# Manhattan Prosecutors file criminal charges for Trump re Stormy Daniels case - ongoing discussion here (Guilty on all 34 counts, May 30, 2024) **URL:** \ **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:** 66
**Author:** ![hajario](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hajario/32/171_2.png) [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 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-30-2024/980953/1301 "2024-04-15T15:27:48Z")
Yes, in my opinion. They are allowing testimony from one other woman who was paid off to keep quiet. That is relevant ---
**Author:** ![Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/left_hand_of_dorkness/32/7156_2.png) [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 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-30-2024/980953/1302 "2024-04-15T15:27:58Z")
> [@Joey\_P](#): > > Was that an unsolicited ruling or was it a response? I could certainly see Trump using Barron’s graduation as a way to get out of court for a day, I’m just surprised he thought of it a month+ early instead of the night before. Again, Washington Post: > [@](#): > > On another Trump team motion, Merchan said he could not rule on the request that court not be in session May 17 so Trump could attend his son Barron’s high school graduation, or on June 3 so a defense lawyer can attend his own son’s graduation. Merchan said if the trial was proceeding at a decent pace, he could probably grant the requests, but if it is running behind schedule, he could not. ---
**Author:** ![Stratocaster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/stratocaster/32/16393_2.png) [@Stratocaster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stratocaster)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2024, 3:31pm 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-30-2024/980953/1303 "2024-04-15T15:31:03Z")
I heard on MSNBC that a transcript could be introduced, but not the actual recording. Not sure what the logic is there. Prosecution’s argument for its relevance is that after the Access Hollywood tape became public, evidence will show that Trump feared one more scandal might be the straw that breaks the camel’s back for his election hopes. ---
**Author:** ![TroutMan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/troutman/32/6721_2.png) [@TroutMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TroutMan)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2024, 3:46pm 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-30-2024/980953/1304 "2024-04-15T15:46:54Z")
> [@Stratocaster](#): > > I heard on MSNBC that a transcript could be introduced, but not the actual recording. Not sure what the logic is there. Hope Hicks emailed the transcript to several campaign officials shortly before it became public with a comment “It’s all over the place. Who’s doing damage control.” So the email is more directly tied to showing that the campaign was actively trying to control the release of damaging information. I’m guessing that the introduction of the transcript is in the context of this email. ---
**Author:** ![CoolHandCox](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/coolhandcox/32/16233_2.png) [@CoolHandCox](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CoolHandCox)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2024, 4:31pm 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-30-2024/980953/1305 "2024-04-15T16:31:02Z")
Damage control seems like the context. This would, I’d guess, go to motive. Was Trump purely paying off Stormy to keep the info from his wife (not campaign related). Or, Was Trump paying off Stormy for election related “damage control” as mentioned above. Looks like playing the access Hollywood tape is unnecessary, but the fact it happened and how Trump responded is relevant to show they were in damage control mode regarding his campaign. ---
**Author:** ![DavidNRockies](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidnrockies/32/6279_2.png) [@DavidNRockies](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DavidNRockies)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2024, 4:55pm 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-30-2024/980953/1306 "2024-04-15T16:55:34Z")
Maggie Haberman reporting (on CNN) that DJT keeps nodding off in Court. I find that fascinating. ---
**Author:** ![Euphonious\_Polemic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/euphonious_polemic/32/3002_2.png) [@Euphonious\_Polemic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Euphonious_Polemic)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2024, 4:56pm 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-30-2024/980953/1307 "2024-04-15T16:56:19Z")
Low Energy Trump I wonder how much he naps in a typical day. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2024, 5:11pm 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-30-2024/980953/1308 "2024-04-15T17:11:24Z")
I wonder how many nappies he uses in a day. But anyway, ‘Sleepy Joe’. I don’t recall Biden falling asleep on the Queen. Or dozing off while he’s on trial in a court of law. Oh, yeah. He hasn’t been in that situation. Calling the President ‘Sleepy Joe’, given Trump’s nodding off in, now, at least two very important situations, is a perfect example of his propensity for projection. ---
**Author:** ![eschereal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eschereal/32/18939_2.png) [@eschereal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eschereal)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2024, 5:19pm 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-30-2024/980953/1309 "2024-04-15T17:19:15Z")
> [@Johnny\_L.A](#): > > Calling the President ‘Sleepy Joe’ is clearly another accufession ---
**Author:** ![Happy\_Lendervedder](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/happy_lendervedder/32/8488_2.png) [@Happy\_Lendervedder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Happy_Lendervedder)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2024, 5:25pm 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-30-2024/980953/1310 "2024-04-15T17:25:32Z")
He also keeps calling Biden the “worst president in history,” so at least he’s aware of where he himself will end up in the history books. ---
**Author:** ![eschereal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eschereal/32/18939_2.png) [@eschereal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eschereal)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2024, 5:40pm 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-30-2024/980953/1311 "2024-04-15T17:40:28Z")
I was looking at the cnn site, and right next to the story was and ad that read “одна подписка — удовольствие на весь год! …” Seemed like odd symmetry. ---
