12 Angry New Yorkers

Added: May 31, 2024

The Trial of Donald Trump

The trial of Donald Trump is a central focus, with Shapiro noting that it would be surprising if Trump is not convicted, given the composition of the jury and the judge's apparent expectations. The jury, described as "12 Angry New Yorkers," may not be particularly fond of Trump, and the judge's jury instructions suggest a conviction is anticipated. The jury deliberates for over four hours before taking a break and resuming the next day, requesting to hear the legal instructions again due to the confusing nature of the charges.

Unlawful Means in 2016 Election

The judge's instructions outline three possible unlawful means that Trump may have used to impact the 2016 election: violations of the Federal Election Campaign Act, falsification of other business records, and violation of tax laws. Notably, the jury is not required to be unanimous on which of these unlawful means were used, an unusual legal approach that raises questions about the trial's fairness.

Flaws in Trump's Defense

Shapiro criticizes the case's flaws, particularly the lack of evidence that Trump willfully violated the Federal Election Campaign Act. He also points out the weaknesses in Trump's defense strategy, which focuses on denying involvement in the alleged illegal conduct rather than arguing the legality of the conduct. He suggests that Trump is likely to be convicted, though the conviction may not significantly impact his political standing. A new NPR Maris poll shows Trump leading by 12 points among independent voters, indicating strong support despite the trial.

Biden's Declining Popularity and Economic Challenges

The episode also discusses Joe Biden's declining popularity, with his unfavorable ratings exceeding favorable ones by a significant margin. The slowing economy, which was expected to reduce inflation, has not achieved this goal, and the high inflation rate is contributing to Biden's low approval ratings. These economic challenges are a significant factor in Biden's declining popularity.

Challenges in NYC Mayoral Election

The podcast then shifts to the political landscape in New York City, particularly the upcoming mayoral election. Shapiro expresses concerns about the candidates' ability to address the city's pressing issues, which have been exacerbated by the pandemic. The pandemic has highlighted and intensified existing problems in New York City, making effective leadership more crucial than ever.

Racial Unity in NYC

Racial tensions in New York City are another topic of discussion. Shapiro emphasizes the need for unity and understanding among different communities to address systemic issues and work towards a more inclusive and equitable society. He stresses the importance of coming together to tackle these challenges and create positive change.

The Media's Influence on Public Opinion

The role of the media in shaping public opinion and influencing political discourse is also examined. Shapiro discusses the need for responsible journalism and unbiased reporting to ensure that the public is well-informed and able to make informed decisions. He highlights the media's power in shaping narratives and the importance of maintaining journalistic integrity.