I think a jury could find beyond a reasonable doubt that Fani Willis and Nathan Wade committed perjury at this hearing.
I think it is more likely than not that the judge finds there is an appearance of impropriety here without making explicit credibility findings.
You want to prosecute the former President of the United States. There are credit card statements showing you financially benefitted from your romantic relationship. Your only defense is completely untraceable cash reimbursements.
You swear under oath that your relationship started in 2022. Two witnesses, including Nathan Wade's former attorney, provided evidence that this was not true.
You began the hearing by demanding SANCTIONS for Ashleigh Merchant, falsely telling the court that she has no good faith basis for her claims despite knowing, as an officer of the court, that Nathan Wade's own attorney confirmed the claims in her motion.
When Nathan Wade's attorney finally, over his STRENOUS EFFORTS not to tell the defense what he said, admits that he confirmed the filing was accurate, you immediately go Defcon one and accuse him of sexual assault.
The other witness who confirms the earlier relationship ALSO DID HER VERY BEST not to have to testify and now you want to claim that she was so mad at her firing she perjured herself despite that very obvious reluctance.
And then there is the extremely evasive and unprofessional conduct from both Fani Willis and Nathan Wade, who tried to explain away an apparent lie in his filings by claiming that his marriage was "over" while he was still legally married.
How could any judge look at this pattern of facts and find that there is not the appearance of something improper?
There is no case in the history of Georgia that comes anywhere close to these facts. I do not think there is any binding authority on this judge's decision.
But I do came away from this hearing frustrated and appalled by the conduct of the Fulton County DA's Office.
Finally, a word about Bradley.
The State has argued, for days, that the communications to him about dating Fani Willis were privileged.
Which is to say, Nathan Wade told him.
Even if the judge can't infer that Fani Willis lied under oath, the rest of us can.
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