corrupt as the Kremlin.
9
I’ve heard that manafort’s insane decision to fight this rather than turn on trump likely stems from his desire the avoid consuming polonium or be thrown out a window by his Ukrainian “friends”
40
When and Where the trump campaign and manafort come together will always be the interesting part: manafort owed big money to pro-Russian Ukraine oligarchs and disappeared for some time, only to show up as a member of trump’s campaign shortly after contacting said Oligarchs to ask “ how can I make you whole again?” And then you have Trump suddenly receiving the benefit of all those same techniques used to elect pro-Russian Ukrainian politicians right down to pirate social media accounts used to sow devisions among Democrats and all the other sleaze ( sadly, I am aware that the Ukrainians that Hillary’s state dept. supported were no better or quite possibly worse) Hopefully Mueller will eventually get to this part of manafort’s activities.
8
Televise all trials of national importance...it would be the greatest educational tool of them all. And might stop others from doing the same things.
Hugh Massengill, Eugene Oregon
25
A gentleman's business is his own and his responsibility concerning his management of his income and assets do not require the intrusion of the IRS and other government agencies.
Intrusion into the privacy of a gentleman's private life is not necessary.
Gentlemen happily pay taxes and give a bit more by donation to charities, privately.
Gentlemen choose to honor fidelity to one's spouse in perpetuity.
It is not my role to make comment on the personal standards of the US Commander in Chief.
Gentlemen maintain their dignity according to certain unwritten limits.
Any 1970s Vietnam grunt Australian, Kiwi or American would know what I will write next concerning being an Australian Army Officer which reflects US and UK standards.
The US code states explicitly states the standard of a gentleman concerning conduct "Unbecoming an officer and a gentleman":
The elements are:
That the accused did or omitted to do certain acts; and
That, in the circumstances, these acts or omissions constituted conduct unbecoming an officer and gentleman. A gentleman is understood to have a duty to avoid:
- dishonest acts
- displays of indecency, lawlessness, dealing unfairly, indecorum, injustice, or acts of cruelty.
Mr Manafort's manifest of wealth is not an issue per se.
If he as fellow gentleman declared these trinkets to IRS there is no issue.
Gentlemen maintain standards.
Revenue for local police forces are essential vide Blandford, Massachusetts.
Can I donate?
1
The human mind is a bizarre thing.
7
The more one reads about the undercurrents emanating from doubtful dealings on a world scale, no less, by powerful people, political and those in the know, shatters the convenient bubble spouted incessantly "there's nothing to it really, all fake". Truth will certainly out. Mr. Mueller on the job.
7
If Manafort doesn't testify he's toast. If he does testify he'll be destroyed by the prosecutors. Yeah, yeah - the judge will instructed the jury not to hold his silence against him. But w/o Manafort himself testifying to support his "somebody else did it to me" defense, he's a goner.
5
Is the criminal Trump's pardoning of his criminal friends in itself a crime under New York state law?
7
Paul Manafort has nothing at all to fear. Should he be given a prison sentence, the President will pardon him, as he will all of the other people with whom he has cooperated, or who have critical knowledge.
4
Robert Mueller does not bring cases to trial without thorough and credible ACTUAL evidence. This trial will be a canary in the coal mine for the power of Fox News and Donald Trump’s ability to undermine our system of justice with their skulduggery. Even in these comments, I notice more than one unfounded personal attack on Mueller, as if that has any relevance to this case. May the truth of what is surely credible evidence will out, for our very democracy depends on it.
30
Agreed. Problem is, Trump has successfully rendered the truth, facts and even actual evidence irrelevant.
5
"I blame my partner putting $60 million in my bank account and buying me a $15,000 ostrich hair coat!"
14
Let's hope those carrying signs that read "Lock him up" were referring to trump.
11
Blaming a subordinate for your tax evasions seems the functional equivalent of "the dog ate my homework".
That excuse never worked for me.
16
It was all the fault of the people I paid to do as I told them ... is not a credible defence strategy.
15
Interesting strategy: the master manipulator of political parties and corrupt governments was taken advantage of by underlings. How was he supposed to know that taxes were owed on legal and questionable "earnings"?
22
When do they roll out the state charges related to these crimes? Trump cannot pardon those. I don't care whether Manafort dies in state or federal prison.
24
Presidents need to be held to account, even more so than others. They represent the executive branch of the nation. We trust them to represent us and to deal with everyone honestly and fairly. If we do not allow the Mueller investigation to continue its pursuit.of the truth, we will be sending a message to criminals that it is all right for them to run for president, to engage in corrupt, mendacious, and self-serving activities, and to enrich themselves and their cronies at our expense. We are watching them do this with their tax cuts for themselves. They attack our law enforcement because they don't want anyone to stop their self-dealing and their looting of the treasury.
We need to fight so that our country can again be represented by honest people, so that we can restore something of our now-tattered reputation around the world, and to restore our own self-respect as Americans.
19
I believe this trial is a great thing for America. After all this talk from trump and friends about unfair, rigged, witch hunt etc.. we will now have a presentation of evidence and a jury of plane people will decide just how rigged and unfair the whole thing was.
12
A jury of plain people ... as long as they are truly neutral and are not fanatically attached to a certain party.
5
The defense is trying to turn a criminal case into a matter of negligence, a civil case, an interesting strategy. After all the facts are in, the government must prove mens rea, i.e., criminal intent, while the defense will contend that the defendant never formed the intent to defraud.
5
"My friends made me do it!" brilliant defense
7
He cam blame his underlings, but Manafort was the one spending millions on houses, expensive suits, Persian carpets, etc.
15
The only thing that gives me pause is the prosecutions emphasis on Manafort's extravagant lifestyle - which he could have afforded even if the claim that he evaded taxes on $15M of his $60M in consulting income are true. It seems to me that prosecutors are hoping that jurors of ordinary means will be offended by Manafort spending $15,000 on a coat, $21,000 on a watch, and $800,000 on business clothing. (And then there is the Mercedes! He must be a scoundrel!) All of those attempts to prejudice the jury against Mr. Manafort does not telegraph confidence in the prosecution's case.
2
I'm offended that he was able to spend $15M on luxuries which should have been paid to the IRS. The prosecution doesn't have to prove he's a scoundrel because of his spending habits. They have the documents that will likely prove he knowingly defrauded the US Government. I'm surprised that you suggest the prosecution has a weak case on the first day of what is expected to be a 3 week trial.
15
Mr. Gianelli, it is called "motive" and it is called "greed." Yes, it has a subliminal impact on jurors, the extravagance. But it also explains why a person earning so much money would cheat to have more money for disposable items. Interesting that you would only see it in terms of an improper attempt to prejudice jurors.
5
Years ago, when I bought an apartment in cash, the IRS immediately contacted me to inquire how I could have managed that. I went to my lawyer, who had also written up the sales contract, and he replied that it was a frugal lifestyle that had enabled me to avoid credit. Strange, how the IRS pounces on a normal citizen, but never questions the wealthy.
10
Let the dominoes start falling with Manafort.
28
Manafort is toasted, everybody knows it! He is waiting to get a pardon from Trump...I hope Mueller will avoid it by some State laws indictment and conviction. Cohen should be a most interesting case in relation with Trump...let's see.
9
Never a strong defense to blame your subordinate, especially when you signed the documents and got most of the illegal benefits
190
Ignorance of the law is and never has been a winning defense strategy.
116
Trump is blowing up the Republican Party -- and himself. I can think of no American parties more deserving of detonation.
68
I can't wait for the bank manager to take the stand and describe how Manafort promised him the Secretary of the Army position (if only he could get a multi-million dollar loan).
Spin that, Paul.
63
Pretty sure this is the defense that average Americans use, too.
Like when you get pulled over.
"The other cars made me do it!!!" "Others were managing my accelerator!"
Give him a life sentence, move on to Gates and then give him a life sentence too. Or better yet, deport them to Ukraine.
21
It is now clear why Trump has never released his tax returns - if he does he will be spending his days doing the Jailhouse Rock and not twittering.
52
How - pray tell - is any of that inferable from the prosecutor's opening statement in the Manafort case, asserting that ten years ago Manafort failed to report foreign accounts and underreported his income to the IRS?
1
The 'Shaggy' defense? Really? "It wasn't me..." Hmmmnnn - that's one jury I'd kill to be on...the entertainment quotient is already off the scale...and it's only day 1.
17
Fat's in the fire. Trump surrounded himself with mirrors of himself. It's all he knows. Greedy and boorish people. Conspicuous consumers. The list of people accused of abusing their offices while on Trump's watch is growing. Some have resigned, some have plead guilty, some are hiding in the shadows hoping to be ignored or overlooked. If Obama, Trump's personal punching bag, had done any of this stuff he would have been 86'd long ago. But Trump, delusional, impressionable, fraudulent and greedy himself only knows these types of people. He thinks this is how the world works. And that makes some sense when you look at the smarmy world he is a part of.
