Editor’s Note: From the Back Forty is Liberty Nation’s longest running and most popular weekly column.
Heartlanders took a beat Thursday, May 30, 2024, a little past five o’clock, and listened to the announcement that former President Donald Trump had been convicted of 34 felony counts in a New York courtroom. Most reactions were of astonishment that something so un-American could take place in the land of the free. Others reacted with anger and renewed passion to get the man elected in 2024. But in the back of everyone’s mind was the idea that the future of this country as we know it may just have been obliterated by political lawfare.
Ironically, the verdict came down on the feast day of St. Joan of Arc, a figure revered as a pillar of strength in the face of political persecution.
The Path Forward
Discussions immediately turned to how Trump may find a path forward. Hoosier Gene Wolanin believes nothing will stop Trump from taking back the country. “He’ll win. If he must, he can pardon himself later or leave it as a battle scar,” Wolanin said, though “battle scar” seems the much more likely outcome since a president can only pardon federal crimes. He would have to be governor of New York to pardon himself in this case.
Liberty Nation’s Scott Cosenza explained what’s next: “Donald Trump’s defense has an abundance of pathways that may lead to a successful appeal. Lead defense attorney Todd Blanche filed a motion for acquittal immediately after the guilty verdict, which Merchan just as quickly denied. That’s the last time Merchan will be deciding such matters, however. Future appeals from Trump will be in state appellate courts and, eventually, federal court if needed.”
In Colorado, Debbe Yepsen Wallace was Gobsmacked by the results: “I find the Dems guilty of political persecution utilizing the American DOJ, and they will pay at the ballot box. If I wasn’t MAGA before, I am now. Look around. So are many, many others.”
The sentencing has been scheduled for July 11, just days before the Republican National Committee convention. Retired farmer Steve McIntosh of Williamsport, IN, wasn’t surprised: “I’d lay odds that they’ll try and give him jail time so he can’t attend his own official nomination.” Ann Whitmire-Cunningham in Midland, TX, just advised Trump: “Never give up.”
Frenemies Speak Out on Trump
Republicans weren’t the only ones to speak out against the verdict. RFK Jr. was disappointed in the state of New York for pursuing such “profoundly undemocratic” political warfare. During a crypto conference, he commented: “I think it’s a mistake for the Democratic Party. I think the Democratic Party believes it has a candidate that can’t beat President Trump and that they need to do it in the court. I think that’s bad for our country, I think it’s bad for democracy, and I think it’s politically going to backfire on them.”
Shaun Maguire is a former Hillary Clinton supporter and partner at Sequoia Capital. After the verdict, he whipped out the checkbook and donated $300,000 to Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign. “The media will probably demonize me, as they have so many others before me. But despite this, I still believe it’s the right thing to do. I refuse to live in a society where people are afraid to speak.”
Shirley Hartley, in Grand Prairie, TX, became an instant friend of Maguire, saying, “Thank you for trying to stop this madness in our country.”
“And just like that… A former President of the United States has been hounded and found guilty by biased Democrats,” Rob Schneider, the Saturday Night Live and Deuce Bigalow star, posted on X. He went on to plead for a non-violent reaction, saying, “Now the Republicans will have to retaliate against Democrats when they regain power. I appeal to ALL AMERICANS TO REFRAIN FROM VIOLENCE.”
How the People Reacted
Saul Greatman in Nashville, TN, spoke to the Hollywood actor: “Notice how we didn’t burn down any cities last night because we didn’t like the outcome? Instead, we raised the man $52.8 million.”
After the verdict, an avalanche of donations rocked the Trump campaign. So much so the site crashed, but when it was all said and done, Trump raked in almost $53 million. “In the 24 hours since Crooked Joe Biden and his New York henchmen got their sham trial verdict, the Trump Campaign has raised $52.8 million through the online digital fundraising platform,” the Trump campaign wrote. “THAT’S MORE THAN $2 MILLION PER HOUR!”
David Collingsworth of Tyler, TX, sees the fuel rolling in from Trump supporters and cheered: “Get on TRUMP TRAIN! Best President the US of A ever had! He will MAGA!”
Mary Peterson of Dunnell, WI, wants Trump to keep going, as well. “He needs to pick his running mate and cabinet and let them go out and campaign,” she said. “This is disgraceful what the Democrats have been allowed to do to this man. Shameful.”
