In long conversations with jurors over the last week, they repeatedly stressed that was their top priority.
Later, there were two attempts to engage in discussions with selected jurors or members of their families.
But he added, in a reference to discussions with other jurors, "You can't shut yourself out from what's going on."
Judge Hoffman spent much of the morning going over the 30-count indictment with prospective jurors.
He'd had indirect contact with jurors before, several times in different forms, but never this close.
I don't know what you do with jurors like that.
Around the same time, the judge began meeting with jurors.
As for which stuck with jurors, it was impossible to tell.
But of course jury boxes are filled with, well, jurors.
He also was to meet with several prospective jurors who expressed concerns.