EDITORIAL – The Trump trial on television – never seen anything like it

An editorial by Mel Rothenburger.

THE BIG TRIAL is winding down, with only closing arguments and the jury’s decision remaining.

As television, the Donald Trump hush money trial has been a big nothing. TV cameras haven’t been allowed in the court room because the state of New York doesn’t allow them.

That’s left the media struggling to keep it interesting. And failing. Courtroom sketch artists — a trade we all thought was dead — have been kept busy. The judge allowed a few still photographs of Trump to be taken before the court was called into session. And Trump has been allowed to utter bombast after the day’s proceedings about what a travesty the whole thing is.

“Most conflicted judge ever. Corrupt system. Witch hunt. Never been anything like it. A disgrace.” And so on. While flapping his arms in apparent effort to fly the coop.

As witnesses were called, CNN set up outside on the street, with panelists in tennis shoes and overcoats, and another panel in the studio, trying to convince us it was riveting stuff.

Mostly, however, they were reduced to reading out texts from reporters who were actually in the room. We were breathlessly informed when Trump leaned forward, or backward. When he closed his eyes or opened them. When he whispered something to one of his lawyers. When he appeared to be expressionless or … wait, was that the hint of a scowl on his face?

The most interesting testimony came from porn star Stormy Daniels, who painted a disturbing picture — via texts from the reporters — of the would-be president-again reclining on a hotel room bed in T-short and boxers. And from Michael Cohen, the disgraced ex-Trump lawyer who was, surprise, surprise, confirmed on the stand to have been a liar.

The home viewer, though, can be excused for feeling cheated. And when Trump is found not guilty by the jury (how can anyone have faith in an American jury to do the right thing when it comes to Donald Trump), those watching at home will feel even more cheated, for it will all have been a total waste of everyone’s time.

Except Donald Trump’s. He can spend the rest of the campaign talking about being vindicated, while no doubt continuing to proclaim the entire system is corrupt. Never seen anything like it.

Mel Rothenburger is a former regular contributor to CFJC-TV and CBC radio, publishes the ArmchairMayor.ca opinion website, and is a recipient of the Jack Webster Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award. He has served as mayor of Kamloops, school board chair and TNRD director, and is a retired daily newspaper editor.  He can be reached at mrothenburger@armchairmayor.ca.