As I watch the impeachment proceedings unfold, I'm struck by how much the behavior of President Trump resembles that of a guilty criminal defendant — and how the antics of his defenders resemble those of bad defense lawyers, stuck with the unenviable task of defending against an overwhelming criminal case.
I've been a prosecutor for over 22 years (I speak today in my personal capacity, not for my office), and I've encountered all kinds of defendants, defense lawyers, and defenses. I took cases to trial only after determining that I could prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt. Virtually every prosecutor sees one of their defendants acquitted on occasion — even happened to legendary Charles Manson prosecutor Vincent Bugliosi once — but it's rare. Typically, you don't bring a case unless the evidence is strong.
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