DeepSummary
In this episode of The Al Franken Podcast, Al Franken interviews Harry Litman, a former U.S. Attorney and Deputy Assistant Attorney General, about the ongoing criminal trial of former President Donald Trump for falsifying business records related to hush money payments. They discuss the prosecution's and defense's strategies, the potential charges Trump could face, and the possible outcomes of the trial.
Harry Litman provides his analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of both the prosecution's and defense's cases, highlighting the corroborating evidence against Trump and the defense's lack of a cohesive narrative. They also delve into the legal technicalities surrounding the potential charges, such as the distinction between a misdemeanor and a felony, and the complications that could arise from the specific statutes involved.
Additionally, they explore the potential impact of the trial's outcome on Trump's political future and the various legal battles he might face if he loses the case, including the Georgia election interference case, the Mar-a-Lago documents case, and the January 6th insurrection case. Litman provides insights into the appeals process and the potential involvement of the Supreme Court in these cases.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- The prosecution has presented substantial corroborating evidence against Trump, including emails, phone records, and witness testimony.
- The defense has struggled to present a cohesive narrative and has primarily relied on attacking the credibility of the prosecution's witnesses, particularly Michael Cohen.
- If convicted of a misdemeanor, Trump could face a relatively short jail sentence, but the appeals process could take years.
- If acquitted or if the trial results in a hung jury, Trump is likely to claim victory, regardless of the circumstances.
- Trump's legal troubles extend beyond the current trial, with potential cases related to the Mar-a-Lago documents, the January 6th insurrection, and the Georgia election interference.
- The Supreme Court's involvement in some of these cases could impact their scope and potential outcomes.
- The outcome of the current trial and other legal battles could significantly affect Trump's political future and potential presidential aspirations.
- The jury's behavior and potential for a holdout juror are crucial factors that could determine the trial's outcome.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “But now it's going to happen, you know, and that's a very strong case. January 6 case is going to happen. Maybe as curtailed by the supreme court.“ by Harry Litman
- “And you're always looking in a criminal case as an old prosecutor who out there is the possible holdout. And what I did not see an obvious juror who's just like, you know, not listening, accenting himself or herself from the game kind of profile of someone who's just gonna fold their arms and say, I'm not voting, no matter what.“ by Harry Litman
- “If he's convicted and not president, I think he will face the music eventually. It'll be a couple years, I think the appellate.“ by Harry Litman
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Episode Information
The Al Franken Podcast
ASF Productions
5/26/24
Former U.S. Attorney and Deputy Assistant Attorney General Harry Litman joins to discuss the Trump hush money trial. Both sides have rested. Harry has been in the courtroom watching the trial. With closing arguments coming next week, we break down what has transpired and all the possible outcomes Trump could expect as his verdict looms.
Harry has been covering the trial for the Los Angeles Times. Read his reporting here:
https://www.latimes.com/people/harry-litman
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