THE TRAYVON MARTIN CASE – AT 8:55 A.M. ET:  This case may be headed for trouble, as in Duke University lacrosse, as in O.J. Simpson.

We're publishing a bit late this morning because we've been flooded with e-mails from knowledgeable readers who have direct experience with the Florida justice system.  Some have direct knowledge of the prosecutor, Angela Corey.  I wanted to examine all the assertions before writing.

It is clear that this case gets curioser and curioser.  Many legal authorities are expressing alarm at the thinness of the evidence against George Zimmerman presented by the special prosecutor.  We noted at "Short Takes" last night that no less an appeals lawyer than Alan Dershowitz, of the Harvard Law School, has used words like "unethical" to describe the prosecutor's actions.  There appears to be little in the prosecutor's affidavit to support a charge of second-degree murder.  And the prosecutor refused to present her "evidence" to a grand jury.  (She can charge by herself.)  Maybe she was afraid of the result.

The special prosecutor herself has come under scrutiny, leading me to lower substantially my original good impression of her.  Some say she has a history of "overcharging" defendants.  Others say she's intensely political and seeks higher office.  These are charges.  We don't assert them as fact. 

Florida practice leads the Washington Post to predict that the trial of George Zimmerman, if this case ever reaches trial, will be televised.  Prepare yourself for another O.J. Simpson farce, with another intimidated or politicized jury.

So far, Zimmerman's lawyer, Mark O'Hara, has been very gentle in his statements, leading some observers to believe that he sees a plea deal ahead. 

Stand by.  This is just the beginning.

And remember, the most important name in this case isn't George Zimmerman.  It is Eric Holder, the attorney general of the United States, and something of a racial radical.  He has already pledged that his department, which can't be bothered in a number of other heinous crimes, will oversee the case.  We know where Holder's instincts lie.  His statements can be interpreted as kind of a threat:  "If Florida doesn't get Zimmerman, we will."

We don't know yet how this case will impact the presidential campaign.  But we've long felt here that the race card will be played to energize the Democratic base.  The gender card is already in play.

April 13,  2012