Donald Trump's lawyers ask judge to exit criminal case, echoing claims of political bias

[jmowreader]

22. Judge Merchan's response

"Hello, Rapid Steel? This is Judge Juan Manuel Merchan of the Manhattan Criminal Court. Do you have any inch-thick plate steel in stock?"

"Why, yes we do. What kind of steel do you need?"

"The heavy kind."

"No, no, you don't understand. Steel comes in different grades, designated by a four digit code. Do you know the AISI number of the steel you're looking for?"

"For this application, the grade doesn't matter. I need a piece about three feet square, and one of the sides needs to be cut at a roughly 35-degree angle."

"So...shaped kinda like a guillotine blade?"

"Exactly. When can you deliver that?"

"You have Donald Trump on your docket, right?"

"Well...yeah."

"Okay, we've got two delivery times. If you just want the steel dropped off at your courthouse, we can do that tomorrow. But if you'd like us to sharpen the edge, drill three holes so you can bolt it to the guillotine, and build you a guillotine so you can use it, give us until Wednesday. We'll make the blade out of our best stainless steel. Price will be $50."

"Why so cheap?"

"Rapid Steel believes in civic improvement, Your Honor."