What It Was Like in Court When Trump Was Convicted

When people asked me what it was like inside the courthouse where Donald Trump stood trial, I said it reminded me of covering a political convention. It was a programmed event, with tentpole speakers, like the star witness, Michael Cohen. There was a nominee, chosen by indictment, who swept in each day with a swarm of loyal surrogates. There was press pack, wearing credentials on their lanyards, all writing down the same words, and breathing the same stale air. After final arguments, though, the atmosphere shifted. As the case went to the voters of the jury, it felt more like Election Day, when there’s nothing left to do but wait. The reporters hung around the 15th floor of the Manhattan criminal-court building, trading theories and gossip, trying out takes.

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