Watching the preparation for Donald Trump’s impeachment trial in the Senate, an observer is stuck by the similarities between that event and a trial in 1994: O. J. Simpson’s.
In both cases, the pretrial publicity monopolized the news cycle and polarized the electorate. On one side were Simpson’s supporters, convinced that his arrest and trial were part of a deep-state conspiracy to punish him for his successes. The other side remained convinced that Simpson was an unregenerate criminal who belonged behind bars.
And the participants eerily resemble each other. Simpson steadfastly maintained his innocence despite the mountain of forensic evidence against him and the famous low-speed chase in the Bronco. Johnnie Cochran was retained to head the defense and did a masterful job in confusing and conflating that evidence, aided and abetted by an incompetent prosecution.
In the current case, Mitch McConnell is Johnny Cochran redux. Ignoring his constitutional duty as an impartial juror, he has announced that the trial proceedings will be coordinated with the White House to ensure and desired outcome. Or as Mr. Cochran might have put it, “If you read the transcript, you must acquit.”
Simpson’s jury had no intention of convicting him. Trump’s jury has likewise no intention of convicting him. Simpson was freed to continue his criminal activities. Trump will get away with two felonies and be free to carry on his criminal endeavors as well. That whirring sound you hear is James Madison spinning in his grave.
CHARLES HUCKELBURY
Henniker