Critical Moment: Cohen Faces Intense Cross-Examination in Trump Trial

Michael Cohen, Donald Trump's former fixer, is set to return to the stand on Thursday for another round of cross-examination. This pivotal moment in the trial is seen as the most crucial chapter in the first criminal case involving a former president. Cohen's testimony as the final prosecution witness indicates that the trial, centered around a hush money payment allegedly made by Trump to an adult film star and attempts to conceal it, is quickly approaching a climax that could have significant implications for the final months leading up to the election.

Trump’s former self-proclaimed "thug" faced tough questioning on Tuesday from Trump's lawyer Todd Blanche. Blanche aimed to discredit him by painting him as a liar fixated on the ex-president and making money by trying to bring him down.

During the cross-examination, Blanche, as reported by CNN’s Paula Reid, focused on undermining the credibility of the witness. He specifically targeted the allegations that Trump directed a payment to conceal an alleged affair to deceive voters during the 2016 election. Blanche also questioned Cohen's recollection of conversations with Trump and cast doubt on whether such a significant decision should be based solely on Cohen's testimony, according to Reid's report.

Two important strategic questions are still unanswered. The first question is whether the expected GOP nominee will testify. Initially, he indicated he would like to, despite many legal experts warning that it could be a risky move. Another question is how many witnesses the defense will call, and whether Trump's lawyers will argue that New York has not proven Trump's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Regardless of how things play out, it is clear that after closing arguments from both sides, the jury will deliberate within days to reach a verdict. This verdict will ultimately determine whether, for the first time in history, a major political party will nominate a convicted felon for president.

A unexpected rush of political events

Every criminal trial is serious because it involves someone's reputation and freedom. This case is even more significant because the accused is a former president who is also a contender for the presidency according to current polls.

The trial is a crucial event that will impact the outcome of the presidential race. It is one of many important events happening in a shorter political calendar, which means voters will need to make their decision earlier than usual before Election Day in November.

CLEVELAND, OHIO - SEPTEMBER 29: U.S. President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden participate in the first presidential debate at the Health Education Campus of Case Western Reserve University on September 29, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. This is the first of three planned debates between the two candidates in the lead up to the election on November 3. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)

U.S. President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden participated in the first presidential debate at the Health Education Campus of Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio on September 29, 2020. This debate is the first of three planned debates between the two candidates leading up to the election on November 3. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)

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Long-held doubts about presidential debates were put to rest on Wednesday morning when President Joe Biden challenged Trump in a video, saying "Make my day, pal," and his campaign proposed debates in late June and early September. Biden later confirmed his participation in a CNN debate on June 27, to which Trump promptly agreed. Subsequently, both candidates announced their acceptance of an invitation from ABC for a second debate scheduled for September 10.

This sudden progress means that debates will occur earlier in the campaign season than usual, even before the official nomination of candidates at the July GOP convention and the August Democratic convention. The decision to move up the debates makes sense as some states begin voting as early as September. However, this development also signals a potential shift in the role of the Commission on Presidential Debates, which has organized debates since 1988 but has faced criticism from both parties in recent years. The Commission now appears to be in jeopardy of losing its influence and could be the next tradition to fade away in the unpredictable Trump era.

Biden, at 81 years old, taking on Trump is a risky move as any mistakes due to his age could feed into the ex-president's argument that he is unfit for a second term. Some people believe Biden should not give a platform to a former president who is facing charges for trying to undermine democracy post the 2020 election.

On the other hand, Trump, who is 77, may have already lowered the bar for himself, making it easier for Biden to exceed expectations. Trump has often criticized Biden's ability to communicate effectively, but a repeat of his aggressive behavior during the 2020 debate could support Biden's claim that Trump is extreme and a threat to the Constitution.

Critical Supreme Court ruling

Another key development that could weigh heavily on the campaign could occur at about the same time as the first debate.

The Supreme Court is set to announce its ruling on Trump's claims of immunity from prosecution. Predicting decisions from the high court is always tricky. However, indications from the recent oral arguments suggest that the justices might send the case back to lower courts for further legal proceedings. This move would likely postpone Trump's trial in the federal election interference case until after the election. Consequently, he may not face consequences for his alleged involvement in the major attack on democracy before a subsequent election.

US House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana, speaks to members of the media outside Manhattan criminal court in New York, US, on Tuesday, May 14, 2024. Former US President Donald Trump faces 34 felony counts of falsifying business records as part of an alleged scheme to silence claims of extramarital sexual encounters during his 2016 presidential campaign. Photographer: Michael Nagle/Bloomberg via Getty Images

US House Speaker Mike Johnson, who is a Republican from Louisiana, talked to reporters outside Manhattan criminal court in New York, US, on Tuesday, May 14, 2024. Former US President Donald Trump is accused of committing 34 felony counts of falsifying business records. This allegedly happened as part of a plan to cover up claims of extramarital sexual encounters during his 2016 presidential campaign. The photo was taken by Michael Nagle/Bloomberg via Getty Images.

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The ex-president’s lawyers have been trying to delay Trump’s legal cases until after the election, hoping he can become president again and stop federal trials against him. Two other cases, one in Georgia for election interference and another federal case for hoarding classified documents, are also stuck in pre-trial proceedings and may not happen before the next election. This could mean that the election, expected to be focused on Trump’s legal issues, might take a different turn.

The only trial that might happen before the election is the hush money case. It’s unclear how a guilty verdict or an acquittal could impact undecided voters in swing states who will determine the next president. Some polls suggest that some Republicans may reconsider voting for Trump if he is found guilty. However, the hush money case is seen as the least serious legal problem for the ex-president. Trump and his Republican allies, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, are working to paint the trial as politically motivated, possibly in preparation for a potential conviction.

The pre-verdict spin indicates that the trial, which has captured the attention of the country and marked a historic moment, may be reaching its end. This comes at a time when other factors that could impact the election are gaining momentum.

Editor's P/S:

The upcoming conclusion of Michael Cohen's testimony in the hush money trial against former President Donald Trump is a pivotal moment in American politics. Cohen's testimony has been central to the prosecution's case, alleging that Trump directed a payment to conceal an extramarital affair during the 2016 election. The outcome of the trial could have significant implications for Trump's political future, as it could mark the first time a major political party nominates a convicted felon for president.

In addition to the hush money trial, other significant developments are likely to shape the upcoming election. The Supreme Court's ruling on Trump's immunity claims could determine whether he faces consequences for his alleged involvement in the major attack on democracy before a subsequent election. The timing of the ruling coincides with the first presidential debate, adding further uncertainty to the political landscape. These events, combined with the ongoing trials and investigations, will undoubtedly influence the election's outcome and the future of American politics.