Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg made a smart tactical move by choosing David Pecker as his first witness in former President Donald Trump's criminal hush money trial, according to former federal prosecutor Joyce Vance.
Vance appeared on MSNBC Tuesday to explain to Katie Phang why she felt the former head of the National Enquirer made a great "kick-off" witness in the first of Trump's four criminal trials.
"Well, it was smart, Katie, and I am reminded that it was you who first said that you thought David Pecker would be a great kickoff witness," said Vance. "I think that's the case, right?"
ALSO READ: A criminologist explains why Trump’s Manhattan trial is the biggest threat to his freedom
Vance explained she felt Pecker was able to provide the jury a big picture look at the case brought by the prosecution', namely that Trump falsified business records to cover up hush money payments made ahead of the 2016 presidential election.
Trump has pleaded not guilty to hose charges.
While Trump's former fixer Michael Cohen is expected to be the star witness, Vance argued Pecker did something Cohen could not.
"This is someone who doesn't have the baggage of a Michael Cohen, and who tells the origin story," Vance said. "He has now walked us through the election interference conspiracy. This is now, catch and kill to elect Trump."
Vance believes Pecker's testimony foreshadows the case Bragg will present to the jury in the weeks ahead, and judging by his testimony thus far, it could be a compelling one.
"That's the case that the prosecution will put on," Vance said. "They've done a great job of giving the jury sort of the basics, the landmarks and the road map that they'll move ahead on for Mr. Pecker's testimony."
Watch the video below or at the link here.
Joyce Vance praises Alvin Bragg for calling David Pecker first youtu.be
