Jury Selection Begins in Menendez Corruption Trial
The Facts
The criminal trial of US Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ) began Monday in Manhattan federal court with jury selection.
Menendez is charged with accepting bribes of cash, gold bars, and a luxury car from three New Jersey businessmen — leading the senator to take actions benefiting the governments of Egypt and Qatar.
The Spin
Narrative A
Menendez is the poster child of corruption and an utter disgrace to the Senate. It's unfathomable that he's retained his job in what could only be explained as a political favor from Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. Politicians on both sides of the political aisle have called for his resignation, and the American people deserve someone better than a Senator who's been bought off by foreign governments.
Narrative B
Menendez has the right of any US citizen to defend himself from the charges against him. The senator has consistently maintained he never accepted bribes. Political forces are quick to assume guilt, but that's not how the American judicial system operates and Menendez is innocent until proven guilty.
