Former US President Donald Trump’s first criminal trial begins on Monday. Trump appeared in court with his lawyers and pleaded not guilty to 34 felony counts of falsifying business records. They spent a day discussing with prosecutors what evidence could be admitted.

Jury selection is not easy. More than half of the first potential jurors were dismissed because they believed they could not be fair and impartial. Trump expressed concern about having a fair jury in Manhattan because jurors would have to live there. However, most of the remaining jurors said they would hear the case fairly and impartially.

A potential juror was dismissed after admitting to having strong views about Trump that could affect her ability to be an impartial juror. She was heard saying: “I just can’t do it” in the corridor outside court.

None of the nine other potential jurors questioned had read any books by Trump or Michael Cohen, and none worked or volunteered for Trump.

As the hearing unfolds, the defense hopes to slow things down as the November election approaches. After months of appeals delaying the start of the trial, they are now focused on preserving every issue for the appeal.

Trump’s lawyers are urging longer questioning of potential jurors and trying to bog down the trial. For example, Trump’s attorney Todd Blanche asked for more time to question potential jurors, and the judge and the district attorney’s office agreed.

At the same time, prosecutors accused Trump of defying a judge’s gag order with his comments on social media. They asked the court to find Trump in contempt and fine him $3,000 for his indiscretions – $1,000 each for three social media posts.

As the trial gears up for a marathon, one thing is certain: It’s going to be a showdown like no other.