Glenn Greenwald falsely states that Bob Menendez "just barely" escaped prosecution

[Americanno]

Today, Trump-loving russophile journalist Glenn Greenwald said:

Link to tweet

But Menendez didn't "just barely" escape such counts, as 10 out of the 12 jurors sided with him:

Politico (11-17-2017): "A juror leaving the federal courthouse in Newark on Thursday after the mistrial was declared said the Menendez jury was split, 10-2, with the majority believing New Jersey's senior senator was not guilty on most of the 18 counts he faced."
https://www.politico.com/states/new-jersey/story/2017/11/17/menendez-hung-jury-sends-powerful-message-to-government-118599

[Me.]

1. So What Exactly Is His Interest Here?

Is he an NJ resident?

[NCTraveler]

3. They are having to find unique ways to stand up for their buddy Trump.

The desperation is so bad that it often doesn't even make sense anymore.

[Me.]

4. Menendez's Opponent Keeps Running Ads About This

The first time I saw one, my thought was that the jury didn't agree with what he was saying about how corrupt Menendez is and that the Senator might have a case to sue for libel/slander. Menendez isn't my Senator and I don't much care for him but a legal decision was made and corrupt Greenwald needs to shut up.

[NCTraveler]

2. Greenwald, Assange, HA Goodman....

Fuck these pigs.

[karynnj]

5. Menendez was fortunate for two reasons here:

1) Governor Christie was still in office - even though Democrat Murphy had won the election. To at least some jurors, the potential that Christie might name a replacement could have been a factor

2) More significantly, the Supreme Court had overturned the convictions of Bob McDonnell, the VA Governor, who had accepted goods from people he helped as governor, who - like Menendez - he called "friends". Before that decision, the case against Menendez was stronger.

That said, Greenwald should not have said "just barely escaped" -- because it is not accurate. I assume the point that he is making is that where Menendez was not convicted, the investigation and the trial did expose ethical lapses. He was not found INNOCENT, he was was found NOT GUILTY. Months ago, when visiting the area we lived in for nearly 4 decades, I ran into some people I knew from having volunteered as a Democrat years ago. I was disheartened, but not surprised that there was no real challenge. Let's just say that for people who favor "good government" Democrats, NJ can be frustrating.

It may well be that Menendez made it clear he would fight tooth and nail and certainly would not decline another run. The state party would then face an expensive primary battle with a damaged winner -- or tacitly back the incumbent. For Menendez, stepping down would have effectively meant that his bio would end with the trial, the not guilty verdict, but then an end of his career - giving resonance to the idea that he had acted unethically. Running means he will likely be Senator for another 6 years, hopefully we retake the majority either in 2018 or 2020. Then, Menendez would be a high ranking Senator, with seniority who would be the chair of a committee (maybe the SFRC as before). His personal story still has this negative, but it will be balanced by any later accomplishments.