52
perfect! Thanks for so eloquently expressing my sentiments!
7
Since Manafort has really good lawyers, he will probably walk - that's how our justice system works. The fact that his bail was revoked, and he has already been incarcerated, will work to his advantage, i.e. he has already been punished, so even the haters on the jury will be able to walk away satisfied.
I'm not expecting much. I've lost all faith in Mueller, since I found out that he had a membership in the private Trump National Golf Club in Washington D.C. What kind if fighter for "truth and justice" joins a rich man's gold club?
7
Mueller is a partner in Wilmer-Hale, which enjoys average profits per partner of $2.1M and I suspect that his slice of the pie is substantially above average. Mueller belongs to rich man's clubs because he is a rich man.
5
Mueller resigned his membership in the club in 2011.
6
That statement is so irrelevant to anything that is currently going on. Mueller's law firm most likely paid for his membership as golfing it traditionally used for networking. However it isn't pertinent to Manafort's trial and is no one's business.
7
I wish Rudy Giuliani was on the defense team - someone please pass the popcorn!
19
Just another coffee boy. They sure drank a lot of coffee on the Trump campaign!
24
Doesn't the prosecution argue first ?
Funny, when a Democrat is on trial, you don't get headlines favorable to the defense.
4
"The dog made me eat my homework"? ???
That should sound reasonable to 40% of the country!
18
That evil Gates forced poor paulie to live a lavish lifestyle and not pay any taxes. BTW Gates isn’t even necessary for the prosecution, the fact that taxes weren’t paid is all they need.
31
If that’s all Manafort has, I.e.. Blaming Gates, they might as well sentence him now
21
I remember well the deposition in which Bill Clinton denied having relations with a person. When I listen, or read one of the incessant tweets, from Trump denying he had any relations with Manafort, I ask myself-who is more honorable in both instances, and who would be more believable to a jury.
It is possible that Manafort will not cave to any pressure, initially, but, if it looks grim that he maybe a resident of a graybar hotel, the falling on the sword for Trump routine may be cast to the side-unless there is some coercion from Trump's inner sanctum....which of course he will deny.
6
Whatever happens in this trial, let's not forget that Paul Manafort isn't only a guy who made $60 million doing campaign dirty work for Putin's puppet in the Ukraine - he's a guy who made $60 million doing campaign dirty work for Putin's puppet in the Ukraine, blew through all of it, conspired with his ex(?)-KGB henchman on how to leverage his campaign managership of a US presidential candidate to "get whole," and then after getting nailed for all of that, still had the gall to attempt to tamper with witnesses while awaiting trial. None of that is really in any serious question.
I honestly don't know how deep the rabbit hole goes with Trump himself, but his former campaign manager is the absolute epitome of political corruption. It's really quite baffling why Manafort would take his chances at having all his dirty laundry aired at trial instead of cutting a deal and squealing like a pig - or perhaps it isn't, given the powers he's aligned with, and the fact that he has a wife and two children.
21
It's not baffling. Manafort is fully expecting a presidential pardon.
27
This is what is known as the SODDI defense--Some Other Dude Did It.
21
Shout out to Mr Manafort
Hey Paulie, bet you didn’t see this coming 18 months ago, did ya !
18
Start learnin' how to microtome garlic with a razor blade, be my advice.
6
12 average American citizens have to decide if Manafort is a crook. And then when this trial is over.....he has another one to face in September. Blaming someone else sounds so middle schoolish. I would say he’s pinning his hopes on a pardon.
36
Manafort fears the Russians more than the legal system of the United States of America.
Hence he will accept the long prison period which could
last until his end of days.
Will Manafort flip?
21
Will Putin and the KGB/GRU save Manafort?
10
Sure, this is the moment we have all been waiting for, but everyone relax. Weakest witnesses on both sides are presented first. Then, it ratchets up. The same applies for the level of defendant. The best is yet to come.
8
This is not so. Strong witnesses are presented first and last, while weaker ones are buried in the middle. People tend to remember the first and last information they hear.
5
When I worked as a prosecutor we loved "the dog ate my homework" defense.
I suspect Rick Gates has all his shots and a flea collar.
So why won't Manofart roll over and take a plea?
Oh yeah.....
.....Novichuk.
40
Has the jury reached a verdict?
Yes Your Honor we have.
We the jury find the defendant Paul Manafort Not Guilty.
2
"Thoughts and prayers" for Paul Manafort.
50
yeah, let's give him some that! ha
4
“But the prosecutors said Mr. Manafort deliberately hid the money he made so he could indulge his taste for luxury, paying millions in cash for homes in the United States, driving a Mercedes-Benz convertible and splurging on purchases like a $21,000 watch and a $15,000 jacket made from an ostrich.”
A man who buys or wears “a $15,000 jacket made from an ostrich” deserves to be in prison, alongside Cruella DeVille.
104
And the late Leona Helmsley...."only the l;little people pay taxes".
17
I hated Manafort even more (if that's possible) when I read about his jacket.
8
Juries in the EDVa generally include well -educated government workers. Their understanding of complicated cases is better
than average and their verdicts tend to be fair. The jury was picked quickly, which means both sides liked the panel. A complicated case and a jury capable of understanding the nuisances. This is pretty much a must win for the government Mueller indicted in the EDVa to get a jury like this one. Do not underestimate the importance of this case. If they can’t get Manafort, getting Trump will be a steep uphill battle.
35
Q) "Your honor, what is the truth?"
A) "Well, counselor, that's exactly what we're going to find out."
Tell you what Paul, you didn't want to make a deal with Mueller, so let's make another deal instead - If it's "really true" that you're innocent, then it's also "really true" that we won't send you to prison for the rest of your life. Fair enough? Do we have an accord?
PS: I don't think the, "My associates forced to me take all the money they stole!", is going to cut it this time 'round Paul.
PPS: Anytime someone quotes an attorney, it should always be prefixed with the disclaimer - "Professional liar, so and so, says blah, blah, blah..." Nothing against attorneys in general, but, they are, by definition, as reliable as White House Press Secretaries in conveying the "truth".
8
Yes I think you insulted the sensibilities of almost every American in that post.
Why don't we wait for the evidence to be presented before we send Mr Manafort to the lowest level of the dungeons?
@Renegade
If you notice, I didn't suggest we send Manafort to jail without a conviction. I merely pointed out that as long as he's telling "the truth", he should have nothing to worry about. The sarcasm, of course, is predicated on my belief that Mr. Manafort is a professional liar of the highest order. However, that sarcasm doesn't preclude the possibility that he is, in fact, innocent.
I find it interesting that every time I post a comment regarding suspected GOP malfeasance, someone comes along to imply, incorrectly, that I would have them thrown in prison extra-judiciously. That is not the Democratic way. However, it is the Republican way, what with the "lock-her-up" types, so, I must conclude that they are simply projecting. I.E. "As Republicans, we constantly condemn Democrats without facts, logic, evidence, or reason", but, when the subject is a Republican, it's always, "We should wait and see...".
So, when Republicans extra-judiciously condemn Democrats it's "fair", but, when a Democrat suggests that if a Republican is found guilty he should be held accountable, it's always, "You're being unfair".
In other words, they project their love of trial-less condemnation on to comments where there isn't any, and then decry it. - Another example of the "hypocritical duplicity" which is the defining characteristic of the modern GOP. One set of rules for Democrats, and no rules for Republicans.
* By what right do you speak for, "the sensibilities of almost every American"?
Sure, give justice a chance.
But why would any federal case against a friend of Trump's not be wiped off the books with that pardon-pen?
Trump's team of white-collar vile bad guys gets immunity & impunity.
& Trump's base will cheer.
But get caught walking while unarmed & black? Instant death penalty.
& Trump's base will cheer.
41
"The dog ate my client's homework, your honor."
25
Unless Manafort shows some remorse, the jury will not be sympathetic to him.
He can't argue that the government's three dozen witnesses who are going to testify against him are all liars and he alone is not.
38
@Thomas. If Manafort shows remorse it means he did something wrong. That is not a sound defense strategy. And if that is his lawyer’s strategy, he will be sued for malpractice.
5
Michjas is absolutely right. Just ask the Man in the Glass Booth.
4
Will he testify? Generally jurors like to hear denials of guilt from the defendant not his lawyer. Testifying opens Manafort up to cross-examination which can be devastating if he waffles (I don't remember, recall) or lies. It will be interesting to see how this plays out.
