Plain English with Derek Thompson How Strong Is the Case Against Donald Trump?
Apr 6, 2023
Derek chats with Norman Eisen, a seasoned lawyer and former co-counsel during Trump's first impeachment, and political reporter Dave Weigel from Semafor. They delve into the strength of the case against Trump, discussing the implications of hush money payments and legal challenges he faces. Eisen argues that the indictment is more substantial than many believe, while Weigel explores how this legal drama could alter the electoral landscape, impacting Trump's support within the GOP and influencing voter perceptions.
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Weakest Part of the Case
- The weakest part might be the novelty of applying state law to a federal candidate.
- Michael Cohen's testimony's importance is downplayed by the broader sweep of evidence collected.
Preemption Concerns
- Some legal scholars argue that applying state law to a federal candidate like Trump is a mistake.
- The preemption rule might prevent state prosecutors from pursuing federal crimes.
Disagreement Among Experts
- Experts disagree on the case's strength, some viewing it as weaker than expected.
- Eisen believes they misjudge the case's democratic importance and the DA's experience.