# Manhattan Prosecutors file criminal charges for Trump re Stormy Daniels case - ongoing discussion here (Guilty on all 34 counts, May 30, 2024)
**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manhattan-prosecutors-file-criminal-charges-for-trump-re-stormy-daniels-case-ongoing-discussion-here-guilty-on-all-34-counts-may-30-2024/980953
**Category:** Politics & Elections
**Tags:** trump
**Created:** [March 9, 2023, 10:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manhattan-prosecutors-file-criminal-charges-for-trump-re-stormy-daniels-case-ongoing-discussion-here-guilty-on-all-34-counts-may-30-2024/980953 "2023-03-09T22:53:57Z")
**Posts on this page:** 20
**Page:** 322
### Author:  [@Robot\_Arm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Robot_Arm)
#### Post date: [September 6, 2024, 6:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manhattan-prosecutors-file-criminal-charges-for-trump-re-stormy-daniels-case-ongoing-discussion-here-guilty-on-all-34-counts-may-30-2024/980953/6421 "2024-09-06T18:53:06Z")
> [@ParallelLines](#):
>
> He, opposite of our SCOTUS, is explicitly avoiding even the appearance of conflict of interest (eyeballing you Alito and Thomas!!!) by allowing the delay.
Does conflict of interest really enter into it? I’m not sure who Merchan wants to win the election.
However, he says he doesn’t want to be seen as influencing the election. It’s too late for that, Your Honor. Delaying sentencing will have an influence. Choosing to do nothing is still a choice.
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### Author:  [@ParallelLines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ParallelLines)
#### Post date: [September 6, 2024, 7:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manhattan-prosecutors-file-criminal-charges-for-trump-re-stormy-daniels-case-ongoing-discussion-here-guilty-on-all-34-counts-may-30-2024/980953/6422 "2024-09-06T19:08:24Z")
> [@Robot\_Arm](#):
>
> Does conflict of interest really enter into it? I’m not sure who Merchan wants to win the election.
Well first, it’s the appearance, see all the Team Trump’s attacks on his daughter’s Democratic support. Second, if you aren’t for Trump and making up stuff for him as a judge (see Florida), of course you’re against him by Trumpian standards. As for the third point, yeah, there’s the point where being apolitical is political. Damned if you do, damned if you don’t.
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### Author:  [@Robot\_Arm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Robot_Arm)
#### Post date: [September 6, 2024, 7:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manhattan-prosecutors-file-criminal-charges-for-trump-re-stormy-daniels-case-ongoing-discussion-here-guilty-on-all-34-counts-may-30-2024/980953/6423 "2024-09-06T19:16:52Z")
> [@ParallelLines](#):
>
> Well first, it’s the appearance, see all the Team Trump’s attacks on his daughter’s Democratic support. Second, if you aren’t for Trump and making up stuff for him as a judge (see Florida), of course you’re against him by Trumpian standards.
The statements of Trump, and those who work for him, are noise without meaning. I don’t care who the Judge’s daughter supported. Conflict of interest depends on who Merchan wants to win the election, and I don’t know who that is.
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### Author:  [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)
#### Post date: [September 6, 2024, 7:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manhattan-prosecutors-file-criminal-charges-for-trump-re-stormy-daniels-case-ongoing-discussion-here-guilty-on-all-34-counts-may-30-2024/980953/6424 "2024-09-06T19:20:16Z")
> [@Aspenglow](#):
>
> I don’t disagree that Trump should have been in an orange jumpsuit three and a half years ago,
Yeah, but we now have a precedent that things will be delayed until after elections. Which means if I am in trouble, I can file to run for School board, and they have to wait until after the election, apparently.
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### Author:  [@Aspenglow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aspenglow)
#### Post date: [September 6, 2024, 7:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manhattan-prosecutors-file-criminal-charges-for-trump-re-stormy-daniels-case-ongoing-discussion-here-guilty-on-all-34-counts-may-30-2024/980953/6425 "2024-09-06T19:49:53Z")
> [@DrDeth](#):
>
> Yeah, but we now have a precedent that things will be delayed until after elections.
No, there is another issue before the Court that must be heard and decided before the matter can proceed to sentencing, thanks to the immunity ruling. Trump’s lawyers have said that if Merchan rules against them in that issue, they will pursue their appellate remedies. That would delay the sentencing beyond September 18th _no matter what_.
Justice Merchan is only doing what was going to be done either way. He can’t ignore Trump’s pending motion to set aside the jury’s verdict based on the stupid immunity ruling – no matter how much he may have personally wished to.
There’s no new precedent being set here. Except by the Supreme Court.
