Thread by @RDEliason

A longish thread on my takeaways from the two days of hearing in Georgia.

BLUF - I'd be very surprised if Judge McAfee ends up disqualifying Willis and her office from continuing with this prosecution. 1/

The only direct evidence of when the romantic relationship began was the testimony of Willis and Wade. The defense witnesses relied on a combination of hearsay, gossip, and their own impressions to suggest the relationship began earlier. 2/

It’s possible W & W dated occasionally prior to 2022 but did not consider themselves in a romantic relationship. If people observed them together or one of them spoke to someone about a date, that could explain impressions by others that the relationship began earlier. 3/

Or the defense witnesses could be mistaken or lying. But I don’t think there’s anything close to sufficient evidence to conclude that Wade and Willis both lied about when, to them, their relationship began. There is zero direct evidence to contradict them on that point. 4/

Putting that aside, there is no evidence of a financial benefit to Willis. The only actual evidence regarding their trips was their testimony that they largely shared expenses. The defense was skeptical that Willis likes to use cash, but there was no contrary evidence. 5/

Even if Wade did cover some trip expenses, I don’t see that as a benefit to Willis from his appointment unless his income rose substantially due to the appointment. In other words, if he could have afforded to take her anyway, then the appointment doesn’t change anything. 6/

The state also demonstrated that Wade was not Willis’s first choice for the job, and that taking on the special prosecutor role actually involves considerable personal sacrifice in terms of threats, security, etc. (as does the DA’s job). 7/

Finally, Willis voluntarily came to testify even though there was still a pending motion to quash her subpoena. And although she was probably a bit too combative, I thought she was the most credible witness of all, other than maybe that former GA governor. 8/

In the end it was a tawdry couple of days. No one came out looking great- including the defense attorneys. It would have been better if McAffey had not held a hearing. It just gave the defense a chance to try to dirty up the prosecutors and create Fox News headlines. 9/

But McAfee will rule based on actual competent evidence, not hearsay, gossip, impressions, or tabloid headlines. And unless something new and dramatic comes out, I just don’t see any evidence that would lead to disqualification here. 10/

None of the evidence provides a link to the facts of this case or these defendants, or suggests any bias or conflict that would require disqualification. I think this is potentially a political problem for Willis, but nothing that requires her removal from this case. 11/

All that being said - I think having the relationship was incredibly reckless of Willis and showed very poor judgment. It was certainly a huge public relations gift to Trump and the other defendants. But that doesn't mean disqualification is required. 12/end