As Stormy Daniels continues her testimony in the Trump hush money trial, Trump apologists are making noise about her credibility, which is critical in assessing the value of witness testimony and the weight it deserves.
In this case, Daniels has stood up remarkably well to rigorous cross-examination alleging untoward motives in coming forward, the possibility that she extorted the former president, and Trump’s denial that he did anything but take a photograph with her at a golf event.
Donald Trump is a serial fable-spinner. While he probably won’t testify, the documentary evidence continues to contradict prior admissible statements he’s made about the incident in books he’s written and interviews and speeches he’s given. The written record, various exhibits that have been or will be produced at trial, support Daniels’ version of the facts over Trump’s.
In lascivious detail, Daniels’ testimony is supported by previous witness testimony, documents, and a timeline that demonstrates Trump’s intent to pay her for her silence about a 2011 sexual liaison that came to light shortly after the infamous “Access Hollywood” tape was made public.
Negotiations for the payment and non-disclosure agreement took place shortly before the 2016 election. On the heels of the Access Hollywood tape, a second sordid incident would have most likely reversed the ultimate outcome of that presidential election. While her credibility about certain issues was dented in cross-examination, a mountain of corroboration makes things difficult for the defense.
Moreover, her credibility is underscored by the repercussions she has faced for coming forward. In a society that often vilifies and marginalizes whistleblowers, especially those who have the audacity to challenge Trump, Daniels has endured threats, harassment, and career repercussions, paying a steep price for her courage.
Furthermore, Daniels’ credibility is reinforced by the consistency of her character and story. Throughout the pre-trial and legal proceedings, she has faced considerable public scrutiny, constantly being referred to as “Porn Star Stormy Daniels.” Despite facing considerable “Trump-style” political power, she has remained composed, consistent, articulate, and resolute, which has strengthened her reliability.
Even worse for Trump, her story is validated by the broader context of her allegations. She is not alone in accusing the former president of sexual misconduct, intimidation, and lies about his misbehavior. Even the hush money allegation is buttressed by similar allegations from at least one other individual. Her recollections of his words and action during the affair sound like Trump and add weight to her testimony consistent with his pattern of conduct as charged by countless women over the years.
The Imperfect Perfect Stormy
Has Stormy Daniels endured some bumps and bruises during a rigorous cross? Sure. But she’s not running for president, has no motive to lie under oath, has been subject to considerable and cruel ridicule, and has testified consistent with other witnesses and a wealth of accompanying exhibits.
May 6, 2024, was not a good day in court for Donald J. Trump. It was decidedly a better day for the imperfect perfect Stormy.
Please check out Mark Bello’s ripped-from-the-headlines legal thrillers, all available online at Amazon and other major online booksellers. He has quite the hero in Attorney Zachary Blake, who fights for justice on all fronts. His books are Betrayal of Faith, Betrayal of Justice, Betrayal in Blue, Betrayal in Black, Betrayal High, Supreme Betrayal, Betrayal at the Border, You Have the Right to Remain Silent, The Final Steps – A Harbor Springs Cozy Legal Mystery, and his latest, The Anti-Semite Next Door. Also, he’s written a wonderful children’s book about bullying, “Happy Jack, Sad Jack,” and he's just announced the pre-order release of "Love Hate Law," a new legal romance novel. For more info, just check markmbello.com.