Former Special Counsel to Donald Trump Michael Cohen and a lineup of guests discuss the charges against Trump, the significance of loyalty, concerns about his treatment as an indicted defendant, the March on Washington commemoration, disqualifying Trump from holding office again, the rise of a controversial presidential candidate, Trump's legal troubles and corruption of power, updates on India, Russia, and Ukraine, and the lasting relevance of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet.
Trump's co-defendants in the criminal racketeering case are distancing themselves from him, revealing a lack of loyalty and self-preservation.
Trump heavily relies on his base for financial and political support, as they contribute to his campaigns and legal defense.
Trump's prioritization of loyalty within his followers can have dangerous consequences, blurring the line between right and wrong and posing a threat to democracy.
Deep dives
Trump and his co-defendants face legal jeopardy
Former President Donald Trump and 18 co-defendants are facing a criminal racketeering case in Fulton County, Georgia. The charges include heading up a criminal enterprise, intimidating election workers, and tampering with voting machines. Trump's Co-defendants, who were once loyal to him, are now distancing themselves from him and seeking separate legal representation. While Trump has depicted himself as a political martyr, his co-defendants' actions demonstrate a lack of loyalty as they seek to protect themselves from potential prison time. Trump's reluctance to financially support their legal defenses is complicating matters for his former allies.
Donald Trump needs his supporters more than they need him
Former President Donald Trump relies on the support and loyalty of his base to fuel his political campaigns and legal defense. He uses rallies to portray himself as the only thing standing between his supporters and perceived evils of the federal government. However, Trump's base is crucial to his political survival. They provide financial contributions and support his quest for the presidency, which he sees as a means to escape punishment for his alleged crimes. Trump's recent fundraising efforts, including using his mugshot for merchandise, highlight his dependence on his base for financial and political support.
The dangers of Trump's cult of loyalty
Former President Donald Trump has prioritized loyalty within his followers, making it a crucial quality for political success. Trump's base places great importance on loyalty and sees him as an untouchable figure. However, this loyalty can be dangerous, as it often blurs the line between right and wrong. Trump's legal troubles and the distancing of his co-defendants illustrate the consequences of prioritizing loyalty over rule of law and personal accountability. This dangerous loyalty extends beyond Trump himself and poses a threat to democracy as a whole.
Trump's mugshot and the quest for accountability
The release of Donald Trump's mugshot and his subsequent use of it for fundraising highlights the pursuit of accountability for his alleged crimes. While Trump portrays himself as a political martyr, the mugshot serves as a symbolic reminder that he can be held accountable for his actions. The mugshot represents a shift away from the perception of Trump as untouchable, and it challenges the idea that loyalty to him will offer protection. The image serves as a catalyst for those seeking justice and accountability, dismantling the notion that Trump is above the law.
Commemorating the Historic March on Washington
Close to 100,000 people gather in Washington to pay tribute to the historic march on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. The event aims to address threats to democracy, criminal justice reform, and voting rights.
The Enduring Relevance of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet
Romeo and Juliet, a touchstone of English literature, explores familial ties, the power of love, and the inevitability of fate. Despite controversy and efforts to ban the play in some schools, its universal themes continue to resonate with audiences. The balcony scene, though the word 'balcony' does not appear in the text, remains one of the most iconic moments in literature. The play's ending, often misinterpreted as glorifying suicide, actually emphasizes the consequences of the senseless feud between the families and the tragic outcome of the young lovers' impulsive decisions.
Ali Velshi is joined by former Special Counsel to Donald Trump Michael Cohen, NBC’s Trymaine Lee, NBC’s Antonia Hylton, Attorney Dean Obeidallah, former Manhattan Assistant District Attorney Catherine Christian, MSNBC Legal Analyst Lisa Rubin, Professor of History at NYU Ruth Ben-Ghiat, former Chairman of the Republican National ConventionMichael Steele, Sen. Chris Coons (D-DE), Shakespeare Scholar at Harvard University Jeffrey R. Wilson, Research Fellow and Dean for Welfare at Magdalen College, Oxford Sophie Duncan
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