3
Manafort's blaming Gates just like Guiliani is blaming Cohen. They both have the same defense strategy. Lame.
35
Mr. Trump's vapidly rosy opinions about Paul Manafort have no influence on the law. I can only assume that his vouching for a tax evader is included here to remind us that the prosecutors in this trial have one eye on the Oval Office. The president's wistful-sounding sadness at seeing justice brought to bear has a ring of real worry to it.
26
Why would Manafort reject a plea deal? No doubt he has been promised a Trump pardon if and when his defense fails-- which is likely given the admission by his defense team that those of importance around him committed criminal fraud.
19
Hmm. Was Gates also to blame for not accurately accounting for all those millions of dollars which, allegedly, were not accounted for in Manafort's federal income tax returns? Maybe Gates was his personal accountant, also.
27
Yes, it's bank and tax fraud. But those are just fancy words for theft. President Trump's campaign manager Paul Manafort stole $15 million from the American people. Manafort will blame it all on Gates who apparently tricked Manafort into not paying his taxes, and living a life of luxury.
43
Let's not forget, Gangster Al Capone went to and died in prison - not for his 'gang' activities of robbery/murder, but for TAX EVASION!
23
Betty, Capone didn’t have a friend in the Oval - Manafort does.
5
Me. Trump, your buddy Manafort cannot be “a nice man” while “being treated like Al Capone”. Like you, he is a psychopath, killing far more people than Capone, via cruel social policy and enabling environmental carnage.
Prison is too good for either of you, but especially you, Donald.
51
If convicted, will it be prison or pardon for manafort?
https://www.vox.com/2018/7/31/17604848/paul-manafort-trial-trump-mueller...
8
They’re like the circle on hoodlums in Reservoir Dogs, pointing guns at each others’ head.
23
@GH
Except they're all like Mr. Pink, the guy that don't tip!
1
Many people posting here are saying Manafort will be pardoned by Trump if he is convicted. I think that is unlikely. I believe that would be the first step toward impeachment, and Trump's helpers know this and will stop him. The only way he'd do it anyway, is if Manafort knows stuff that would get Trump some hard time behind bars. I doubt that's the case. Trump is very canny when it comes to knowing the difference between having to pay people in a lawsuit, and going to prison. He's cheated 100s of people over the years, but not done anything that would get him locked up.
10
@Donald S. - "He's cheated 100s of people over the years, but not done anything that would get him locked up."
I think you're mistaken. He's not gotten locked up, that's true - but that doesn't mean he hasn't done anything that SHOULD get him locked up. It's called having lots of money. The super rich don't pay for their crimes. But those days may be coming to an end.
33
If Manafort knows stuff that would get Trump some hard time behind bars, then a pardon might well result in Manafort losing his 5th Amendment right against self-incrimination. In that case, Mueller could force Manafort to testify against Trump by court order and threat of imprisonment for contempt if he failed to comply. So far, Trump has only pardoned those who do not present such a threat to him. It could be that Trump is holding out the possibility of a pardon to keep Manafort from flipping and then Trump won't actually pardon Manafort until Trump is about to leave office and impeachment or indictment are no longer serious threats as a practical matter. We'll see.
11
Manafort is like the Commanding Officer of a ship that runs aground, trying to blame junior officers. It won’t get him very far.
He doesnt have many options, though, considering the evidence that the prosecution has against him.
18
So Gates prevented Manafort from paying taxes on his off-shore accounts and made Manafort lie on his applications for loans? Is that the defense the jury is expected to believe? Really?
3
OK so if someone stole the money from you that doesn’t mean that you’re innocent because you were originally in on the deal to commit a crime in the first place to get the money. What lame defense.
8
Given how many insider trading cases the DOJ has lost recently, nothing is a slam dunk.
8
If we knew the chairman of Trumps campaign spent $15, 000 on a vest made out of an ostrich before the 2016 presidential election, would some people have chosen not to vote at all instead of voting for Donald Trump, or chosen to have voted for Hillary Clinton instead of Donald Trump?
As Geraldo Rivera used to say, inquiring minds want to know...!
12
Sure they would - those DJT supporters who struggle to pay their bills were driven by hate and fear.
4
Why is Mueller prosecuting Manafort's tax evasion and money laundering indictments? Why wouldn't he hand them over to federal prosecutors in DC and Virginia? That leads me to suspect there is more there than we know. Mueller did delegate Michael Cohen investigation to SDNY. And we do know that Michael Cohen has things to add to basic Russian conspiracy investigation with Trump and associates.
6
It will all come out in the end. I think Manafort's close Russian connections is the reason this case was not handed off to local Federal prosecutors. The judge heard argument about this and determined that this was within the purview of the Special Counsel's authority.
12
If, after all this time, this is the best defense Manafort's lawyers can come up with, then I'm guessing the only reason he didn't plead guilty is because he's holding out for a sweeter deal from Mueller. Otherwise, this is actually fairly pathetic.
18
Deals off the table. Manafort lost his window of time and Mueller doesn’t go begging. Who needs a Manafort when you have other resources?
9
Manafort may not have been with Trump that long but he was there long enough to learn Trump's first rule of politics; Whenever something goes wrong, blame someone else. All Manafort needs to do is convince one out of twelve jurors that the blame belongs elsewhere. Look how well it has worked for Trump.
12
TRUMP CORPORATION JOB APPLICATION
One question:
1. If you have been found to have made a mistake or committed a crime, what action would you take?:
a. Ask for the question to be rephrased in Russian.
b. Claim the issue is unimportant and a waste of your time and the questioner is unAmerican.
c. Blame anyone not related to you for the wrongdoing.
d. Step up and admit you're human and willing to take responsibility.
Answer: (c.)
11
Manafort takes a page from Trumpelstiltskin, spinning the ill-gained straw from Yanukovyich and spinning it into laundered lucre to fill his coffers with sundry and sordid goods to cover his tracks. It was not for nothing that Manafort became Trump’s campaign manager to remove the sanctions for his pro-Russia boss and manage Trump’s Kremlin cabal to spin this spin master into the presidency. Now we need Mueller’s team to spin dry them before locking them all up.
13
It doesn't matter what happens in this trial or the next....Trump will pardon this lowlife and Manafort will walk away free and clear.
3
As well he should. If he weren't Trump's campaign chair for a short three months he would never have been even charged. And the charges have nothing to do with Trump, his campaign or alleged "collusion" which Mueller was tasked to investigate. So it is only fair that Manafort not become a victim of purely political witch hunt.
If Trump pardons Manafort, Manafort ceases to be in legal jeopardy and can be forced to tell everything he knows.
Trump is caught in a vise of his own making.
14
David/Brisbane - So he should go free even if he's actually guilty of the crimes? What difference does it make how he was caught? Besides, his Russian dealings combined with his prominence in the trump campaign made him total fair game for Mueller, who by the way is a lifelong Republican, who by the way was appointed by trump's own Justice Dept.
The whole witch hunt claim was lame to begin with, and it's getting really old. Let justice run its course, and we'll see who's left standing.
9
This trial stinks like dead fish, and I am afraid that corruption and political bias will prevail. Manafort might end up dying in jail not for tax evasion, but for his connection to Trump. Shame on Mueller!
2
Some people have more empathy for crooks like Manafort than kids in cages.
44
It sounds as if Maria likes criminals who aren't caught.
And Manafort was caught only because of his association with the Trump Campaign and the Russian connection.
20
Not if the jurors have anything to do with it. I can't really see any Trump voter (and there got to be at least 5 on that jury by pure statistics) voting to convict. Purely political nature of those charges is just too obvious.
It ain't me babe, no, no, no, it ain't me babe yer lookin 4 babe.
10
I wonder how quickly he will get a pardon from trump... No need to even bother with a sensible defense (the dog ate my tax returns?) because it will all go away in the end.
6
Trump may pardon Manfort's Federal tax evasion, but Trump cannot pardon the likely lack of reporting the Ukrainian income on his state tax returns.
21
Thanks Joe
5
There is an ominous quality to this man. He seems to exude an air of aloofness that could not be pulled off by most people in his circumstances. He may be convinced that a pardon is in the works so won’t cooperate with Mueller’s investigation. We don’t know what the outcome will be with any certainty but the charges are very serious,, bank fraud, income tax.evasion,conspiracy.
This man was chairman of Trump’s campaign. It feels like there will be be much more revealed as this progresses and a network of corruption will be revealed. It’s frightening because it involves the highest echelons of government.
And yet we still have the Trump loyalists inhabiting their parallel universe where they see this as a witch hunt based on fake news. God help us.
