The Daily The Closing Arguments in the Trump Trial
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May 29, 2024 Jonah Bromwich, a criminal justice reporter for The New York Times, shares insights from the pivotal closing arguments in the trial of Donald Trump. He discusses the prosecution's compelling case, bolstered by impactful testimonies, and critiques the defense's strategy to question witness credibility and downplay Trump’s involvement. The podcast also sheds light on the jury dynamics in such a landmark trial, revealing the complexities faced by jurors as they navigate 34 charges against the backdrop of significant political implications.
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Defense's Lack of Coherent Story
- The prosecution presented a tight, coherent narrative in the Trump trial.
- The defense, however, lacked a clear alternative theory, focusing on attacking the prosecution's script.
Three Pillars of Defense
- Trump's defense had three pillars: portraying the case as purely about documents, distancing Trump from them, and discrediting Michael Cohen.
- They aimed to create reasonable doubt by focusing on technicalities and Cohen's credibility.
Attacking Cohen
- Todd Blanche's closing arguments focused heavily on discrediting Michael Cohen, calling him the "MVP of liars" and "GOAT."
- Despite other pillars, the defense primarily emphasized Cohen's perceived untrustworthiness.