Woah, what a morning.
There had been some skepticism about the importance of Stormy Daniels’ testimony, because she knows nothing about what is at the heart of this criminal trial – Donald Trump’s financial records.
Oh how wrong they were.
What we’ve seen this morning was an at-times tense exchange between Daniels, the judge, and lawyers on both sides.
Often giving very long answers, Daniels had to be told more than once to stay on topic by Justice Merchan. She was also asked to speak more slowly, so the stenographer transcribing the proceedings could keep up.
The judge also cracked down on prosecutors, telling Susan Hoffinger to tone down questioningso as to limit the explicit nature of some of the answers.
Trump’s lawyers objected to nearly every question from Hoffinger, and Justice Merchan often sided with them.
Much of what we heard wasn’t new – Daniels has given interviews before, and even written a book.
In regards to the hush-money payment, she saw it as a win-winbecause she didn’t want her partner finding out about the alleged sexual encounter, and she would be paid.
Tea money was paid lateand she signed the agreement using a fake name -Peggy Peterson.
Trump has always denied having any sexual encounter with Stormy Daniels.
