As i've told a number of reporters today, I'm underwhelmed with the #TrumpTape, standing by itself, as proof of a campaign finance violation (though it certainly gives plenty of reason to fully investigate). /1
-
-
But the tape sheds little light on this. We don't know what AMI's motivation was, whether there was cooperation with Trump/campaign, whether there was reimbursement. /4
Show this thread -
Now there's some circumstantial evidence it is campaign-related given both timing and what else is discussed on the tape. And that's a GREAT reason for further investigation. But tape alone is no smoking gun as to campaign finance violations. /5
Show this thread -
But speaking politically, it shows how much the goal posts have moved with Trump. For any other president/presidential candidate, a tape like this about potential reimbursement of hush money to pay off playmate to keep quiet about affair would be YUGE political scandal. /6
Show this thread -
But a scandal does not prove illegality. The key point to keep in mind is that this is a piece of evidence in isolation. Cohen knows a lot more, and there is a lot more evidence. It may well be proven to be illegal activity. But the tape alone does not resolve the matter. 7/7
Show this thread
End of conversation
New conversation -
Loading seems to be taking a while.
Twitter may be over capacity or experiencing a momentary hiccup. Try again or visit Twitter Status for more information.