Lawrence: Trump defense's lone witness Robert Costello was 'utterly contemptuous'

The way Judge Merchan handled his courtroom, should've been the way the Republican Party dealt with Donald Trump in 2015.

Insulting the judge has got to be the dumbest thing anyone can do in a courtroom, whether witness, attorney, or gallery.

Loved the storytelling of what occurred in the courtroom. Nothing but respect for Mr. O'Donnell! He and Ms. Maddow are my reasons for watching MSNBC.

Costello was there to intimidate Judge Merchan. He failed. Great reporting Lawrence, it felt like I was there.

I’ve worked in a Kindergarten for over 20 years and I’ve met kids more mature than Trump and his goons.

I think Costello appeared as insane as Giuliani today, and that is saying something.

Jesus. This is one of your your powerful statements, sir. You are one of my favorite sources of analyses and information. I trust you implicitly to always call 'em as you see 'em, but always in a truthful, forthright manner. MUCH respect, Mr. O'Donnell, and many thanks for your unique brand a factual, hard-hitting reporting.

Vote blue 💙 Biden/Harris 2024

Lawrence 's analysis is 100% spot on. His explanations for what is going on in court is clear as a bell. You have got to love him!

#45 loser insisted Costello to get in the stand.. and to act the thug lawyer.. and it all blew up. It was perfect .

How nice to hear your well-deserved praise for the Court Officers. Thank you. 👍

I grew up listening to Walter Cronkite as a child. He always caught my attention and I loved listening to him give the news. You sir, surpass him. Absolutely captivated by your delivery and respect you give the information you disseminate. Pure poetry.

If some people start to think rules of law are not for them (or thier cult), democracy is in danger.

Trump wanted him to act like this, that's why he was there

Lack of decorum at every level across this country is costing the mature development of a nation..

I am an official court reporter in a similar court in my state. My judge has NEVER had to clear the courtroom in a jury trial. A note about daily transcripts, the daily copy the court reporter puts out is a rough draft. While there may be some small errors or omissions in these dailies, the final transcript will be a different matter. Before a final draft, the court reporter will make corrections and fill in any dropped words, and it is the official record of the court and extremely accurate. I can't imagine the pressure this court reporter is under, but she seems to be doing a great job. Kudos to her, and kudos to the judge, and kudos to the rest of the court staff for taking control of the courtroom!

What happened in the courtroom yesterday is a glimpse into what a second term of Trump would look like, "utterly contemptuous" of government institutions and democracy.

Lawrence O’Donnell is THE best that journalism has ever produced. Thank you, Sir, for everything you do to keep us in the truth and the light. 💙

Thank you so much Mr. O'Donnell. This was a fascinating account of what happened in the courtroom. I am one with the jury in my great respect for Judge Merchan.

Judge Merchan doesn't f around. That's what we need from every single judge handling a Trump trial..