PBS NewsHour full episode, May 13, 2024
TLDRIn this episode of PBS NewsHour, the focus is on Michael Cohen's testimony in Donald Trump's criminal hush money trial, where Cohen alleges that Trump directed payments to silence Stormy Daniels during the 2016 election campaign. The program also covers the somber Memorial Day in Israel amidst the ongoing conflict in Rafah, and discusses the Democrats' strategy to prioritize abortion rights in the 2024 election. Additionally, there's an update on the political implications of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and the criminal trial of former President Trump from a political perspective, highlighting the potential impact on the upcoming elections.
Takeaways
- 📚 Michael Cohen, former attorney to Donald Trump, testified as a key witness in Trump's criminal hush money trial, implicating Trump in payments to silence Stormy Daniels during the 2016 election campaign.
- 🏛️ The prosecution alleges that Trump falsified business records to disguise the repayment of hush money to Cohen, with Cohen detailing the cover-up scheme in court.
- 🔍 Cohen's testimony included evidence of Trump's awareness and approval of a plan to repay Cohen through falsified legal fee records, which is central to the case against Trump.
- 💸 The trial involves 34 charges against Trump for allegedly falsifying business records to hide the true nature of payments made to Stormy Daniels.
- 🤝 Michael Cohen also discussed the infamous “Access Hollywood” tape and the Trump campaign's reaction, highlighting the chaos within the campaign at the time.
- 🌎 In international news, Putin's appointment of a new defense minister is seen as a sign of desperation amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
- 🚨 The U.S. State Department comments on the advancement of Russian soldiers in the Kharkiv region and the rising death toll from a building collapse in Belgorod, blamed on Ukrainian shelling.
- 🌊 Flooding in Brazil has led to a death toll of 147, with many still missing and displaced, causing challenges for rescue efforts and raising concerns about looting.
- 🔥 Wildfires in Canada have resulted in health warnings and evacuations in certain areas, with authorities urging residents to stay indoors due to poor air quality.
- 📰 Melinda French Gates steps down from the charitable foundation she created with her former husband, Bill Gates, intending to focus more on her work supporting women and families.
- 📈 On Wall Street, stocks closed with little change as investors anticipated inflation data, with the Dow Jones industrial average losing points and the Nasdaq rising.
Q & A
What is the significance of Michael Cohen's testimony in the criminal hush money trial involving former President Trump?
-Michael Cohen, Trump's former attorney and fixer, is a key witness in the trial. He testified that Trump directed him to pay adult film actress Stormy Daniels to silence her story, which could have impacted the 2016 election. Cohen's testimony is crucial as it implicates Trump in the alleged scheme to falsify business records to cover up the repayment of the hush money.
How did Michael Cohen describe the attempts to keep stories of extramarital affairs from coming out during the 2016 election?
-Cohen detailed elaborate efforts by Trump and his associates to suppress stories of extramarital affairs. He mentioned payments to Karen McDougal and the chaos that ensued within the campaign after the 'Access Hollywood' tape was released. Cohen also discussed how Trump reacted to the potential impact of Stormy Daniels' story on the election, particularly with female voters.
What was the core of the prosecution's case against Trump in the hush money trial?
-The core of the prosecution's case is based on 34 charges of falsifying business records. This relates to how Michael Cohen was repaid the $130,000 he paid to Stormy Daniels and the alleged falsification of records to hide the true intent of these payments, which prosecutors argue were hush money.
How did Michael Cohen explain the repayment scheme for the money he paid to Stormy Daniels?
-Cohen testified that he was owed the $130,000 after Trump's election victory. He described a meeting with Trump's chief financial officer, Allen Weisselberg, where they devised a scheme to repay Cohen. This involved monthly payments, a bonus, and settling money owed to a technical services firm. Cohen claimed that Trump was aware of and approved this plan.
What are the implications of the Israeli-Gaza conflict on the U.S. State Department's stance?
-The U.S. State Department has commented on the conflict, suggesting that Vladimir Putin's appointment of a new defense minister indicates desperation to sustain the invasion of Ukraine. The department also noted the advancement of Russian soldiers across the Kharkiv region and the ongoing combat in Donetsk.
How has the overturning of Roe v. Wade influenced the political landscape in the United States?
-The overturning of Roe v. Wade has made abortion rights a central issue in the 2024 election campaign. Democrats are planning to keep reproductive healthcare at the forefront, with some, like Representative Elissa Slotkin, advocating for federal legislation to codify Roe and ensure a federal right to abortion.
