Senator Bob Menendez found himself in the spotlight as potential jurors streamed into a federal courtroom in Manhattan to kick off the jury selection process for his trial, which will shape the course of his future over the next two months.
Unlike the high-profile trial of Donald Trump nearby, the focus was less on sentiments about Menendez himself and more on practical considerations.
While the Trump trial dealt with the challenge of impartiality among jurors, Menendez’s trial encountered a different hurdle. Many of the 150 potential jurors expressed worries about how the trial would disrupt their work, family commitments, and vacation plans. This led to the anticipation that about one-third of the pool would be excused after the first day.
Among those voicing concerns were individuals passionate about news and politics, an NYU film instructor, a local government official overseeing contracts, and a housing attorney. While some cited concerns about impartiality due to their familiarity with the case, most were preoccupied with how the trial would impact their daily lives.
Menendez’s relatively lower profile compared to Trump, along with the geographical and political divide between New York and New Jersey, contributed to the subdued sentiments among the potential jurors. Despite his influence in New Jersey and Washington, Menendez lacks the nationwide recognition of some of his Senate colleagues.
This trial marks Menendez’s second encounter with legal proceedings in a decade. Following a mistrial in 2017, his defense team remains vigilant during jury selection. Seeking any hint of understanding or connection, attorneys closely scrutinized prospective jurors, even seizing upon one juror’s plans to attend a Bruce Springsteen concert in Spain.
As jury selection progresses, Menendez expressed appreciation for the commitment and sacrifice of the potential jurors. Dressed in a dark suit, he emphasized the importance of their role in the proceedings as he exited the courthouse on Monday evening.