During the recent trial involving Michael Cohen, his former attorney and current legal advisor, Lanny Davis, provided insights into the defense's strategy and the importance of corroborating evidence. Davis highlighted that the defense effectively challenged Cohen's credibility regarding a phone call to Keith Schiller, emphasizing the need for a focus on documents, testimony, and corroboration.
Davis emphasized the significance of corroborating evidence, such as a document attributed to Allen Weisselberg, which indicated payments made to Cohen were not legal fees but reimbursements, potentially constituting a crime. He stressed that the jury should prioritize factual evidence over dramatic courtroom moments.
Despite potential discrepancies in Cohen's testimony, Davis maintained that the case's core elements were supported by documents and testimonies from third parties like Hope Hicks and David Pecker. He underscored that the prosecution's case rested on concrete evidence, particularly the Weisselberg document, which could prove Donald Trump's alleged deception.
Regarding Cohen's extensive cooperation with prosecutors, Davis noted that the focus should remain on the factual evidence presented in court. He suggested that Cohen's role as a corroborating witness was crucial in validating existing evidence and establishing a timeline of events.
While acknowledging the potential impact of courtroom theatrics on jurors, Davis reiterated the importance of staying focused on the documented evidence and testimonies. He expressed confidence in the prosecution's ability to effectively summarize the case, emphasizing the weight of the corroborating evidence in proving Trump's alleged falsehoods.
In response to questions about Cohen's credibility and the jury's perception of his testimony, Davis maintained that the case's strength lay in the concrete evidence, particularly the Weisselberg document. He suggested that any doubts about Cohen's truthfulness should not overshadow the compelling evidence presented in court.
Overall, Davis's remarks underscored the prosecution's reliance on factual evidence and corroborating testimonies to build a strong case against Trump. Despite potential challenges to Cohen's credibility, Davis remained steadfast in his belief that the documented evidence would ultimately speak for itself in the courtroom.
