Michael Cohen just finished off Donald Trump
Everyone had an opinion on what Michael Cohen’s testimony would be like and whether it would be effective. After all, he spent time in prison for lying. His credibility could have been nonexistent. Some reports are merely matter of fact, while HuffPost talked to experts who said Cohen “exceeded expectations.”
Prosecutors presented records that backed up Cohen’s testimony, including call logs and a recording of Cohen discussing a payment to Karen McDougal with Trump. Katie Phang of MSNBC weighed in, saying that the evidence presented corroborated Cohen’s testimony. She said: “It was a free-flowing, well-paced, clean, succinct, direct examination.” This allowed Cohen to lead the narrative, and as he spoke, HuffPost reported that several jurors were “feverishly” taking notes and looking at Cohen.
Cohen’s big moment came when he debunked Trump’s defense that he paid Stormy Daniels because of his family and that it had nothing to do with politics. Be that as it may, he still falsified records; the reason doesn’t matter. Perhaps he’s trying to make himself look better if that’s even possible. According to Cohen, Trump wondered how Melania would take the news if it got out, but in the end, he could have cared less. He asked Cohen: “Don’t worry, how long do you think I’ll be on the market for? Not long.” He was more concerned that other (voting) women would see him as “a sleazy predator” than about Melania.
Cohen withstood cross-examination well. Trump’s attorneys tried their best to present questions they assumed would make him lie, but he lied about nothing, even if it made him look bad. Trump’s counsel couldn’t wait to ask Cohen if he cooperated for a reduction in time. Of course he did, and Cohen didn’t lie about it. Who wouldn’t take the opportunity? It would be stupid to do otherwise, especially to protect Donald Trump. Overall, Cohen kept his cool and appeared poised and professional. Norm Eisen seconds that.
Eisen’s response to Cohen’s testimony was: “I think he exceeded expectations in how he presented to the jury.” Eisen also said that the prosecutors did a good job of having corroboration of Cohen’s testimony, which obviously made it more truthful and accurate. Cohen testified that Trump told him “to just take care of it,” and Cohen also said that Trump was involved in the negotiations, approved the final deal, and signed the reimbursement plan shortly before his inauguration. Cohen further testified that the sole purpose of everything was to protect Donald Trump’s political ambitions. Given the risk of this information becoming public so closely to the release of the Access Hollywood tapes, Trump knew it would kill his chances, and he wanted it stopped in his tracks. Cohen gave proof that the payment was about the election, as Trump told him: “I want you to push it out as long as you can. Push it out past the election, because if I win, it has no relevance, and if I lose, I don’t really care.” This statement once again shows that Trump wasn’t worried about Melania or any other family members. His only concern was being president.
Shirley is a former entertainment writer and has worked in the legal field for over 25 years