As jury selection in Donald Trump’s criminal hush-money case started this week, it seemed like the former president would face a tough crowd. When Judge Juan Merchan asked the first group of 96 prospective jurors whether any thought themselves incapable of being fair and impartial, more than 50 raised their hands.
These prospective jurors were excused from serving on the case, of course, but it still might have smarted for the real estate tycoon turned TV star turned America’s 45th president. New York is Trump’s home town, but it appears he’s so polarizing that his fellow citizens wanted an out.
As jury selection has rolled on this week, it has been a surreal spectacle – and perhaps especially so for a man who was once the most powerful person in the world (and might be again). Trump has been forced to sit and listen as ordinary New Yorkers were asked their thoughts on him and America. The responses have been divided.
One prospective panelist did appear to make Trump’s morning on Tuesday. In response to question 36 on the selection questionnaire – “the defendant in this case has written a number of books. Have you read (or listened to audio) of any one or more of these books? If so, which ones” – he said yes.
“I read The Art of the Deal, and I want to say How to be Rich, and Think Like a Champion,” he hesitated, unsure as to whether this was the title. “Is that right?” Trump nodded his head and offered a smile.
When the first group of prospects was whittled down more, the prosecution and defense had an opportunity to question would-be jurors themselves. Colorful quips and quirky exchanges ensued.
Read more here from The Guardian.
