Chris Crucial: 5 key takeaways from the Trump trial, week 1

PLUS: Biden on abortion!

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1. Lessons learned, Trump trial: Week one of Donald Trump’s hush money trial is in the books. I can’t watch the trial — unfortunately — but I have been following all of the tweets and reports out of people who are in the courtroom with Trump.

So, here’s what you need to know from week 1:

• Trump keeps falling asleep: There have been four days of court this week. (The court was off Wednesday and will be of every Wednesday.) Trump, according to reporters in the room, has fallen asleep on three of the four days — including today. Amazingly, there is an active debate online about what this means. His detractors take it as a sign that he is old and infirm. His supporters say it’s all an act, designed to show his disdain for the proceedings. I say: The guy just doesn’t get enough sleep.

• We have a jury: After a full week of court, the one major thing that has been accomplished is that a 12-person jury — as well as 6 alternates — have been chosen. This was not an easy process. Several potential jurors asked to be excused, with at least one citing the stress of the role as the main reason. But, there is now a full compliment of people — and opening arguments are expected to start Monday.

• Trump is leaning into the media circus: Every day after the proceedings end, Trump has given an impromptu news conference where he seeks to spin his message. “This is a rigged trial,” Trump said Friday. “It’s very unfair. And people know it’s very unfair.” (On Thursday he complained that it was too cold in the courtroom.)