[JLS]

Nifong's main concern is his image within the community, imo. It would take something huge to stop him from going to trial.

So both of you view Nifong as rational and self interested although a sociopath in at least one of your cases. Then if the woman does not want to testify, why would he try to make her? That would make him look like a heavy and hurt his standing in the African-American community, wouldn't it?

[bjc]

I suspect that he is only looking at what appears to be in his favor for the largest possible audience. Therefore, I predict he will play the race card again and again - for example, "we cannot let powerful white establishment overwhelm a poor black female. She has already been raped once, etc., etc.

And your explanation for Nifong's behavior is...?

[ltc8k6]

I didn't say it wouldn't blow up in his face....