Added: May 31, 2024

In this podcast episode, Ben Shapiro delves into the recent conviction of Donald Trump on 34 felony counts by a New York jury. Shapiro is joined by constitutional lawyer Harmeet Dhillon to discuss the case's legal and political ramifications. The episode covers Shapiro's disbelief and outrage at the verdict, his criticism of Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, and Judge Juan Merchan's alleged bias. Shapiro and Dhillon explore the potential consequences of Trump's conviction, including the possibility of jail time and its impact on the upcoming election.

Shapiro's Outrage Over Verdict

Shapiro begins by expressing his shock at the verdict, calling it a travesty of justice. He accuses Alvin Bragg of orchestrating the case for personal gain and criticizes Judge Juan Merchan for allegedly favoring the prosecution with unprecedented jury instructions. Shapiro argues that the case against Trump was manufactured and lacked substantial evidence, pointing out the absurdity of charging Trump with violating election laws in 2016 when the federal government never pursued such charges. He questions the legality and fairness of the trial, suggesting it was politically motivated to harm Trump's chances in the upcoming election.

Consequences of Trump's Conviction

The podcast delves into the potential consequences of Trump's conviction, including the possibility of him serving jail time. Shapiro discusses the sentencing process and the implications of Trump being incarcerated while the election is ongoing. He criticizes the idea of imprisoning a political opponent on dubious charges and warns of the backlash it could create among the American people.

Trump Denounces Verdict as Rigged

Shapiro shares Trump's response to the verdict, where Trump denounces the trial as rigged and a disgrace. Trump vows to continue fighting for the country and the constitution, portraying himself as an innocent man targeted by political adversaries. Shapiro analyzes Trump's statement and emphasizes the political ramifications of the conviction on the upcoming election.

Legal Critique of Trial Proceedings

Harmeet Dhillon provides a legal perspective on the case, criticizing the trial as a kangaroo court and highlighting irregularities in the judge's instructions and the jury's decision. She questions the judge's motives and suggests that the trial was a politically motivated attack on Trump. Dhillon and Shapiro discuss the unprecedented nature of the case and its implications for the rule of law in the United States. They express concern about the erosion of legal norms and the potential consequences of allowing such politically charged prosecutions to proceed unchecked. Dhillon emphasizes the need for the appeals process to rectify the injustices of the trial and restore faith in the legal system.

Biden campaign defends verdict

The podcast continues with a statement from the Biden campaign, which defends the verdict as upholding the rule of law and portrays Trump as a threat to democracy. Shapiro critiques the hypocrisy of the Biden campaign's stance and highlights the irony of accusing Trump of undermining democracy while engaging in what he views as a politically motivated prosecution.

Political implications of the verdict

The conversation delves into the political implications of the verdict, with Shapiro highlighting the potential fallout for the Biden campaign. He points out that the entire Biden campaign is built on the premise that Trump cannot be allowed back into high office. However, the trial and conviction of Trump may actually backfire on the Democrats, as it could rally more support for Trump among his base and even attract new voters who are outraged by the perceived injustice.

Dhillon's Concerns About Fairness and Rule of Law

Dhillon raises concerns about the fairness of the trial and the broader implications for the rule of law in the country. She criticizes the weaponization of the legal system for political purposes and expresses worries about the erosion of respect for the law. The conversation also touches on the appeals process for Trump's legal team, with Dhillon outlining the steps that could be taken to challenge the verdict.

The Democrats' Brazen Targeting of Trump

Shapiro and Dhillon discuss the brazenness of the Democrats in targeting Trump and the potential consequences for the country. They highlight the danger of using the legal system to go after political opponents and the impact it could have on future elections. Shapiro predicts that the verdict could lead to a consolidation of support for Trump among Republicans and independents who view him as a victim of political persecution.

Concerns about erosion of public trust

Throughout the episode, Shapiro and Dhillon emphasize the unprecedented nature of the case and its potential to erode public trust in the legal system. Dhillon underscores the importance of the appeals process in addressing the perceived injustices of the trial and restoring faith in the legal system.

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