March 21, 2023
Perhaps unsurprisingly, former President Trump’s claim that he’d be arrested today wasn’t true. The man known almost as much for lying as he is for a failed coup attempt remained free today. That didn’t stop dozens of media types from converging on 100 Centre Street in hopes of seeing him frogwalked in handcuffs out of the building. No such thing happened or is even likely to happen. For all we know he may not even be charged or, if charged, booked remotely from his home in Florida.
Of particular interest today was the comically underwhelming response by a few Trumpists to his ‘Truth Social‘ command that they, “Protest, take our nation back!” While his directive evoked memories of the January 6th, 2021 insurrection at the Capitol, today’s pathetically weak response in no way resembled the massive human waves seen trashing the House and Senate chambers that day. This time around a mere handful of attention seeking Trumpists were richly rewarded by a massive media horde, some of whom had spent the night staking a claim to the best spot to plant their tripod.
Reporters from Europe and Asia were there doing live TV remotes, and many others sporting press cards from near and far wandered around trying to make an image that’s worth a thousand words. It was a golden opportunity for the tiny contingent of Trumpists to score newspaper column inches and TV airtime minutes. They were essentially the only game in town and held the spotlight for as long as they wanted it. Wherever they went, a gaggle of press followed them around like so many paparazzi trailing a movie star.
By early afternoon it was clear that today wasn’t going to be the day that Trump would turn himself in. That day may come later this week or perhaps not at all. Stay tuned!
Dateline: Downtown Manhattan.
Live, from New York.
Nothing to see. Move along.