51
It is very difficult for me to believe that any jury could be empaneled in New York where 50% at least did not hate Trump. Of course, 48% support the President. So the result has to be either 1) an acquittal or 2) more probably, a hung jury. Out of 12 jurors, almost certainly one or two will have a strong political bias. refusing to join the other side. If the majority of jurors voted to hold MANNAFORD not guilty, more probably the holdout could be persuaded to join the majority-but the opposite is not true. A holdout "not guilty" vote is unlikely to vote guilty.
3
This trial is taking place in Virginia, not New York. Manafort will be sent away for enough time to equal a life sentence, then he will be tried for failure to register as a foreign agent, for which he be found guilty and will have more time stacked on. I trump pardons him, then he will be tried in a state court, from which trump cannot pardon him. Manafort is over.
30
So Trump hired a guy who was earning tens of millions of dollars to run his campaign but this guy had such lousy money management skills that he had to get loans (change to fraudulent loans if convicted) to maintain the lifestyle he had established. Sounds like Trump needs to do a better job of vetting employees.
Perhaps Trump should read the FBI account of Al Capone, a gangster convicted of tax fraud, concealed weapons, and contempt of court who spent the last decade of life dealing with the consequences of syphilis- dementia and paresis.
When you look at the prison photo of Manafort, you might agree that "the clothes make the man."
31
I am a criminal defense attorney and will be starting a trial next week for shoplifting. It will take a day to pick the jury and I pick juries rather quickly.
15
According to Manafort, Gates tricked him into illegal gains so he Manafort could live a life of extravagant luxuries... Oy vey!
53
There are dozens of Paul Manaforts in Washington.None of them are ever brought to trial because its not important when there's billions in graft daily that is kept private in the insider circles.He would be on the street today without exposing himself to scrutiny during the Presidential campaign. The judge nearly threw the case out because of the filthy corrupt connection to the Mueller fiasco.
3
You, like another poster here, seem to like criminals who aren't caught. Sounds like a Trumpism to me. I would expect someone from the great state of PA to want all criminals to be prosecuted regardless of their affiliations with particular politicians.
21
Well ,Mr. Manafort has not been convicted ,of anything.
Anyone thinking that they are going to get straightforward information linking Trump, or perhaps even Manafort for Treason in this particular trial may be dissapointed. However, it serves Mueller's purposes on two important levels:
1. Manafort is facing the prospect of a long prison sentence of as much as 15 years in this first trial. This may lead him to strike a bargain on Mueller by cooperating on other more important matters.
2. Once it is established that Manafort illegally received millions of dollars in illegal payments from a foreign government, and that he sought to HIDE the receipt of these payments, it makes it MUCH easier for him to be convicted as being an unregistered foreign agent. Mueller can then take him before a jury and question WHY he recieved these illegal millions and FOR WHAT REASON.
Independently of Trump, Manafort is not in a sustainable position.
29
Forget Russia. Forget Trump. Remember that Paul Manafort is accused of fudging his tax returns and that is the main thing to consider.
Was Manafort laundering money? If he is convicted then we can move on and ask to examine the tax returns of some other prominent citizens. Perhaps they were washing their money clean, too? No names yet. But they will come.
21
Manafort won't flip unless he is given some very special witness protection because if he goes to prison where there are any contacts with the Ukrainian mob he might need to watch his back. He doesn't like itchy prison uniforms. I think he will wait til the end before he decides which cards to play and which to hold.
19
Trump feels sorry for Manafort? Manafort was in hock to a Russian Oligarch and offered a private "briefing" on the Trump campaign to mend the relationship with the Russian. Other Trump associates (Michael Flynn, Michael Cohen and Elliott Broidy) used their connection to Trump for personal financial gain. The stable genius only hires the best people.
47
He might be pardoned, but he would lose every penny he got in fines,
9
Thought same but name somebody who doesn’t want to lock him up.
1
I understand Manafort must admit he is guilty first to be pardoned. Manafort is finished no matter what but I guess he can always move to the Ukraine and start all over. Hear it's lovely, especially in the winter.
9
@JM Actually, Ukraine is lovely, even in winter. More importantly, they don't want him, unless perhaps it is to jail him, which is less lovely than ours. Remember, Ukraine had a revolution and people died to overthrow the Putin-puppet who paid Manafort. Maybe you meant Manafort could start over in Russia like Yanukovych, but even there, he might just be considered a loose end.
1
Am I the only one who finds it odd that they could impanel a jury in one day? This is usually a long process full of gamesmanship, even in trials of very little importance to the public.
18
When is the last time you tried a case in federal court? Federal judges don’t let lawyers spend hours (much less days) as some state court judges do. They have the jury questionaires going in and avoid wasting time to impanel a jury. And they do not tolerate gamesmanship. If you are suggesting that this is unusual - much less nefarious - you are not experienced in federal trial practice.
34
I don't understand why everyone is focusing on the shiny thing. Of course he is guilty and will be so found, and fined and sentenced to many years in prison...only to then be pardoned by the president. This we have all known for many months.
As Roger Stone's former partner, and thus "related" to the president, it was transparently obvious that Manafort would deny all, give nothing to the Feds (as in "rat out" the president), and then, once found guilty and sentenced, be pardoned and be on his merry way. The question is what are we going to do when the president pardons him?
35
A pardon would be further evidence of obstruction of justice. trump should tread lightly. It is one thing to pardon people he has had no dealing with, but quite another when it is one of HIS "associates."
17
The evangelicals will "forgive" Manafort and Trump for having mercy and pardoning the repentant sinner.
All will live happily ever after.
6
The state of Virginia gets a shot at him. And presidential pardons only apply to federal offenses.
13
It's always the blame game with crooks big and small.
23
Wow, the sense of entitlement of these Republican operatives just knows no limit. They are entitled to their own counterfactual truth, the right to lie and abuse the public trust, and corrupt all those around them. Pretty much par for the course, eh Donald! What is to hate more: the amorality, the narrow-mindedness, or their arrogance? From an alternate dark universe!
39
I'd say Manafort blaming Gates is the least surprising development in this case so far. In a sense the entire trial is a sham because Trump will just pardon Manafort when it's over. What will voters think? It doesn't matter because Trump will quit within the year.
15
Every lawyer has to do his or her best to defend a client.
Evidently, Manafort blaming everyone else for what he is accused of is the best defense they could come up with.
Of course, it is characteristic of abusive people and sociopaths to never take responsibility for their own actions and to almost always blame others when they get caught. My wife made me mad, so I shot her; it's her fault.
I can't wait until all these scheming, self-serving, thoroughly corrupt Trump canaries rounded up by Mueller start to sing out against each other. And given their sleazy character, my bet is they will really sing.
"A man is known by the company he keeps." (Aesop)
67
It used to be that parents encouraged their children to read the papers, watch news, and keep current on political and social events. Now, we have criminals running our Republican campaigns and Republican government -- and the lesson learned? Never accept responsibility for your actions, lie, cheat, blame everyone else for your wrong-doings, break the law, throw money around, exploit women, collude with foreign enemies, and steal money from those who have less than you do.. Sounds like the Republican evangelicals need to pull out their 10 commandments -- oh, right, that only applies if it's not their party.
73
The publicly available portion of Rosenstein’s May 17, 2017 memorandum authorizing the investigation did not reference “collusion.” It authorized the investigation of (1) “any links and/or coordination between the Russian Government and individuals associated with the campaign of Donald J. Trump and (2) any matters that arose or may arise directly from that investigation.” That said, the follow-up August 2, 2017 (publicly available portion) on Manafort’s scope includes the phrase “colluding with the Russian government.”
7
I can predict the outcome of this circus before ot even started – if the jury well represents cross-section of American public, it will be a mistrial. No anti-Trumper will vote "innocent" and no Trump supported will vote guilty. This trial is way too politicised to render any objective judgement. Remember this comment.
8
its not a political contest - the jury is supposed to consider the evidence and determine reasonable doubt or not - that's all. I served on a very mixed jury on a murder trial - we found the defendant guilty based on the EVIDENCE - that's all.
10
Hopefully these jurors will follow the judge's instructions and follow the law.
7
I am not as cynical as David, but the fact is that most jury trials are crapshoots, even if the evidence appears one-sided. Many experienced trial lawyers will say the likelihood of a verdict either way is 50-50 no matter what. A "sure thing" certainly never rises above 70%. What the jury is supposed to do and what they actually do are not always the same thing. It only takes one juror to force a mistrial.
5
Manafort is the glaring example given of the crooked world of Trump. Manafort is in deep with oligarchs and ill gotten money. Was it just a coincidence that Trump picks a guy like Manafort to run his campaign, no. Manafort is part of a crowd that Trump world is familiar with, Russian money. And we have to ask ourselves, why is there such rabid support by Fox news hosts and some Republican politicians for a guy like Trump who has no redeeming values. I can only think of two reasons why these sycophants do what they do - payoffs or embarrassing information.
