Former President Donald Trump’s conviction in New York is about a cover-up, it’s about lies and of course, it’s about money—specifically a $130,000 “hush” payment to his attorney Michael Cohen in court evidence made to adult film star Stormy Daniels just days before the 2016 election and a payment Trump denied.

Prosecutors presented evidence during the trial that the Trump “deal” was meant to hide the truth from American voters about Daniels’ allegation.  

After the verdict was handed down last week, Merchan, the judge, set Trump’s sentencing date for July 11. The sentencing will come mere days before the start of the Republican National Convention.

Just yesterday Trump promised to “prosecute his political enemies if elected” reportedly, some have said that even making these threats, “does real damage to the rule of law.” 

“But if he is already challenging bedrock norms about the justice system as a candidate, Mr. Trump, if he wins the presidency again, would gain immense authority to actually carry out the kinds of legal retribution he has been promoting.”

Even before last week’s incredible verdict of a first time ever, former president, being convicted as a felon, Trump had been charged with more than 91 felony cases in four different cases, two federal, one in New York and another in Georgia and then of course the civil fraud trial in New York. 

Will American cast their vote for a felon?

There are no restrictions to Trump campaigning for President and he does so, often from the  steps or the stoop outside of several of the courts where he has been ordered to be. 

Apparently all the charges and now felony convictions have not diminished his popularity in the MAGA sector and perhaps pockets across the nation and certainly what could now be called the “criminal branch of our government”—or, the loyal Trump Republicans who line up behind the thug. 

As troubling are the frequent promises Trump makes of the chaos that will ensue if he is not elected. 

He has insulted judges, screamed at court staff, encouraged his entourage of trolls to chime in on social media and he has all but placed America in a dimension of uncertainty, fear and disbelief. 

Unsettling is an understatement.  

Some states forbid felons from working in certain professions, but Trump can run for President? 

The short answer is, yes. 

Our Constitution states the only requirements for presidential candidates must be at least 35 years old, be natural born citizens and have lived in the U.S. for at least 14 years.

It’s hard to fathom, but there are no limitations based on character or criminal record. 

And while there are some states with laws that do not allow felons to run for office it does not apply to federal offices. 

Aside from his recent felon status, are Trump’s own words, his on the record—threatening retaliation promises, his crude and hate-filled remarks, plans of dismantling entire federal organizations that would garner control to him, and too many threats to keep track of—intimidation, mockery and abuse.

This is “who” many Americans will gladly cast their vote for.

Add to that, Donald Trump is a Putin, dictator admirer, he has praised Hamas, a terrorist organization, Trump has taken money—a lot of money—from China for his businesses while in office and yet, he continues to dominate a Republican party completely lost to truth and ethical, decent behavior. 

But let’s talk about the elephant in the room…perhaps Donald Trump is the exact kind of person that America wants. 

If so, this is a sad, pitiful commentary on a once great nation. 

The truth is, our Constitution and its sacred tenets that govern our democracy— Trump has promised to “abolish part of on day one.” 

Veterans have lost their lives fighting to keep that from happening. 

So, as it stand, our law does not have the solution nor the answers that many are looking for in this unnerving time of the “felony criminal” Trump “situation.”

And even if Trump is convicted in one of the other cases a decision may rest in the hands of federal judges, some of whom could have been appointed by Trump. We are seeing at least one Trump appointed judge, Aileen Cannon, receive national and even international criticism over her perceived “siding” with Trump in her court decisions.

No one really knows what will ultimately happen in any of these cases.

But here’s what I do know.

If America does not want a felon, a serial liar (as evidenced in his hush money criminal trial) a rotten insurrectionist who absolutely carried out inciting violence while his henchmen were breaking in to the U.S. Capitol and brutally attacking police or anyone who tried to get in the way. 

If America rejects a man who rants at every facet of the U.S. judicial system and every law that we rely on for justice and accountability and had to be forced to even appear in court where he has repeatedly flipped off those who are charged with upholding the law.

if America does not want an antisemitic who has praised his endorsed MAGA candidates— dozens of them— while they have spewed the language of white supremacy and hatred of Jews in their campaign speeches—if America refuses to elect a man who has nothing but praise for ruthless dictators like Putin—dictators salivating at the chance of a weak America under Trump.

If America says no to a vile coward who refused to serve his country and has called men and women who did serve their country “losers”—then America won’t elect this vile man.

Period.

But more and more, we’re witnessing an America that appears to desire an unhinged, autocratic leader. 

America—be careful what you wish for.