What was the reason behind the controlled demolition of the Francis Scott Key Bridge?
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Why is Melinda French Gates stepping down from the charitable foundation she created with her former husband, Bill Gates?
-Melinda French Gates is stepping down from the Gates Foundation to allocate additional funds to her work on behalf of women and families. She mentioned having an additional $12.5 billion to commit to her causes after leaving the foundation.
What is the current status of the federal corruption trial of Senator Bob Menendez?
-Jury selection has begun for the federal corruption trial of Senator Bob Menendez. He is set to become the first sitting senator ever tried for conspiracy to act as a foreign agent. The case is expected to last several weeks.
How has the issue of abortion rights influenced voters in Michigan?
-Abortion rights have become a significant issue for voters in Michigan. Activists and politicians are working to ensure that the issue remains a priority for voters, even when it is not directly on the ballot. The strategy used in Michigan has served as a blueprint for other states to mobilize voters around abortion rights.
What is the current stance of the Biden administration on the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas?
-The Biden administration has expressed concern over the conflict and has called for a political strategy to address the situation beyond military victories. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan emphasized the need to avoid a cycle of violence where military action leads to civilian harm and a resurgence of terrorism.
What is the nature of the increase in youth sextortion cases reported by the FBI?
-The FBI has observed a significant rise in online financial sextortion of minors, where sexually explicit content is used for blackmail. This has resulted in a substantial number of victims and has even led to suicides. The increase is attributed to younger children's access to technology and social media, making them more vulnerable to predators.
Outlines
📰 Michael Cohen's Testimony in Trump's Hush Money Trial
The NewsHour begins with a recap of Michael Cohen's testimony in Donald Trump's criminal hush money trial. Cohen, Trump's former attorney, is the star witness, implicating Trump in directing payments to Stormy Daniels to suppress her story before the 2016 election and in the subsequent cover-up. Cohen's testimony provides detailed accounts of attempts to silence stories of Trump's alleged extramarital affairs and the subsequent repayment scheme. The discussion also touches on the potential implications of Cohen's testimony for the case.
🏛️ The Battle Over Abortion Rights in the 2024 Election
Representative Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) emphasizes the Democratic commitment to keeping abortion rights a central issue in the 2024 election. Slotkin highlights the need to pass federal legislation to codify Roe v. Wade, reflecting a broader Democratic strategy to mobilize voters around reproductive rights. The segment discusses the importance of abortion as a political issue, especially in light of the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.
🌍 International Conflicts and Natural Disasters
The U.S. State Department comments on Vladimir Putin's appointment of a new defense minister amid the ongoing invasion of Ukraine. Ukrainian forces report Russian advancements in Kharkiv and ongoing combat in Donetsk. Additionally, the death toll from a building collapse in Belgorod, blamed on Ukrainian shelling, rises to 15. The segment also covers the rising death toll from flooding in Brazil, the aftermath of flash floods and landslides in Indonesia, and health warnings due to wildfire smoke in parts of the U.S.
🔨 Infrastructure and Legal Actions
In Baltimore, the controlled demolition of a significant part of the Francis Scott Key Bridge takes place, involving precision cutting and the removal of steel trusses. Maryland Governor Wes Moore emphasizes the importance of safety during the operation. Meanwhile, U.S. airlines initiate a lawsuit against the Department of Transportation over a regulation requiring clear disclosure of added fees, arguing that the government's attempt to regulate business operations oversteps its authority.
🤝 Philanthropy and Market Updates
Melinda French Gates announces her departure from the charitable foundation she established with her ex-husband, Bill Gates, intending to commit an additional $12.5 billion to her work supporting women and families. The Gates Foundation, a funder of the NewsHour, continues its philanthropic efforts post-divorce. On Wall Street, stocks close with little change as investors anticipate inflation data, with minor losses for the Dow Jones industrial average and gains for the Nasdaq.
🏡 Displacement and Memorials in Israel-Gaza Conflict
The Israeli military's offensive in Rafah results in further displacement for Gazans, with many fleeing the area amidst attacks targeting Hamas. The day also marks Israel's Memorial Day, with the country mourning its fallen soldiers. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivers a speech commemorating the sacrifices made for the nation's security and freedom.
