Forget the judge. The defense’s cross examination of Gates will be critical in this case. If they can punch holes in his story, catch him in a lie, then perhaps at least some on the jury will find him sleazy and less than credible. A hung jury would be a good outcome for Manafort.
A month ago, I could see them getting one or two charges on guilty, and the rest would be all hung-jury.
Presently, I think the jury will come to the end...maybe agree to one or two guilty situations, and the rest all not-guilty. The judge? He’ll turn to the sentencing part and give the guy a chance to pay fines, and likely avoid all jail. At that point, I think the Mueller team from this case will quit and walk away.
Every future case that Mueller has...will be regarded as beatable.
Prepare for the other one coming up with the Russians getting the lame-Mueller effort, and them walking out of the court as well.
Defense attorney: you lied to the Special Counsel; are you lying now? How can we tell? were you promised anything by the prosecution? What were you promised?
Game, set, match.