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Judge Juan Merchan's obsession with landing Donald Trump's white whale revealed itself in all its political dis-glory

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Judge Juan Merchan's obsession with landing his white whale, Donald Trump , revealed itself in all its political dis-glory.

Julian Zelizer : Even if he had tried, Trump could not have scripted a more revealing political act by Merchan .

He says a truly neutral judge committed to following the law would have overturned the conviction.

Zelizer says Merchan is openly displaying the political nature of the prosecution and trial.

John Shu , John Yoo , John Shu and John Bragg : Judge Merchan and Bragg violated legal norms.

They say Merchan 's sentencing will make the criminal trial final, which will give Trump chance to appeal to higher courts.

Trump could use federal powers to retaliate until Democrats are deterred, they say.

Shu , Yoo : New York may suffer a more grievous response when Trump assumes office.