The twelve jurors surprised many observers by quickly offering a verdict in a case which included around thirty counts.
Such brief deliberations foreshadowed a guilty verdict. However, I was far from expecting that he would be found guilty of all 34 counts.
Before returning to the trial and its possible political fallout, let us take stock of what has just happened. For the first time in American history, a president was accused and convicted of a crime.
In recent weeks, Trump has been found guilty of defamation and sexual assault, fraud and, today, a crime.
- Listen to the American political column with Professor Luc Laliberté via QUB :
The greatest liar of all time
Before and during the trial, all observers and analysts had identified Michael Cohen’s testimony as potentially being the weak link in prosecutor Alvin Bragg’s case.
Donald Trump’s lawyer, Todd Blanche, had targeted Cohen in his closing argument, hammering home the message that he was the GLOAT (Greatest liar of all time), the greatest liar of all time.
Blanche probably underestimated the significance of the other testimonies and evidence filed. More importantly, he probably underestimated his client’s credibility. Donald Trump’s practices are known and documented.
If I hesitated while waiting for the jury’s decision, it was because to find him guilty across the board, we had to be convinced beyond a reasonable doubt of his intentions.
This proof is difficult to demonstrate and we can think that the other witnesses who spoke about the businessman confirmed his mania for dirty dealings.
Photo AFP
An uncertain political impact
Recent polls showed that a guilty verdict in this case would have little influence on the electorate. Moreover, the ratings of the specialized channels which were interested in this trial were disappointing, demonstrating the lack of interest of the population.
However, in an election that promises to be particularly close, we cannot neglect the old adage that “every vote counts”. If there is an effect, it will not be favorable to the Republican candidate and independent voters in swing states could prefer Joe Biden.
Another political impact to consider? The reaction of supporters of the Republican candidate. Convinced that Trump is the victim of a frame-up, they have already demonstrated on January 6, 2021 that they are ready for anything.