35
I'm so proud of Paul. As his daughters discussed in texts
n one exchange, daughter Jessica Manafort writes “Im not a trump supporter but i am still proud of dad tho. He is the best at what he does.” Her sister Andrea Manafort responded by referring to their father’s relationship with Trump as “The most dangerous friendship in America,” while in another exchange she called them “a perfect pair” of “power-hungry egomaniacs,” and asserted “the only reason my dad is doing this campaign is for sport. He likes the challenge. It's like an egomaniac's chess game. There's no money motivation.”
By contrast, the Manafort daughters and their mother seemed much more unsettled about Paul Manafort’s work as a political consultant for Yanukovych’s Russia-backed Party of Regions, which is a subject of renewed interest among investigators probing possible links between Trump’s campaign and Russia.
In one March 2015 exchange that appears to be between the two sisters, Andrea Manafort seems to suggest that their father bore some responsibility for the deaths of protesters at the hands of police loyal to Yanukovych during a monthslong uprising that started in late 2013.
“Don't fool yourself,” Andrea Manafort wrote. “That money we have is blood money.”
30
Yes, Mr President, it is exactly like Al Capone!
Everyone knew he was a crime boss, but his downfall was tax evasion, Mr. President. Tax evasion.
Think about that, Mr President. Not collusion, or obstruction of justice, or porn star payoffs with campaign money. Simple and irrefutable tax evasion.
86
No hard-working tax-paying american wants to see a billionaire get away with tax evasion.
14
We’re still waiting for Trump's Tax Returns - let NYT and the rest of the media focus on that. To paraphrase Trump - please hack the so-called President's tax returns please, in order to get real clarity about him. Focus, focus!!!
3
like trump, he does as he likes, then blames others. typical coward and bully
28
Manafort has already been judged guilty by the press so there is no real need for a jury! Off with his head, said the Red Queen!
7
But, with all of the finger pointing a confusion, I may need to visit Alice...
2
Anybody wonder why our president apparently imagines that justice itself is a SAD thing?
Justice can be painful but it is a rather essential thing for all of us as Americans to honor, work for, even crave. Let it flow....
29
how does a special prosecutor looking for collusion in the 2016 election end up charging a man with 12 yr old charges? makes no sense. only in a witch hunt can this happen.
3
I suggest that you read the iindictments against Manafort, and it will make a lot of sense to you.
1. Mueller's mandate requires him to look for evidence of foreign interference OF ANY SORT among anyone associated with the election in pretty much any way. The way these things work is that if, in the reasonable pursuit of his duties, related crimes are discovered, they may be prosecuted.
2.. The evidence being investigated by Mueller shows a PATTERN of collusion with Russia and Russian officials over the years. This repeated and consistent PATTERN of Conspiracy, makes it next to impossible for Manafort to plead ignorance of his subordinates actions.
If we find evidence of Manafort colluding with the Russians at ANY point in time, then I am in favor of whoever did so being prosecuted. Don't you agree?
18
He found a crime and as a prosecutor, he is obligated to indict. It makes perfect sense.
"witch hunt" is what guilty politicians scream these days. Both parties do it.
1
So clearly the special prosecutor should ignore the felony crimes that were may have been committed because the occured in the past? Sorry, but to me what makes no sense is notion that any responsible person should look the other way.
6
What’s the point of this trial? He’s obviously going to be found guilty and Trump will pardon him soon after.
1
The point is that we are guaranteed a trial by jury in our Constitution. The laws of the land are being followed.
8
Here is what is not being reported in the press. Manafort is a political operative. That means he has probably done work for the CIA. I am surprised that none of this has been raised during his court deliberations as he can make the case that his lavish lifestyle is a projection he makes as a part of his job.
Manafort may have some blame involved but if he and Gates were good friends he shouldn't have to scrutinize his friend's work and should focus on doing the job(s) he was hired to do. Ultimately, I don't see how Manafort will be found guilty or even if he is any of the decisions (including a guilty verdict) aren't over turned on appeal. Washington DC is a not only a political town but its politics are very liberal. Therefore, Manafort can claim jury bias and either get a new trial or (hopefully) a pardon by the President.
1
@AZRandFan
So, it's okay for political operatives to evade taxes? Is that really okay with you?
8
Sounds as if the defense has come pretty close to admitting a crime occurred. Unfortunately, the "I let the little people handle my money" does not likely play well with a jury. especially with a guy as obsessed with the trappings of wealth, and the threat of losing it, as was Mr. Manafort.
20
I feel sorry for Manafort. He could have put his money into a tax deferred IRA account but he wanted to help the economy and that was the sole reason for his shopping spree. It was an honest mistake based on noble intentions.
8
@PaulN
Yes, when his monetary policy ran out, he switched to Keynesian deficit spending. Just trying to boost the economy in the Hamptons, your Honor. Honest.
4
Manafort's biggest problem is that there is no political cover for economic crimes. The average citizen, who's taxes are deducted from their wages, will feel little sympathy for a wheeler dealer who cheats on his taxes and defrauds banks in order to fund a lavish life style.
457
Trump's case will be very similar.
24
Well the "fake" impostor in the WH apparently feels great sympathy (ie empathy)for a wheeler dealer who cheats on his taxes and defrauds banks in order to fund a lavish life style. There may be no political cover for economic crimes, but in this country apparently there is presidential pardon cover.
5
@John Wetteland Jr.
And yet many "average citizens" voted for a wheeler dealer who probably cheats on his taxes (recall he bragged about not paying any!), defrauds banks and suppliers (all evidence of crafty business skills according to you know who), and lives a lavish lifestyle.
Sigh.
1
According to President Trump, bringing Manafort to trial is a "very sad thing for our country."
Since Manafort was his campaign manager and helped elect Trump president, I might have to agree with him. It is a "sad thing" when a presidential candidate looks to greedy unscrupulous people like Manafort, whose reputation for helping bad people was well known, to win the nation's highest office.
369
Especially when bragging that he would (wouldn't, he meant maybe?) bring on only the best people.
5
Afterall, Manafort had to rely on Gates to create his PDFs. So, of course it's all Gates' fault that Manafort evaded taxes.
14
The state of Va gets a shot at him afterwards for tax evasion should a pardon appear.
51
So the defense admits at the start crime occurred and pleads ignorance?
If there is even one Trumpster on the jury it will hang because Trumpsters self righteously follow Trump’s lead when he blames his own underlings for his own actions. Any excuse no matter how crazy will do.
And this defense may serve Trump above all as the target is the snitch as evil doer. See, Giuliani on Cohen. Smear the snitch and Trump is better off when it comes time to pardon or smear and win outright a hung jury is a win.
But if there is no trumpster, where is the reasonable doubt?
8
If I understand well Manafort's defence, Gates was the one who didn't, bu should have, pay Manafort's income taxes. Were they married to each other?
22
Manafort hasn't flipped (yet) for 3 reasons: his 2 daughters and the Ukrainian mob. If we look at the math of his situation, we see a white collar guy who is 69 years old and bound to spend the rest of his days in federal prison if he doesn't flip. Why would such a soft guy hold out and thereby risk a terribly harsh sentence at such an advanced age? He's buying time so the best arrangements can be made for his family. This is only a guess, of course.
But all that seems to tie together neatly with Cohen's world. From NYT, 5/5/18: "He has spent much of his personal and professional life with immigrants from Russia and Ukraine. His father-in-law, who helped establish him in the taxi business, was born in Ukraine, as was one of Mr. Cohen’s partners in that industry. Another partner was Russian. And Mr. Cohen used his connections in the region when scouting business opportunities for Mr. Trump in former Soviet republics.
More recently, Mr. Cohen and his father-in-law lent more than $25 million to a Ukrainian businessman who has a checkered financial record and a history of defaulting on loans. And Mr. Cohen long held a small stake in his uncle’s catering hall, which was frequented by Russian and Italian mobsters...[Cohen's uncle] owned El Caribe, a Brooklyn catering hall that for decades was the scene of mob weddings and Christmas parties. Two of New York’s most notorious Russian mobsters once maintained offices there...Cohen was among the minority owners..."
19
Did you read about his jail accommodations so far? Private phone? If he goes to prison it will be the Martha Stewart Prison for the rich and powerful.
6
Mr Trump is allegedly surprised at the treatment of Mr Manafort. He should follow very closely as it’s where he’ll be, very soon
34
When will we have a similar list of charges on Trump? He's working for the Russian oligarchy and obviously didn't come by his riches legally.
46
Manafort is responsible for his own tax returns and any resulting tax evasion. He can’t pin that on Gates.
