On Trial, Trump Glowered and Menendez Sings. Does It Affect the Outcome?

One politician grumbled in the courtroom, sounded off to the reporters who gathered outside, and seemingly nodded off in full view of the jury. The other has followed the courtroom action avidly, his head twisting as if watching a tennis match, and occasionally broken into song in the hallway.

Indeed, while both men face possible prison time and undetermined political damage, the contrast between the two powerful 70-something politicians recently on trial in Manhattan — one Democrat and one Republican — extends far beyond their political affiliations. Each has adopted very different demeanors while sitting at the defense table.

The Democrat, 70, has been an attentive participant, pivoting his gaze between the witnesses testifying against him and his defense team fighting back. He makes no faces and has held no impromptu news conferences. His social media has been silent on the trial.

The Republican, 78, took a different approach. During his trial, the former president and presumptive party nominee staged the legal equivalent of a sit-in, expressing dissatisfaction with the proceedings. He occasionally mumbled complaints under his breath, earning a warning from the judge, while spending much of his time outside the courtroom loudly berating opponents. Some of his out-of-court comments caused the judge in the case to penalize him.

The Democrat senator is accused of trading favors for cash, gold bars, and a luxury car. His trial is expected to last until July.