"OVERCOMING NO TV IN TRUMP'S COURTROOM"

     Let's face it: we can take just so much of "TRUMP ON TRIAL." All day, every day. Yet some people like me watch it anyway so we won't miss something important. No matter: we are still going to miss a lot. The primary reason why is obvious. The trial is not being televised. 

     At last: we got a break a few nights ago, on MSNBC's "The Last Word" with Lawrence O' Donnell. No, TV cameras didn't suddenly appear to broadcast the proceedings in the New York City courtroom. 
But long-established newscaster O'Donnell changed the way we experienced the event. His verbal introduction placed the viewers in the court itself, along with Donald Trump, Judge Merchan, the lawyers, jury, newspeople, and every other appropriate person. Particularly, we followed the day's witness, Stormy Daniels, as she entered and took a seat. O'Donnell's description was so precise and comprehensive, that we were able to picture her clothes, posture, demeanor, gestures and other non-verbal aspects in great detail.
      O'Donnell's manner of presenting his material was not strange in the world of broadcast or print journalism. For example, one recalls Mark Leibovich's  book, " Thank You for Your Servitude," the 2022 - # 1 NYT Best Seller. Covering an examination of the Republican Party during the Trump Administration, it was provocative, mesmerizing, and entertaining. Especially, Leibovich's words set the scene ( in the book's beginning ), as people came and went. We, the readers, were in the room as well, just like the viewers were in the courtroom.
     Both O'Donnell and Leibovich use similar narrative techniques: reader/viewer as point-of-view and thus as a  character; environment/ setting also as a character; chronology with a beginning, middle and end. It's curious to note that O'Donnell's dramatic flair in his news broadcasts comes from a relevant place. He was a screenwriter for the TV series, "The West Wing," and an actor on the same program  (playing President Bartlet's father in flashback).
     We can expect more dramatic elements in O'Donnell's news analysis. Just a few days ago, in fact, he even commented on Judge Merchan's voice qualities ( loudness and tone) and how those aspects influenced our impression of the Judge. Only someone like O'Donnell could explain that. TV COULD NOT.

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