339
Funny how it was all Rick's fault and yet all the loot, the cars, suits, watches, rugs, houses, horses for the wifey, apartments, oriental rugs all ended up in Paulie's gruby hands for him and his family to lavishly enjoy.
Having said, the stupidity of the American citizen becomes more pronounced every passing day and the jury pool is not immune to this phenomena.
52
Juvenile. This is the equivalent of "my dog ate my homework". When your actions are indefensible, I guess you need to try anything, no matter how transparently dumb. I just hope Rick Gates and Mueller's team have dotted all their I's and crossed all their T's because Paul Manafort, creep extraordinaire, deserves no breaks.
22
Manafort won't testify.
3
Manafort was working for Viktor Yanukovych, an odious and vile man who was the lapdog of Putin. Manafort successfully ran his campaign to be elected President of Ukraine in 2010. Yanukovych poisoned Viktor Yushchenko, his opponent for President in 2004 with dioxin, leaving Yushchenko's face horribly scarred. Yushchenko actually won the election and served from 2005 until 2010. Manafort engineered the election of Yanukovych to the presidency in 2010.
32
I love it when grifting, greedy Republicans devour one another out in the open for all to see. Meanwhile, the Deplorables are wondering why they don't have million-dollar rugs in their shanties.
43
Manafort is acting exactly like a defendant that knows he'll be pardoned, so long as he keeps his mouth shut
14
TH Williams,
Or he's a Russian asset and is terrified of what may happen to him if he sings.
Maybe he's thinking that he'll be safer in prison.
10
wow, not the smartest start: effectively admit that crimes were committed but not by our guy.
8
If this is the best the defense can do, their case must be impossibly weak.
11
I'm glad I didn't get jury duty in this trial.
How can you be impartial when everything you've heard about the guy from any source, every 'business' association he has, how he went after potential witnesses ….. everything about him screams GUILTY!
20
There are 400 exhibits listed in the prosecution.
Facts will determine the guilt of the individual.
14
No honor among thieves.
25
And now, in a courtroom near you, a high level version of "the dog ate my homework."
94
But he has pets! For goodness sake, is there no humanity left
in Gilead?,
3
The judge, not Manafort. (Well, Manafort may have pets, but the judge was saying he was understanding about the jurors's needs to care for pets. As a prosecutor (and pet owner) that's a first for me. I'm on board with that!
6
Paul Manafort is going to jail for tax evasion.
This has and had nothing to do with Trump.
His lawyers job is to get him a good white collar prison and the least amount of jail time.
8
"This has and had nothing to do with Trump."
He was Trump's campaign manager. So, yes, it does have to do with Trump.
44
I believe that it was Donald Trump who hired one of his " best people" to run his campaign for five important months. Not a crime, but certainly a connection.
25
If this has nothing to do with Trump, then why does Trump keep talking about it?
30
I suppose Gates ordered the wardrobe, bought the watch, installed the putting green, signed the mortgage applications and made poor Paulie buy multiple properties and expensive cars.
This is so ludicrous that you'd think Giuliani was his lawyer.
475
You forgot the ostrich skin jacket.
3
Coulda called this one by watching "Goodfellas". The Trump guys have a lot less style than the Scorsese mob. Can't wait to see how this one comes out. I'm guessing that Eric and Don flip for the state and end up in the Witness Protection Program somewhere nice where they'll be happy. Like Mars.
23
@Next Conservatism as a former Arizonan I actually hope it’s Gila Bend.... they used to say that even if you were on the ten most wanted list if you were there and stayed the fbi would leave you alone... but leave at your peril
5
Blaming others. Wonder where he got that idea.
67
The "aw shucks" defense is the best they could come up with? "Aw shucks, it's not my fault!" Wow. This is a slam-dunk conviction.
14
“Paul Manafort shouldn’t be here,” Mr. Zehnle said.
Zehnie is right. Manafort shouldn't be in court.
He should already be in the slammer.
78
Sooo, Trump thinks Al Capone was a nice man?
51
Mr. Manafort has never been considered a man of integrity. He has a track record of lying and manipulating.....as Dr. Phil says, "Past behavior is the best predictor of future behavior." Lock him up.
34
Dr. Phil isn't exactly a paragon of virtue.
1
What a guy. Blame your coworkers. Guess Gage filled out Manafort's tax return because lawyer Manafort couldn't figure it out himself.
20
More like Manafort's lawyer would not touch it with a 10 foot pole, I bet Cohen would do it in heartbeat!
2
At least that snake in a suit is in prison coveralls now.
11
"At least that snake in a suit is in prison coveralls now." Yes, but are the coveralls custom-made? Out of the finest cloth, perfectly fitted? Nothing but the best for Paul Manafort!
5
Manafort is definitely a graduate of the Trump school. Blame somebody else.
48
The Manafort defense is the Trump defense. Always blame others as in the classic "I was only following orders" Nazi defense. Of course, when you're the boss, it doesn't play well especially with a jury and when you were running the Trump campaign not Gates; and you were involved with Russians in changing the party platform; and you want to make "whole" with your Sugar Daddy Russian oligarch; and you have to sign you tax forms like everyone else. This will probably be a quick trial with a quick conviction followed by n even quicker Trump pardon. It's major value might be in exposing the money laundering operation and Russian involvement that will set the stage for charges against Donald Trump.
33
Trump on Manafort: “You look at what’s going on with him, it’s like Al Capone.”
. . . .
Beautiful analogy, you silvered tongued orator. Do tell us more!
114
Think,
Trump and Giuliani are both better off keeping their mouths shut, but they just cant help themselves.
25
Some day one of these miscreant betrayers of the public trust, instead of copying the President and blaming everyone else, is going to stand up like a man and say: "I did it. I was wrong. What can I do to make amends to the American people?" Since I am now 71, I hope my heart can stand the shock if this ever happens.
62
The judge wants no references to Russia in his courtroom. Ok, but outside that room anyone who knows the relationship between Ukraine and Russia knows that it is all of a piece.
We thought Manafort got $7M working for Russian interests in Ukraine. Now it turns out he was paid many times that amount to try and subvert Ukraine’s government and foist a Russian one on the Ukrainian people.
If you know any Ukrainians, ask them what they think. They’ll all present a united position.
And it won’t be one where they consider Russia kindly.
26
I know they cannot read this, but I will be keeping those 12 jurors and 4 alternates in my thoughts. They have such a monumental task ahead of them.
Serving on a jury is more difficult than one would imagine. I just finished a 2 1/2 - week stint as a juror in Manhattan and it really opened my eyes and in a sense renewed my faith in our system - we had a very fair-minded judge, a person of great integrity, who set an excellent example in the courtroom and though we were a diverse group of people we were able to reach a consensus after much deliberation. I was the jury foreperson and I was shaking like a leaf when I handed down the verdict - which I didn't expect as up 'til that point I felt calm, cool, collected. But in that moment I really felt the magnitude of the responsibility we had. For the Manafort case with its potential ramifications, it's even more huge a responsibility that our fellow citizens are taking on.
I wish them well and I thank them for their service. Here's hoping for an outcome that is just and fair and illuminating.
345
Lovely tribute to our system of justice. Sadly, it appears that 45 will pardon him in a heart beat.
5
I too once served as a juror in a criminal case. Even though the case was relatively simple, the process of the trial, the deliberations and our (eventually) unanimous decision also made me respect our courts even more. I am not saying it can't be jiggered, but it is a system to cherish - and defend.
9
@Salix,
Indeed. Well said.
3
Incredibly troubling and sad -- and creepy. Chiefly at stake is the reputation of the US as a place that is capable of policing itself, and, when push comes to shove, actually does police itself. Keeping in mind that the burden of proof is squarely on the prosecution, fingers crossed we come out of this with some semblance of national self-respect intact. How low has this country sunk? We're about to find out. Like the fire fighters in and around Redding, CA, I'm very cautiously optimistic that we're about to contain and control disaster. Don't care about the specific outcome of this trial as much as I care about the ability of this country to serve up justice for the all the world--and ourselves--to see and appreciate.
14
Using Rick Gates as an excuse is pretty close to pleading guilty with an explanation. It's pretty much admitting to tax evasion, but without taking the responsibility. Who signed Manafort's return? Well, good luck, Paul, because it looks like you are really going to need it.
70
Imagine anyone in Trump's circle showing a little nobility by not knifing an old friend and associate in the back? Then again, what's an old friend and associate to these proudly soulless sharp operators but a slightly more exotic species of fish?
18
They do show great compassion for one another, don’t they?
Shakespearian really, and with an extra dose of spear.
18
It's astounding that Paul Manafort made $60 million in 2010 -2014, but only paid $10 thousands a year in taxes. By the way, he had thirty bank accounts in three foreign countries when his main clients were from Ukraine and Russia.
