Arraign-drops keep falling on his head ...

[edschweppe]

Another day, another Federal arraignment for Donald J. Trump, formerly the President of the United States:

WASHINGTON (AP) — Donald Trump pleaded not guilty Thursday to trying to overturn the results of his 2020 election loss, answering for the first time to federal charges that accuse him of orchestrating a brazen and ultimately unsuccessful attempt to block the peaceful transfer of presidential power.

The former president appeared before a magistrate judge in Washington's federal courthouse two days after being indicted on four felony counts by Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith. Of the three criminal cases he's facing, the most recent charges are especially historic since they focus on Trump's efforts as president to subvert the will of voters and obstruct the certification of Democrat Joe Biden's victory. His refusal to accept defeat and his lies about widespread election fraud helped fuel the violent riot on Jan. 6, 2021, when a mob of supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol.

Trump, who is now the early front-runner in the 2024 Republican presidential primary, sat stern-faced with his hands folded, shaking his head at times as he conferred with an attorney and occasionally glancing around the courtroom as his court appearance began. He stood up to enter his "not guilty" plea, answered perfunctory questions from the judge and thanked her at the conclusion of the arraignment.

[ ... ]

U.S. Magistrate Judge Moxila Upadhyaya set the next court date for Aug. 28, when a tentative trial date will be set, and directed Trump not to communicate directly about the facts of case with any individual known to be a witness.

[ ... ]

One early point of contention emerged Thursday when defense lawyers bristled at the idea that the trial could be rapidly scheduled. Prosecutors said they would move quickly to provide Trump's lawyers with the information they need to prepare a defense, but defense attorney John Lauro said it was "somewhat absurd" that the case could be ready for trial anytime soon.

I'm fine with a rapid trial. After all, if Trump is in fact innocent, shouldn't he have the benefit of an acquittal before the New Hampshire primary?