CNN anchor Jake Tapper said Monday in the network’s coverage of former President Donald Trump’s business records trial that defense attorney Todd Blanche’s cross-examination of witness Michael Cohen over the stolen money was “astonishing.” It was a thing,” he said.
A partial transcription follows:
TAPPER: That’s very fascinating, isn’t it? And I have to say, I’m still shaken by the revelation that Michael Cohen stole money from the Trump Organization, and that, at least to my knowledge, the prosecution didn’t figure that out. I wish it came out sooner, because it’s not like more evidence that Michael Cohen is a shady character is going to help the prosecution. I mean, let’s get to the update in a second. But, I mean, what is this? What do you think about that news? Because it was kind of surprising.
Laura Coates: On the third day of Michael Cohen’s cross-examination, I was shocked to hear for the first time that the prosecution didn’t pull any traps or pretense because they wanted to get to the heart of the case. I am receiving it. It’s not just about labeling him as a liar. they did it. The prosecution did that. We knew he was convicted. But it gets to the nitty-gritty of what you told your employer, how much you should be paid and how much. We’re talking $420,000.
Tapper: This is not like $15 –
Court: It’s not $15. So if you go to the table, you can analyze what you already know. The breakdown of the $130,000 paid to Daniels and her attorney is known. You have her $50,000. it is. This is important. It was mentioned today that he only gave Redfinch $20,000. Then he handed it to me in a brown paper bag. By the way, let’s think about what that is.
TAPPER: So, just a quick note: Red Finch, according to Michael Cohen, is apparently this political group that creates fake internet opinion polls about which candidates are in the lead and so on. Mr. Davis appears to be assisting with investigations, etc., and, according to Ranney, Mr. Davis supported Mr. Trump’s ardent fans when he announced his candidacy in June 2015.
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