45
I'm afraid they're all part of the same hypocracy. There's room for lots of snouts in the trough as long as no one gets too greedy. The government and the corporate sector bleed us enough to get their fill, but not quite enough to kill us. Occasionally, somebody in the private sector gets too greedy and does some real damage to working people. They are bailed out by a sympathetic government. Conversely, somebody in the government will do some real damage to the public and he will be bailed out, given a job, by a sympathetic private sector.
As we bicker and argue amongst ourselves, these fat parasites feast on us. As long as we have just enough food to stay alive and enough diversion so we don't pay too close attention, that's all we really need. The Roman poet Juvenal was right, as were a lot of ancient voices we no longer hear. It's time to stop shouting at each other and start listening to people who have been through this already.
24
Even if Trump pardons Manafort -- and I don't think that's a done deal -- symbols are potent and have real-world impact.
11
How do you convince a jury that confidence man like Paul Manafort was duped by a neophyte like Rick Gates?
68
Why isn’t Mueller pressing charges against Manafort for collusion with the Russians in influencing the outcome of our Presidential election ? Why is he overlooking compelling evidence of Putin’s relationship with Mueller ?
2
There is going to be a second trial in Washington DC on the Russian connection.
6
I would be delighted to see him sentenced to a very long prison sentence. May justice prevail.
31
The Manafort spectacle in Virginia looks more and more like the trial of a top mafia figure than of the international businessman and "consultant" he claims to be. And this arrogant, sleazy character was Trump's campaign chairman! With any luck, the wheels are about to come off this parade of scammers, thieves, and con men who have, far from making America great, betrayed their country. Manafort will now reap what he sowed. Let's hope this poetic justice gets applied to everyone in this ugly food chain - right up to the top.
257
Ah, the eternal refrain of conservatives around the world: "It's everyone else's fault."
139
Randall,
Also, conservatives are always talking about the importance of "character" and "personal responsibility." Ha!
17
FIVE defense lawyers! Doesn't he realize he's lost the case already in the eyes of the jurors?
43
Manafort's defense for his crimes is to blame Rick Gates for everything?
His lawyers are clearly desperate.
119
Yeah, if they lose they’ll have to refund their fees. Not.
1
Just like his master, Donald Trump, he will blame on anybody but himself.
172
Blaming others for his crimes? "Look what you made me do!" Sounds perfectly tRumpian, to me.
119
I hope Mr. Zehnle was dressed in drag as Leona Hemsley as he enlightened the court that it was the little people who mishandled Manfort's finances. The little people must have bought all six of Manafort's homes and decorated them before consulting with Paul. And the little people refused to file Paul's taxes and moved and hid money all a round the world with out him knowing anything about it. And it must have been the little people who created the bank fraud too. You can never trust those little people. They should all be in court because big people never do anything illegal or immoral.
414
Jim--The little people also bought a million dollars' worth of large sized men's clothing. Good grief, you just can't trust those little people!
18
The visual is brilliant! Thank you for the laugh
3
If my CFO mishandles my companies finances, and I sign off on it, I'm still guilty ... because I approved it. Seems like a dumb defense for Manafort
336
Maybe that's all he has.
14
Yes, and you will go to jail if not in compliance. This is serious business.
2
At the end of the day if Manafort is found guilty Trump will pardon him. It seems that a Trump pardon will not hurt Trump politically. He can do no wrong in the eyes of his supporters . This whole trial is probably a waste of time and money. What is the point?
4
No more a waste of time than the years and years and millions pour into Ken Starr's investigation of Whitewater land deal. Of course Ken wouldn't let it go and kept his investigation going and going and going until he was able to orchestrate a perjury charge in a private lawsuit against Clinton. So here we are but this time, as with all money spent on hearings and judicial proceedings involving Nixon, it is always taxpayer money well spent to keep the Presidency honest - whether for a Republican or a Democrat in the White House. Remember there were many charges and trials against Nixon's "plumbers" so this is akin to that.
142
Milton--Ah, but just wait for the VA and NY trials. tRump won't be able to pardon those convictions, which is what Mueller was aiming for by passing these charges to State Attorneys General.
64
Starr was convinced Clinton was a bad president and a bad person. He didn't succeed in bringing the Bill down, but he did succeed in damaging him. And in revealing Clinton's bad behavior and, yes, LIES, succeeded in damaging the Democrat party in ways that brought us directly to this day. Mueller may not be a fanatic on the level of Starr (my opinion), but he may very well damage this Republican Party in this time. From the view on the left, that may not be a bad thing. Clinton's excesses in his personal life were bad for the presidency and for the country. It doesn't take rocket science to see that Trump's excesses are bad for the presidency and for the country. We need better leaders. We need it bad! If Mueller helps us get there, good.
43
"The other four Americans who were indicted due to Mr. Mueller’s efforts have pleaded guilty. They include Mr. Gates; Michael T. Flynn, a campaign adviser who became President Trump’s national security adviser; and George Papadopoulos, an unpaid campaign adviser who was targeted by emissaries who have been linked to Russian intelligence."
You might have added that none of the four were indicted on counts that have anything to do with the main purpose of the Mueller investigation: collusion.
3
You understand, I hope, that if someone willingly pleads guilty and cooperates it is always for a much lesser crime. Otherwise no one would do it. Get it?
28
Depends on whether you consider the false statements made to conceal the collusion to be a part of the collusion. Of course collusion is not a crime and there was nothing to conceal.
2
One out of 3 ain't bad. From the letter appointing Mueller:
(ii) any matters that arose or may arise directly from the investigation; and
(iii) any other matters within the scope of 28 C.F.R. § 600.4(a).
10
Blaming Rick Gates or anyone who has cooperated with the government is a classic technique derived straight from mafia trials. The defense tries to undercut the testimony of the person who made a deal by impugning their overall credibility. How very apropos. I am sure Mueller's team has seen this maneuver before.
266
Of course Manafort's team will be using every trial trick available to attack the credibility of the prosecultion's star witness, Gates. The question will be what is the corroborating testimony and evidence. For example, there are witnesses such as the bank loan officer who was offered immunity who it is surmised will testify that he knew Manafort lied on his bank loan forms. There will be tax records and receipts for luxury purchases, etc.
35
You know--it works on Law and Order and other TV Shows....oh, this is for real--forget it.
1
The ol' Rick Gates set me up defense, eh?
52
When you're caught with a smoking gun there's only one thing you can do, deny, deny, deny.
40
Well, Al Capone isn't too far off the mark, Mr. President. They sent Al Capone to Alcatraz maybe they will send Manfort, Don Jr. and the rest of the, I'm above law, creeps in the White House someplace like Alcatraz that would be nice....
If we all vote this fall the House might send you, Mister President, a nice letter asking you visit the Senate.
193
Paul Manafort has never done an honest day’s work in his life. He’s a lying thug. He’s very slick and so is his defense team. I hope the prosecution can begin to bring justice to our country. Good and decent people deserve better than to be victims of Manafort’s fraud.
160
Even if convicted, Manafort will escape any real punishment. (Pardon!)
Harsh sentences are reserved for those who are poor and powerless.
Even if the above statement is not true, it says much that many (most?)
Americans have lost faith in our so-called "justice" system and that my cynicism is mainstream. Good job, Ruling Class! Keep up the good work.
10
The blunderbuss in the White House says the prosecution of Manafort is a “very sad thing for our country.” Apparently defrauding the nation of taxes owed on many millions of dollars is a mere bag of shells. And the nation's chief executive knows from shells. And shell companies.
173
I was supposed to be seated for this trail but during Jury selection they asked me "Mr. Gage..." and I said "guilty" before they could get the rest of the sentence out.
53
@Rick Gage
Dear Rick,
Glad you spoke you truth!
4
"Setting out Mr. Manafort’s defense for the first time, one of his lawyers, Thomas Zehnle, blamed associates of Mr. Manafort for mishandling his finances, saying Mr. Manafort had placed his trust in the wrong people." It's stunning how quickly these corrupt individuals throw one another under the bus. It better be a really big bus. Thank you, Team Mueller, for your quiet, dedicated, patriotic pursuit of real justice.
529
Manafort's defense team is using a shoe horn trying to squeeze his associates under the bus. HIs associates have the goods on Manafort and they know it.
8
And this is from members of the party of personal responsibility.
7
Manafort has to be worried about the long arm of Russian retribution should his testimony make it more obvious about the role they played in electing our 45th President. I suspect there is more Novichok ready for deployment, perhaps against Manafort, by the GRU after orders are received from Putin. I trust Mueller has his eyes on them.
31
Trump has it exactly right, what's going on with Manafort IS just like Al Capone. Capone went to jail for trying to cheat the IRS, too.
