If You Want It In Perry Mason Terms

Him: Did she take the bait?

His attorneys: No, she saw it coming.

Him: So we can’t appeal to the Supreme Court?

His attorneys: No, she ruled such that it looks like you got what you wanted, but you didn’t.

Him: Did she favor the DOJ?

His attorneys: They deliberately asked…

— Jack E. Smith ⚖️ (@7Veritas4) August 11, 2023

I don’t really think an interlocutory appeal was ever in threat. But it’s possible. Not now, though, because the judge ruled carefully. IMHLO, the judge did craft a decision that didn’t give Trump what he wanted, but still looked fair. Actually, that was easy, because what Trump wanted was effectively no protective order at all.

I’m waiting to be impressed by Trump’s lawyers. So far it seems clear he hasn’t hired a dream team. Smart people know to hire smart lawyers and leave it to them. Trump’s lawyers sound too much like him. Trump is not a smart client.

And the smart lawyers won’t have anything to do with him. Word is Lauro called his legal team David to DOJ’s Goliath in court this morning. Unsurprisingly, the judge was not moved. But what a dumb thing to say.