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### Author:  [@Measure\_for\_Measure](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Measure_for_Measure)
#### Post date: [September 6, 2024, 8:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manhattan-prosecutors-file-criminal-charges-for-trump-re-stormy-daniels-case-ongoing-discussion-here-guilty-on-all-34-counts-may-30-2024/980953/6426 "2024-09-06T20:07:06Z")
> [@Aspenglow](#):
>
> I’m also going to speculate that Justice Merchan is fairly confident in the outcome of the upcoming election.
Possible, but if this is the case it is false confidence. In terms of ordinary human perceptions (not including [superforecasters](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Superforecaster)) the odds of a Trump victory are basically 50:50, based on betting markets (range: 50-53), Nate Silver’s model (clocking in at 60%, likely due to an over-estimation of Harris’ convention bounce), and The Economist’s model (49%). Hope for the best, plan for the worst.
> [@Aspenglow](#):
>
> I don’t disagree that Trump should have been in an orange jumpsuit three and a half years ago, but there have been many unforeseeable turns of events that have allowed him to dodge responsibility. He certainly does enjoy advantages that no one else does – like a corrupt SCOTUS that is willing to run interference for him.
Trump has played the US justice system like a fiddle for most of his life. Post 2020 his antics posed _some_ unique issues but pre-2016 they really didn’t. SCOTUS is corrupt, and the US legal system goes easy on white collar criminals. That said, I suspect that lenient penalties for the rich are generally the rule worldwide.
“Out of the crooked timber of humanity, no straight thing was ever made.” We should all write that on a post-it and attach it to our monitor.
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### Author:  [@commasense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/commasense)
#### Post date: [September 6, 2024, 8:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manhattan-prosecutors-file-criminal-charges-for-trump-re-stormy-daniels-case-ongoing-discussion-here-guilty-on-all-34-counts-may-30-2024/980953/6427 "2024-09-06T20:53:28Z")
[Gift link to NYT.](https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/06/nyregion/trump-sentencing-delay-ruling.html?unlocked_article_code=1.Ik4.Maap.jQwBcPBC2EiB&smid=url-share)
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### Author:  [@Euphonious\_Polemic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Euphonious_Polemic)
#### Post date: [September 6, 2024, 9:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manhattan-prosecutors-file-criminal-charges-for-trump-re-stormy-daniels-case-ongoing-discussion-here-guilty-on-all-34-counts-may-30-2024/980953/6428 "2024-09-06T21:47:32Z")
> [@ParallelLines](#):
>
> Again, I don’t think sentencing him to jail or house arrest (which IMHO wouldn’t have been carried out until after the election anyway) would have moved the needle on his supporters, and it MIGHT have brought out a few more people to vote on his behalf that are otherwise no longer enthusiastic but voting their habits or prejudice.
I find myself in complete agreement with this.
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### Author:  [@velomont](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/velomont)
#### Post date: [September 7, 2024, 2:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manhattan-prosecutors-file-criminal-charges-for-trump-re-stormy-daniels-case-ongoing-discussion-here-guilty-on-all-34-counts-may-30-2024/980953/6429 "2024-09-07T02:40:49Z")
> [@Aspenglow](#):
>
> I’m also going to speculate that Justice Merchan is fairly confident in the outcome of the upcoming election.
Sounds good except that, until the actual election results are out, this is nothing more than opinion and speculation.
> [@Robot\_Arm](#):
>
> Does conflict of interest really enter into it? I’m not sure who Merchan wants to win the election.
>
> However, he says he doesn’t want to be seen as influencing the election. It’s too late for that, Your Honor. Delaying sentencing will have an influence. Choosing to do nothing is still a choice.
Well here’s an idea. He should simply dismiss all charges in order to not be seen to influence the election. /s
Sadly, we’re fucking fucked.
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### Author:  [@Aspenglow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aspenglow)
#### Post date: [September 7, 2024, 2:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manhattan-prosecutors-file-criminal-charges-for-trump-re-stormy-daniels-case-ongoing-discussion-here-guilty-on-all-34-counts-may-30-2024/980953/6430 "2024-09-07T02:48:25Z")
> [@velomont](#):
>
> Sounds good except that, until the actual election results are out, this is nothing more than opinion and speculation.
Which is why I noted it was… speculation.
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### Author:  [@Biffster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biffster)
#### Post date: [September 7, 2024, 2:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manhattan-prosecutors-file-criminal-charges-for-trump-re-stormy-daniels-case-ongoing-discussion-here-guilty-on-all-34-counts-may-30-2024/980953/6431 "2024-09-07T02:49:54Z")
> [@Robot\_Arm](#):
>
> Choosing to do nothing is still a choice
That’s what Geddy Lee said!
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### Author:  [@velomont](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/velomont)
#### Post date: [September 7, 2024, 3:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manhattan-prosecutors-file-criminal-charges-for-trump-re-stormy-daniels-case-ongoing-discussion-here-guilty-on-all-34-counts-may-30-2024/980953/6432 "2024-09-07T03:11:37Z")
> [@Aspenglow](#):
>
> Which is why I noted it was… speculation.