132
I didn't do it, he did it.
18
And now, the "I Didn't Do It" dancers!
14
I was wondering why Manafort hasn't suggested any defense for these charges. Is this case being tried in a jurisdiction that the TrumpPutin administration can pardon if there is a conviction?
3
Mister Manafort is in a world of trouble. The judge is a no-nonsense administrator of the courtroom. I have been part of trials for an accused drug felony that took longer to empanel the jury. Getting that done in one morning does not bode well for a Manafort delay strategy.
Mueller and his team have done their evidential homework and Manafort has obliged them by being profligate in his lifestyle and transgressions.
There will be no concern regarding: Justice delayed is Justice denied!
Let us hope that this trial has the desired impact of loosing Manafort's tongue vis a vis Trump as well as delivering prompt Justice.
163
After reading your comment I looked to see what court the trial is in, and sure enough, it's the Eastern District of Virginia. I don't know if it's still called the Rocket Docket, but it was in the 1980's and 90's. I was involved in a multi-defendant criminal trial there, and we were shocked at the speed at which the jury was selected.
19
Brian--Yeah, I was amazed by that, too.
2
Or, whether a pardon is in the offing.
3
For a man who demanded jail time for Hillary Clinton, Paul Manafort's moment of truth is at hand. The millions of dollars he made and hid from Uncle Sam can't help him now. Manafort gazed into a crystal ball, saw his future and then attempted to suborn perjury to escape the consequences of his actions. He is without honor. If Rick Gates comes clean about Manafort's and the president's dirty business dealings, Manafort will forfeit any leniency he might have gotten for his cooperation.
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What I chiefly worry about is that -- given the passionate divisions in our country right now -- a unanimous verdict will be impossible.
4
John--Seems like the speed, with which the jury was chosen, might indicate that a unanimous decision is more than just possible. Mueller's mama didn't raise no fools. Likely, he knows what he is doing.
5
@ ChesBay
I hope you're right. I agree about Mueller. An old friend of mine, by the way. That is, I once rode on the same elevator with him.
1
Dear John Plotz,
I had the same concern, but I agree with ChesBay, this judge is not messing about. He had that jury seated today and heard opening arguments. I have been on jury duty and seen a DWI case take all afternoon before the jury is finally selected, much less the trial started.
I like this judge's attitude. I will be sitting on the edge of my seat to see the verdict. Odds, 5-3 against Manafort.
6
ODDI defense - "other dude did it" + "empty head/pure heart" (blame Mr. Gates). nothing ventured, nothing gained aka "spaghetti defense" throw it on the wall and see if something sticks
13
This should be great entertainment!
23
In some counties they hang for less.
22
So, Manafort's defense is to blame others. How very Trumpian. I can see why they got on so well; they are both gutter-dwelling cowards who will do anything to look after themselves at the expense of anyone else.
84
$ 60 million "earned" from his "work" in Ukraine...
All I would like to see as a juror is his hands and I would know right away how hard he "worked" for those $ 60 million.
Irrespective of that, I continue to be surprised that Manafort chose to insert himself into the Trump campaign. He could be virtually assured that he would end up being put under a microscope and that his fraud schemes would ultimately see the light of day.
One narcissist working for another....
182
Was Manafort not on a mission from Putin? Or rather, he was indebted to one of Putin’s henchmen. The Trump Tower June meeting was where Putin laid out what he wanted, and got; removal of pro Ukraine plank in Republican campaign platform. Relief from sanctions over Ukraine invasion would come later. Maybe after the mid term elections.
5
Trump wasn't supposed to win. The 2016 election basically played out like the plot of the Producers. No one was expecting scrutiny because no one thought the American people were actually dumb enough to elect this fool. He'd lose, start a TV network or whatever branding opportunity he had lined up, complain about a rigged election to get attention, and they'd all scurry back to their regular scams.
7
Perhaps Manafort was asked to "volunteer" to work on the Trump campaign by his creditors--who are Putin controlled. I suspect that Putin could get those who are in his circle to do whatever he asks--especially those with big debts to very unsavory characters, who are desperate for new funding.
Manafort certainly knew the risks he was running, especially after the blatant pro-Putin hack of the Republican platform, reversing long-standing Republican policy toward Russia. Manafort clearly expected a big payout from his creditors for the services he was rendering.
It may be that Manafort believed that Trump would lose, so his efforts would be forgotten, and he would still be in the good graces of Putin and his creditors. Likely we will never really know.
2
Game time!
5
If Paul Manafort hasn't flipped yet, his obstinance could be based on the belief Trump will pardon him if found guilty. Could Trump be that cheeky?, flaunting all presidential decor and pretenses, just because he can?
Time will tell.
15
We can't be sure that he has been offered the opportunity to flip.
1
Lock him (trump) up!
14
The noose tightens, Trump must be getting some rope burn by now. It remains to be seen how many more trump will throw under the bus trying to evade his treasonous acts. I suspect that he will sacrifice Kushner.
69
@Steve that would actually be funny... then he could arrange for Brady to get divorced and marry his daughter as he obviously has wanted... but is Brady dumb enough to go along is the question.
2
If nothing else, it will be good to observe how solid the Mueller prosecuting team is. A lot can happen in a 3 week trial, lots of witnesses, tax law, both domestic and international. How Manafort used the Ukraine President to pad his bank accounts, etc.
A good window into future prosecutions by the Special Counsel.
77
How will Trump react when the inevitable end is near? It is the beginning of very dangerous times...
25
Truie--He will react by firing Rod Rosenstein, and appointing a scab who will fire Mueller. Won't help him, though. This thing is too far along, citizens are too invested, and Republicans can't afford to let Mueller be fired.
11
Finally we begin. We've heard enough from the nincompoops. Let the professionals fill up what may be several rows of penal real estate. And hopefully loose some keys.
12
The rats are starting to gnaw at each other's legs and tails.
222
Rats, like clowns, are among the growing number of people and creatures that take offense to being compared to the likes of Manafort, Guliani , and Trump.
11
@SheldonI
See also Trump and Koch.
1
Only someone completely stupid or gullible (or believes in god) would believe Manafort's lies.
32
Wasn't it Microsoft or Apple that has a offshore account of Ireland paying very little in taxes to anyone and they go after Manafort in effort for the deep state to remove Mr President. Looks like this is strictly a witch hunt where Heil Muellar wants to get the President impeached but the Donald will not wilt.
1
You understand, I hope, particularly if you are a Trump supporter, that it has been perfectly legal for Microsoft or Apple or both to keep offshore accounts to pay less in taxes and that one goal of the Trump tax cut was to encourage -- but not require -- that American companies bring their money back to the US. Manafort is not being charged with keeping legal offshore accounts. Maybe you should read the indictments against Manafort. The source documents are extremely useful in understanding the particulars of this or any trial.
25
Larry--The hunt seems to be flushing out some very nasty witches. So, the plan seems to be working pretty well. Cool.
17
Well, Larry, I think you've cracked this one. I think its exactly the same.
Blaming the underlings is not a good strategy. First, the Boss is supposed to know even if he says he doesn't know. Second, unless Mr. Gates comes across as a complete jerk, a jury is more likely to side with the small fry rather than the Boss.
Who will seem less unseemly, Mr. Manafort or Mr. Gates?
Mr. Manafort certainly doesn't come across as very sympathetic and shifting the blame will not increase his likeability quotient.
Still, there is an outside chance he is innocent...we'll see soon enough.
18
gpickard--I would think that the first rule, for a defendant, would be to ACT like you're innocent. Can't say Manafort, OR tRump, are following that rule. They both appear very suspicious, and guilty.
8
Here is the statement that is printed on the Form 1040 above the line where you sign:
"Under penalties of perjury, I declare that I have examined this return and accompanying schedules and statements, and to the best of my knowledge and belief, they are true, correct, and accurately list all amounts and sources of income I received during the tax year. Declaration of preparer (other than taxpayer) is based on all information of which preparer has any knowledge."
When you sign your tax return, you are swearing that you have reviewed it and that it is true.
Did Paul Manafort sign his tax return? (You bet he did.)
If he thinks "the dog ate my homework" or "Rick Gates mislead me" is going to cut it, he should think again.
562
It would appear their defense strategy is to fall back on "to the best of my knowledge and belief" and try to prove that it was Gates' fault. Can't imagine any jury is gonna buy that.
6
Amen Manafort is a gangster of the vilest sort, an international political consultant. IMO he is worse than Al Capone.
5
I just hope that Mueller has put so much evidence in the hands of NY DS to put this guy away forever. My fear, expectation and delight is that Trump pardons him on Federal charges. By doing so, Trump has put the last nail in his own coffin.
3