Live coverage: Donald Trump's first criminal trial, Day Two

If you want to see what’s going on with each of these jurors in detail—and I mean detail—I’d suggest peeking in on Politico’s live blog.

For example:

Fourth prospective juror of the day: a man originally from Mexico who now lives in Hell’s Kitchen and works in finance. He lives alone, but has a dog. He reads the New York Times and Huffington Post. He listens to some podcasts that are LGBTQ-related.

Hmm. Lives alone in Hell’s Kitchen, but works in finance, not as a lawyer. So I don’t think we have to ask this guy if he sidelines as a vigilante crime fighter. 

So far, it looks like only four of the initial 18 prospective jurors are going to clear round 1.

Prosecutors want Merchan to inform Trump that further violations of the gag order won’t result in trivial fines.

Question 17 for the potential jurors is: Have you, a relative, or close friend ever had any education, training, or work experience in the legal field, including but not limited to practicing criminal or civil law? 

That question garnered a somewhat fun response.

I suspect they’ll let her stay.

One thing happening outside the courtroom today is adding an extra dash of drama.

When he scheduled a hearing on whether Trump should be held in contempt over violations of the gag order, Merchan gave both sides four days to file their response. But the prosecution has been super eager beavers. and their full filing is already complete.

More on this in a moment, because the prosecution is seriously pushing Merchan to play hardball.

As MSNBC’s Katie Phang notes, a lot of today (and next week) may end up with little drama other than the slow parade of potential jurors and the occasionally amusing answer to a question.  But this could be the most critical part of the trial.

Just think of it this way: It may not be as entertaining as testimony, but Trump has to sit through it all.

You have to like the way that every time Merchan addresses the defendant, he just says “Mr. Trump.”

And another …

It’s a good thing they have such a large number of potentials for this case. They had to know this was going to happen.

Yesterday, Merchan had indicated that the day would start with a Sandoval hearing during which Donald Trump would informed about what it means when a defendant testifies in his own defense. But so far this morning this hasn’t come up. Unclear if this is just a change in schedule or if the defense has said something to Merchan about Trump’s likelihood of testifying.

One other potential juror has been excused today because of illness, and a short while ago one more of the original set was sent home.

What remains of this first group is almost through the 42 initial questions. A second group of potential jurors is likely to be seated shortly.

Court was a little delayed getting started this morning for a reason that took a few minutes to clear up.

Finally, Judge Merchan decided to move along without them.

It’s safe to say that these two are going to get A Talkin’ To.