Posted on 05/26/2022 6:32:00 AM PDT by janetjanet998
#SussmannTrial Day 9 begins in speculative uncertainty with the defense pulling former New York Times reporter Eric Lichtblau from its witness list and hinting that Sussmann himself may take the stand as soon as today, Thursday.
Sussmann, an attorney who represented the #Clinton campaign, DNC, and other Democratic Party organizations, is accused of lying about his affiliations in Sept. 2016 when delivering data purporting a “secret” link between the Trump Organization and a Russian bank. #SussmannTrial There have been 20 witnesses — 17 by prosecutors, including 8 FBI agents/attorneys — called to the stand during the eight-day trial before Judge Christopher Cooper in his E. Barnett Perrymann US District Courthouse in Washington, DC. #SussmannTrial Wednesday’s proceedings ended abruptly amid discussion before Cooper regarding a sealed motion filed by the defense restricting what Sussmann can and cannot be asked if he testifies. The defense wants "pre-indictment negotiations" precluded from questioning. #SussmannTrial Sussmann's lawyers wanted a prompt reply to their motion from special prosecutor John Durham’s team but they wanted time to review.
Defense attorney Sean Berkowitz wanted a response "sooner rather than later" because it would "inform" Sussmann's decision. #SussmannTrial
Prosecutor Andrew DeFillipis said he’d file reply by 6 pm to determine "what's fair for the defendants' cross-examine." As of 8:40 am Thursday, it is uncertain if or how prosecutors responded because sealed motions aren’t publicly available. #SussmannTrial Thursday’s proceedings are likely to begin with discussion over the sealed motion. Sussmann, conceivably, could take the stand right away. If so, all that remains after is closing arguments with the case going to the jury Friday. #SussmannTrial Meanwhile, Tuesday night, the defense pulled Lichtblau from its witness list. The defense wanted the former New York Times reporter to testify about his communications with Sussmann in the summer/fall of 2016. #SussmannTrial Lichtblau was expected to clarify what he told Sussmann about a pending article in the NYT about the alleged Trump-Russia links. Sussmann claims he went to the FBI to give it a heads-up about the pending article. #SussmannTrial What Lichtblau could and count not be asked on the stand has been a source of contention in sidebars and discussions throughout the trial. He has only consented to testify narrowly on his interactions with Sussmann. #SussmannTrial Sussmann’s team withdrew its subpoena for Lichtblau Tuesday night without stating a reason. Speculation in the media room — five floors below the courtroom — is the defense is essentially switching the reporter for the defendant. But nobody knows.
As we wait for Cooper to convene court and initiate what should be an intriguing discussion, today, Thursday, Day 9 of this trial, I vow not to stand here in the media room, five decks below, when the bailiff says, "All rise." #SussmannTrial
Sussmann will not testify. Cooper asked if he agreed with not testifying, Sussmann said he did. And thta is that. Sussmann will not testify. #SussmannTrial The defense has 19 to 20 exhibits to read into evidence and, apparently, closing arguments will begin after. Closing arguments are expected to last 1-to-1 1/2 hours each, meaning this case could go to the jury as soon as this afternoon. #SussmannTrial
Discussion before Cooper about redacting from the record comments already heard by the jury (years ago last week) by former FBI general counsel James Baker. This could entail the return of several FBI witnesses to the stand today
See Howie Carr’s latest article on how deep the DS is regarding this trial. Incestuous indeed! Our only hope is Durham will follow through.
Sussmann
two m’s
Discussion before Cooper about redacting from the record comments already heard by the jury (years ago last week) by former FBI general counsel James Baker. This could entail the return of several FBI witnesses to the stand today
Cooper has recessed the court — the jury was never brought in — to review a request by the defense to redact some Baker comments. Prosecutors have offered FBI witnesses to take the stand for brief clarifications of what Baker said or didn’t say to them.
Not no, but hell no. They want to prevent questions that would further prove that Mrs. Bill Clinton was behind all of this, and Sussmann doesn't want to be Arkancided.
Charlie Savage
@charlie_savage
Some pre-jury cleanup. Judge strikes a few bits from record where witnesses suggested you’d have to ask Sussmann why he did something. Discussion of whether they can squeeze in closing args before 2:30 p.m. Friday when judge plans to leave town for for Mem Day wkend vacation./4
“They want to prevent questions that would further prove that Mrs. Bill Clinton was behind all of this...”
They want to avoid a lot more. Sussman’s attack against Trump was one leg of the attack. The Corrupt Crossfire Hurricane investigation, FISA abuse, Phony Steel Dossier (paid for by Clinton), etc... This DNS attack Russian link a small part.
Cooper agreed to the prosecution's request to bring in agents who've previously testified to clarify what Baker told them and when he told them what he told them. They would be limited to brief questioning on these specifics
But it is uncertain if prosecutors will do so. DeFillipis said they may just read agents' interview transcripts into the record before the jury. The jury is finally in the courtroom and Berkowitz is closing defense's case by reading evidence into the record
No more witnesses — after reading some lines into the record from Baker’s 302 about why he scheduled the quick meeting with Sussmann, the defense rests. Prosecution also rests. Judge telling jury schedule is accelerated but closing args will be first thing tomorrow.
That’s funny!
John Haughey
@JFHaughey58
·
3m
Defense closes case. The prosecution offers no rebuttal. Cooper says both parties give closing arguments Friday. Recesses court for an hour to meet with attorneys to discuss final instructions to jury.
One theory is that Sussmann will be found not guilty by the Clinton jury on the basis of senior FBI officials being hell-bent on persecuting Trump regardless, making Suussmann’s lie ‘not material’.
The Dems realize that Durham is using this trial to achieve something in alternative scenarios. (In case the AG kills his investigation, he wants the corrupt nature of Hillary, the DNC, FBI leadership, etc., on the record. That is all many of the Special Counsel investigations accomplish anyway. At the same time, the more ugliness comes out publicly and on the record, the harder for the AG to terminate his investigation, since there is obviously a lot more.) Sussmann testifying would serve Durham’s ends, but Sussmann is so patently guilty that he can only make things for hi side. He’ll have to throw the dice on corrupt jurors protecting their fellow Democrat gang member.
And lawyers muddying up the waters real thoroughly.
It looks like a pretty sure bet.
Won’t testify? Probably reduces his Arkancide odds by 50%.
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