Sadly the whole thing pissed me off to the extent that I didn’t really notice. My apologies as it wasn’t my intention to correct you in some fashion.
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### Author:  [@Aspenglow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aspenglow)
#### Post date: [September 7, 2024, 3:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manhattan-prosecutors-file-criminal-charges-for-trump-re-stormy-daniels-case-ongoing-discussion-here-guilty-on-all-34-counts-may-30-2024/980953/6433 "2024-09-07T03:14:15Z")
No, it’s ok. I do understand your frustration. But honestly, this outcome was going to happen one way or another because of the immunity ruling.
I think it will end up in a way of which you ultimately approve. At least, I hope so.
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### Author:  [@velomont](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/velomont)
#### Post date: [September 7, 2024, 1:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manhattan-prosecutors-file-criminal-charges-for-trump-re-stormy-daniels-case-ongoing-discussion-here-guilty-on-all-34-counts-may-30-2024/980953/6434 "2024-09-07T13:32:33Z")
> [@Aspenglow](#):
>
> I think it will end up in a way of which you ultimately approve. At least, I hope so.
Indeed. Frustrating and scary times
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### Author:  [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)
#### Post date: [September 7, 2024, 2:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manhattan-prosecutors-file-criminal-charges-for-trump-re-stormy-daniels-case-ongoing-discussion-here-guilty-on-all-34-counts-may-30-2024/980953/6435 "2024-09-07T14:41:26Z")
> [@Aspenglow](#):
>
> I think it will end up in a way of which you ultimately approve.
What I would ultimately approve would be the America-hating fuckstick being taken into custody, and instead of putting handcuffs on him, they use plastic zip ties, the kind that were used on the J6 rioters.
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### Author:  [@Euphonious\_Polemic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Euphonious_Polemic)
#### Post date: [September 7, 2024, 3:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manhattan-prosecutors-file-criminal-charges-for-trump-re-stormy-daniels-case-ongoing-discussion-here-guilty-on-all-34-counts-may-30-2024/980953/6436 "2024-09-07T15:27:59Z")
Well that makes sense, because he’d slip out of normal sized handcuffs.
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### Author:  [@eschereal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eschereal)
#### Post date: [September 7, 2024, 3:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manhattan-prosecutors-file-criminal-charges-for-trump-re-stormy-daniels-case-ongoing-discussion-here-guilty-on-all-34-counts-may-30-2024/980953/6437 "2024-09-07T15:45:31Z")
> [@kaylasdad99](#):
>
> and instead of putting handcuffs on him, they use plastic zip ties, the kind that were used on the J6 rioters
Some of the rioters, IIRC, _had_ zip ties, which they were going to use on their victims.
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### Author:  [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)
#### Post date: [September 7, 2024, 4:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manhattan-prosecutors-file-criminal-charges-for-trump-re-stormy-daniels-case-ongoing-discussion-here-guilty-on-all-34-counts-may-30-2024/980953/6438 "2024-09-07T16:21:35Z")
> [@eschereal](#):
>
> Some of the rioters, IIRC, _had_ zip ties, which they were going to use on their victims.
Yeah, I remember. Another layer of ironic symbolism FTW!
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### Author:  [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)
#### Post date: [September 7, 2024, 8:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manhattan-prosecutors-file-criminal-charges-for-trump-re-stormy-daniels-case-ongoing-discussion-here-guilty-on-all-34-counts-may-30-2024/980953/6439 "2024-09-07T20:32:56Z")
I saw in another thread that the GOP congress has opened up a totally bogus investigation into Walz.
Hey Mister Judge? If they do that sort of crap to interfere in the election, then treating trump like any other felon is the right thing.
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### Author:  [@ParallelLines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ParallelLines)
#### Post date: [September 12, 2024, 7:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manhattan-prosecutors-file-criminal-charges-for-trump-re-stormy-daniels-case-ongoing-discussion-here-guilty-on-all-34-counts-may-30-2024/980953/6440 "2024-09-12T19:33:30Z")
Just a little update on Trump’s efforts to appeal the Gag Order portion of this case (had to check to make sure I had the RIGHT Trump case!)
> **[New York appeals court rejects two more attempts by Trump to lift gag order |...](https://www.cnn.com/2024/09/12/politics/new-york-appeals-court-rejects-two-more-attempts-by-trump-to-lift-gag-order/index.html)**
>
> New York’s highest court rejected two separate attempts to hear Donald Trump’s appeals on the gag order in his hush money case, according to a decision list posted Thursday.
[in case the CNN link doesn’t load, or loads incorrectly, the New York appeals court rejected two more Trump attempts to lift the gag order, including the modified one from June]
> The Court of Appeals judges wrote that they declined to hear the case about the modified gag order because “no substantial constitutional question is directly involved.”
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