On a positive note, Donald Trump had a good day in court during his first criminal trial, with his former fixer Michael Cohen appearing to wobble on the stand under cross-examination. Cohen was tripped up over inconsistencies in his account of a phone call regarding Trump’s hush money payment to Stormy Daniels, potentially sowing doubt about his credibility in the minds of jurors. Trump seemed pleased with the day’s proceedings, with the possibility of a conviction appearing less likely following the developments in court.
As the trial hurtled toward its climax, the defense, led by Trump’s attorney Todd Blanche, made significant strides in discrediting Cohen’s testimony. Blanche highlighted Cohen’s history of lying and his personal resentment toward Trump, painting him as an unreliable witness. A pivotal moment occurred when Blanche challenged Cohen’s version of a phone call with Trump’s bodyguard, Keith Schiller, regarding the Stormy Daniels matter. The defense’s success in undermining Cohen’s credibility could potentially sway at least one juror’s opinion in favor of Trump.
The defense’s goal of making the trial a referendum on Cohen’s honesty appears to have been achieved, with legal experts viewing Blanche’s cross-examination as a turning point in the case. While some believe the episode dealt a significant blow to the prosecution’s narrative, others argue that it may not be enough to completely derail their case. Despite the defense’s success in casting doubt on Cohen’s testimony, there is still a mountain of evidence that could potentially pose challenges for Trump.
The defense’s strategy of highlighting Cohen’s personal stake in the outcome of the trial, coupled with his history of lying under oath in a previous case, further weakens his credibility as a witness. By planting seeds of doubt in the minds of jurors about Cohen’s trustworthiness, the defense aims to make it impossible for a unanimous verdict to be reached for conviction. The prosecution will face the challenge of repairing the damage caused by Blanche’s cross-examination in their redirect examination of Cohen’s testimony.
While the defense’s performance in court on Thursday was seen as a success, it remains to be seen how individual jurors will interpret the evidence and testimony presented during the trial. Trump’s optimism following the day’s proceedings may be premature, as the case is far from being resolved. The trial is headed towards its conclusion, with both sides preparing for summations and the jury expected to deliberate on their verdict after Memorial Day. Despite the defense’s progress, the prosecution still has the opportunity to present its case and rebut any doubts raised by the defense.
