“Manafort’s attorneys have painted the prosecution’s star witness, Rick Gates, as a serial liar, embezzler and philanderer”
I think Gates pretty much admitted to those sorts of things in court. No painting necessary. Not a very credible witness.
Beyond a reasonable doubt? If I'm on the jury, Manafort wouldn't have a worry.
The Politico link is busted.
So far, I’m loving this judge. He reminds me of Judge Galligan in NYC who gave Riker’s the nickname of “Galligan’s Island.” He once threatened to jail me and other jurors for laughing.
Hope Manafort’s team keeps its nose clean while presenting its case.
This is what the jurors hear when Gates is on the stand— “I embezzled from Manafort, he is guilty of everything charged. Can I go home now?”
Headline: “Cranky judge, flawed witness threaten prosecutor’s case.”
Conclusion: “Indications of displeasure over counsel’s facial expressions or lack of formality probably won’t be a factor in the jury’s decision. . .” “. . . at the end of the day in my seven trials, the jury was not swayed by his demeanor and comments.”
My conclusion: Politico’s editors are gravely concerned that Manafort could win, so they are trying to blame the judge, even though their own journalist and all of the court-watchers he cites think that’s absurd.
Cranky?? No....WISE
Who knew loans were taxable income? There will be a least 1 juror that will have reasonable doubt about Manafort’s guilt.
Notice that Politico never mentions that Manafort is being prosecuted because he would not roll over on President Trump.
1. The judge has warned Mueller and his hyenas not to even think of mentioning Trump, Russian collusion, the 2016 elections or anything to do with the Mueller witchunt during the trial.
2. No matter what the result is, Trump will pardon Manafort of all charges in record time and send liberal heads exploring even as conservatives and Trump supporters celebrate it.
Impartial judge = cranky.