Conservative pundit George Conway has predicted that former President Trump will not be unanimously acquitted in the secret Manhattan trial.
Conway counted MSNBC’s Katie Phang said Saturday that testimony in recent weeks showed Trump is “up to his neck” in the case, where he faces 34 counts of falsifying business records. Conway added that “it will be difficult for the jury not to conclude that he [Trump] didn’t cause all of this.”
All 12 jurors must agree on the same decision on each of the 34 counts against Trump, or the case will be thrown out. Conway said Trump’s defense is just hoping that a juror does not agree to convict the former president.
“So, the defense has a difficult job. But all the defense has to do is convince a juror to hang the group. get 12 unanimous votes to acquit,” he said. “I think their best chance, and that’s what they’re going to do, is hope that there’s just one person on the jury who just refuses to convict.”
He also said the defense needs to present an “alternative explanation” during closing arguments “that raises reasonable doubt.” He noted that he is not sure what that alternative theory of the case would be.
Trump’s defense closed the case last week without calling the former president to testify. The judge said last week that closing statements will begin Tuesday, with jury deliberations soon after.
The former president is charged with 34 counts of falsifying business records in connection with a refund made to former Trump fixer Michael Cohen for a payment made to adult film star Stormy Daniels to keep silent about an alleged affair she had with Trump. Trump pleaded not guilty to all charges and denied the case.
This story originally appeared on thehill.com read the full story
