This individual had tried cases before the judge, in the past, and said this behavior is nothing unusual for him. Sometimes he targets the prosecution, sometimes the defense.

If I can find the individual's name, I'll post it.

I think one of Manaforts lawyers said it best: this judge wants to be treated like he is the smartest person in the room

which makes him sound like a pompous ass to me

from lawyers who've said that the prosecution usually has the upper hand in white-collar crime cases (because the feds won't bring a case that they're not likely to win), so judges will bend over backward for the defense in order to avoid the appearance of favoring the prosecution when the case is inevitably appealed.

I hope they're right.

1. Yes, this confirms my reading - they wouldnt have brought a case they didn't think they could win handedly

2. Also heard he is always like this.

3. Doesn't want his name attached to any charges of "witch hunt" or a weak case that can be appealed. So making absolutely sure the prosecution has nailed this. It may raise hackles in the courtroom, but prosecutors are usually okay with this.

I've been a lawyer for 45 years and have seen lots of judges like him. He wants to be the center of attention and when you think about it, it isn't much different than Trump.