⚖️ Jury Selection in Senator Bob Menendez's Trial
Jury selection commences for Democratic Senator Bob Menendez, who faces trial for conspiracy to act as a foreign agent. Menendez, a senior senator and former chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, is accused of accepting bribes in exchange for political favors. The trial is expected to last several weeks, and if convicted, Menendez could face over 200 years in prison.
📊 Shifts in Voter Support and Political Strategy
Discussions focus on the Biden administration's stance on the Israel-Gaza conflict and its potential impact on voter perceptions, particularly among younger voters. The segment also explores the implications of a potential guilty verdict in Donald Trump's criminal trial on the upcoming elections, noting the current lack of significant narrative from the Biden campaign or Democrats in general.
🚨 Rise in Youth Sextortion Cases
The FBI reports an alarming increase in youth sextortion cases, where explicit content is used for blackmail, with over 13,000 reports received between October 2021 and March 2023. These crimes have led to at least 20 suicides and impacted 12,600 victims. The segment discusses the methods used by predators, the platforms they exploit, and the importance of parental awareness and intervention.
📚 Doris Kearns Goodwin's 'An Unfinished Love Story'
Doris Kearns Goodwin, a renowned presidential historian and author, discusses her latest book, 'An Unfinished Love Story,' which chronicles the 1960s through the personal and political lens of her late husband, Richard 'Dick' Goodwin. The book explores their shared experiences, including their differing perspectives on Lyndon B. Johnson, and the process of excavating and understanding her husband's life and contributions.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Michael Cohen
💡Hush Money Trial
💡Stormy Daniels
💡Federal Legislation
💡Roe v. Wade
💡Gaza
💡Memorial Day
💡Donald Trump
💡Election Campaign
💡Abortion Rights
💡Cross-Examination
Highlights
Michael Cohen, former attorney to Donald Trump, testified as a key witness in Trump's criminal hush money trial.
Cohen implicated Trump in directing payments to Stormy Daniels to suppress her story ahead of the 2016 election.
Details of an alleged cover-up involving falsified business records were presented in court.
Cohen provided testimony about the elaborate attempts to conceal Trump's extramarital affairs during the 2016 campaign.
An audiotape featuring Trump discussing payments to Karen McDougal was presented in court.
Cohen described the Trump campaign's reaction to the 'Access Hollywood' tape and their strategy to dismiss it as 'locker room talk'.
Cohen detailed Trump's concern over the potential impact of Stormy Daniels' story on his campaign, particularly with women voters.
The prosecution alleges a scheme to repay Cohen through falsified business records, which Cohen confirmed in his testimony.
Cohen's handwritten notes, along with those of Trump's CFO, detailed the repayment plan, serving as key evidence in the trial.
Cohen claimed that Trump was aware of and approved the scheme to repay him for the hush money payments.
Cohen's credibility as a witness will be challenged due to his history of lying under oath and his animosity towards Trump.
The U.S. State Department commented on Vladimir Putin's appointment of a new defense minister amidst the ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
Ukrainian officials reported Russian advancements in the Kharkiv region and ongoing combat in Donetsk.
The death toll from a building collapse in Belgorod, Russia, rose to 15, with Russian officials blaming Ukrainian shelling.
Flooding in Brazil has led to 147 deaths, with over 100 people missing and 600,000 displaced in Rio Grande do Sul.
Indonesian officials confirmed 44 deaths after flash floods and landslides; 15 people remain missing.
Health warnings were issued in parts of the U.S. Upper Midwest due to smoke from Canadian wildfires.
Concerns for a Chinese citizen journalist, Zhang Zhan, who was due to be released from prison but has not been accounted for.
The controlled demolition of a section of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore was executed without injury.
U.S. airlines are suing the Department of Transportation over a rule requiring clear disclosure of added fees.
Melinda French Gates announced her departure from the charitable foundation she co-founded with Bill Gates, allocating an additional $12.5 billion to her philanthropic work.
Stocks closed with little change on Wall Street as investors anticipated inflation data.
Jury selection began in the federal corruption trial of Senator Bob Menendez.
The United Nations reported that over 360,000 Gazans have been displaced due to Israeli military actions against Hamas.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized the existential nature of the conflict with Hamas during Memorial Day.
Abortion rights remain a key issue in the 2024 election campaign, with Democrats aiming to pass federal legislation to codify Roe v. Wade.
The Biden administration faces challenges regarding the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and the Trump criminal trial in New York.
The FBI reports an increase in youth sextortion cases, leading to preventive efforts to protect minors from online blackmail.