Legal analyst Norm Eisen praised Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg for skillfully managing expectations for his key witness, Michael Cohen, during the hush money trial against former President Donald Trump. Prosecutors allege that Trump falsified financial records to conceal his reimbursement of a $130,000 hush payment made to adult-film star Stormy Daniels during the 2016 presidential campaign. Despite Trump’s denial of these allegations, Cohen testified on Monday and Tuesday, prompting criticism from every witness and allegations of Cohen being a serial liar during cross-examination by Trump’s attorney Todd Blanche.
Eisen noted that the prosecution successfully suppressed expectations for Cohen, similar to managing expectations in a presidential debate. By presenting Cohen in a negative light before cross-examination, the prosecution aimed to lessen the impact of any damaging testimony. Former federal prosecutor Neama Rahmani also praised the prosecution’s strategy of presenting hard evidence, such as a secret recording of a conversation between Cohen and Trump discussing a hush money payment for Playboy model Karen McDougal, and documents from Allen Weisselberg, The Trump Organization’s former chief financial officer, related to the Daniels payment.
Rahmani highlighted that the prosecution’s approach effectively corroborated Cohen’s testimony with independent evidence, such as recordings and documents, to strengthen their case against Trump. Despite Cohen’s past as a convicted felon and admitted liar, the prosecution’s presentation of evidence has helped reinforce his credibility before the jury. Cohen will face additional cross-examination when the trial resumes, but the prosecution’s groundwork in managing expectations and corroborating testimonies has set a solid foundation for their case.
Trump’s defense team, led by attorney Todd Blanche, sought to discredit Cohen during cross-examination by emphasizing his past grudge against the former president. Cohen, who served as Trump’s attorney and “fixer” before pleading guilty to federal charges in 2018, has since become a vocal critic of Trump. Blanche attempted to paint Cohen as unreliable by highlighting his history of lying and personal animosity towards Trump. However, the prosecution’s strategic approach of presenting Cohen’s flaws upfront may have mitigated the impact of these attacks on his credibility.
Overall, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg has been praised for his handling of the hush money trial against former President Donald Trump. By skillfully managing expectations for key witness Michael Cohen and presenting strong evidence corroborating his testimony, the prosecution has laid a solid foundation for their case. Despite the defense team’s efforts to discredit Cohen, the prosecution’s strategic approach may have weakened the impact of these attacks and strengthened their case before the jury. The trial is set to resume with additional cross-examination of Cohen, but the prosecution’s preparation and management of expectations have positioned them well in their pursuit of justice.
