I can't think of anything that would make me happier than removing this grotesque buffoon from the nation's political history once and for all. But this kind of decision, based on a crime which he has not been convicted of in a court of law, is just not fair. Trump must be stopped by a verdict and a jury, or by being soundly trounced in an election, not by the split decision of a panel of judges. Besides, I can't think of anything more likely to provoke, or set the groundwork for, future political violence. His followers are a heavily armed cult that cannot be reasoned with.

I am opposed to this ruling. I believe it to be unconstitutional, and as an old man I am starting to understand just how important fealty to our constitution is. And if Trump becomes President constitutionally, in a fair election, then perhaps this nation will deserve what it gets.

“There is no doubt that Donald Trump is a threat to our liberties and even to our democracy, but in California, we defeat candidates at the polls. Everything else is a political distraction.”

Gavin Newsome, Governor of California