**Author:** ![rocking\_chair](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rocking_chair/32/2918_2.png) [@rocking\_chair](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rocking_chair)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2024, 5:40pm 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-30-2024/980953/1312 "2024-04-15T17:40:35Z")
Did I hear that trump will be allowed in side bar?!? I’m sure that will go smoothly…, I’ve not seen a defendant join in side bar. Is this normal? ---
**Author:** ![Procrustus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/procrustus/32/2994_2.png) [@Procrustus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Procrustus)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2024, 5:45pm 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-30-2024/980953/1313 "2024-04-15T17:45:07Z")
> [@rocking\_chair](#): > > I’ve not seen a defendant join in side bar. Is this normal? It’s very rare\*, but probably required if they ask to be there. \*I’ve never seen it, and I’ve participated or observed over 200 trials. Half of those criminal cases. ---
**Author:** ![Dinsdale](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/97f17d/32.png) [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2024, 5:59pm 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-30-2024/980953/1314 "2024-04-15T17:59:33Z")
> [@Procrustus](#): > > It’s very rare\*, but probably required if they ask to be there. Would you imagine, tho, that even if the D were allowed to join the sidebar, their participation would be silent? ---
**Author:** ![Pardel-Lux](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pardel-lux/32/20182_2.png) [@Pardel-Lux](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pardel-Lux)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2024, 6:09pm 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-30-2024/980953/1315 "2024-04-15T18:09:00Z")
> [@rocking\_chair](#): > > trump will be allowed in side bar From [Forbes](https://www.forbes.com/sites/brianbushard/2024/04/15/trump-judge-merchan-warns-of-arrest-if-trump-disrupts-or-skips-hush-money-trial/): > Trump attorney Todd Blanche argued on Monday that Trump wants to be present for trial proceedings including sidebar conferences during the trial and voir dire—the initial examination of a witness or a juror. Does that mean that Trump will be able to look at the jury candidates up close before they are selected and at the witnesses before they enter the court? What does he hope to achieve by that? Intimidation? Helping his team of lawyers select the right jurors, based on his great assesment of other people? Impress the witnesses with his… whatever? That will not end well… ---
**Author:** ![Procrustus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/procrustus/32/2994_2.png) [@Procrustus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Procrustus)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2024, 6:10pm 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-30-2024/980953/1316 "2024-04-15T18:10:38Z")
> [@Dinsdale](#): > > > [@Procrustus](#): > > > > It’s very rare\*, but probably required if they ask to be there. > > Would you imagine, tho, that even if the D were allowed to join the sidebar, their participation would be silent? Absolutely they should keep their mouths shut. Only the attorneys interact with the judge. ---
**Author:** ![Euphonious\_Polemic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/euphonious_polemic/32/3002_2.png) [@Euphonious\_Polemic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Euphonious_Polemic)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2024, 6:11pm 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-30-2024/980953/1317 "2024-04-15T18:11:13Z")
> [@Pardel-Lux](#): > > What does he hope to achieve by that? Intimidation? Yes this. I would not be shocked if he looks at them and draws one finger across his throat. In CNN news: > Judge gives Trump’s lawyers 24 hours to identify what exhibits they intend to use at the trial > > The judge is giving Donald Trump’s lawyers 24 hours to identify what exhibits they intend to use at the trial, after prosecutors allege they have stalled in providing prosecutors with the documents they want to use in their case. > > “You have 24 hours,” the judge said, telling Trump’s team they are already in violation of an order he gave two months ago. ---
**Author:** ![Procrustus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/procrustus/32/2994_2.png) [@Procrustus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Procrustus)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2024, 6:13pm 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-30-2024/980953/1318 "2024-04-15T18:13:42Z")
> [@Euphonious\_Polemic](#): > > The judge is giving Donald Trump’s lawyers 24 hours to identify what exhibits they intend to use at the trial, after prosecutors allege they have stalled in providing prosecutors with the documents they want to use in their case. The problem for the defense is that there probably are no documents to help negate the allegations. ---
**Author:** ![Euphonious\_Polemic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/euphonious_polemic/32/3002_2.png) [@Euphonious\_Polemic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Euphonious_Polemic)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2024, 6:14pm 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-30-2024/980953/1319 "2024-04-15T18:14:23Z")
Well, aside from the memo scrawled in sharpie pen: “Trump is innosent!” (signed John Bannon) ---
**Author:** ![bordelond](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bordelond/32/150_2.png) [@bordelond](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bordelond)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2024, 6:16pm 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-30-2024/980953/1320 "2024-04-15T18:16:02Z")
> [@Pardel-Lux](#): > > From [Forbes](https://www.forbes.com/sites/brianbushard/2024/04/15/trump-judge-merchan-warns-of-arrest-if-trump-disrupts-or-skips-hush-money-trial/): > > > Trump attorney Todd Blanche argued on Monday that **Trump wants to be present** for trial proceedings including sidebar conferences during the trial and **voir dire—the initial examination of a witness or a juror.** The judge summarily dismisses this request out of hand, one hopes. If this is technically allowable by the narrowest letter of the law, I’m gobsmacked. [Previous page](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.md?page=65) [Next page](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.md?page=67)