Blanche: B158, what's your view, you read the same news as the others. B158: I have stronger opinions of local stuff than national stuff. Blanche: 292, what's your view? 292: Feelings are not facts. I disagree with some of his policies.
Blanche: You became a citizen, does it impact your view? 292: I became a citizen in 2017, his first year. I am grateful Blanche: Next, what's your view? A: I find him fascinating. He just sets people off. Blanche: Uh, alright... Next? A: There's little we agree on
Blanche: You're going to hear evidence of stuff a long time ago. 2015. It might stir up memories. You'll see old tweets. We want to start fresh, at zero. Can you? A: Whatever came of tweets, somebody's behind it, filtering it. I'm skeptical. I was on X only 2 days
Blanche: I know it's difficult to talk openly, President Trump is right here, but- Juror: I'm a person of color. Not to cut you off. This is the case, that's it. Blanche: B297? B297: We have different views, that's fine. It's a person on trial
Blanche: Most of you read the NYT. Who is not aware that President Trump is charged in other cases? Only one. The rest of you, how does it impact you? A: I know there are other cases in other states, about other things. This is the case, on its own merits.
Blanche: 381, what's your view? 381: I'm not super familiar with the other charges. Blanche: Pass the mic to your left, 402 402: I've heard about the other case, but I just feel like, until you prove them guilty, how an I say? He speaks his mind, he stirs the pot
402: I want to say some things too, but my mother said, Be nice. Blanche: You're going to hear about Michael Cohen, Kellyanne Conway, Hope Hicks. Would that impact you? Everybody's shaking their heads. What if there's no defense case - can you accept the burden?
Justice Merchan: Now the law provides for the lawyers to make some decisions. I'll ask you to step out. It will take some time. [Prospective jurors leave]
[Without jury] Justice Merchan: Are you ready? Blanche: Not yet Justice Merchan: So, until 2:15 pm. But you should be ready then. Bring them in [They enter & are excused] Stories coming on InnerCityPress.com, patreon.com/MatthewRussell… & matthewrussellleeicp.substack.com
They're back. Justice Merchan: OK, counsel is present, Mr. Trump is present. Are you ready? Trump's lawyer Blanche: There are a number of the jurors that we have social media posts for very much contrary to what they said. We don't want to confront them openly
Justice Merchan: They were not told it is an anonymous jury. Trump's lawyer Blanche: Juror number 1 has a series of extraordinarily hostile Facebook posts- Justice Merchan: Can I see them?... Was I handed the right thing? The sheet has two screen grabs
Justice Merchan: This only shows people and "spread the honking cheer." Trump's lawyer Blanche: That was election day - it was a celebration of the results of the election. Prosecutor: There's no reference to the defendant. Justice Merchan: Show me the bias