Former Dem VP Nominee’s Defense Relies on Definition of the Word “The”
Posted by Jim Hoft on Monday, May 14, 2012, 6:49 AM
Well, if Bill Clinton can redefine “is” and Barack Obama can redefine “marriage” then certainly top Democrat John Edwards can redefine “the”, right?
Top Democrat, former Vice Presidential nominee, John Edward’s is relying on the definition of the word “the” in his defense.
ABC reported:
The Edwards defense team will address the court today.
ABC news reported:
Not since Bill Clinton challenged the definition of “is” has so much hinged on a very short word.
John Edwards appears to basing much of his defense, which begins today in a North Carolina courtroom, on the legal interpretation of the word “the.”
Edwards has listened to three weeks of testimony meant to prove that he violated federal campaign finance laws by using nearly $1million in donations to hide his mistress Rielle Hunter and her pregnancy during his bid for the 2008 presidential election and in the months after he dropped out — but was still angling to be vice president or attorney general.
If convicted Edwards could be sentenced to 30 years in prison.
The statute governing illegal receipt of campaign contributions “means any gift, subscription, loan, advance, or deposit of money… for the purpose of influencing any election for federal office.”
The words “the purpose” suggests that in order for a conviction, the sole reason for the money would have to be to finance a presidential campaign.
Edwards’ legal team has argued he did not know it might be illegal, did not intend to break the law and that his main reason for hiding Hunter was to keep her secret from his wife, Elizabeth, who was dying of breast cancer.
Prosecutors, however, are arguing the law should be interpreted to mean “a purpose,” meaning use of the donations does not have to be solely for a political campaign.
“It is sufficient under the law if you find that the gift, purchase, or payment was made for, among other purposes, the purpose of influencing any election for federal office,” prosecutors argued in court filings last week.
Edwards’ lawyer Abbe Lowell has argued that prosecutors are asking the jury to “invent a new crime” with its interpretation of the law.
Edwards’ legal team will begin its defense today, which is expected to last a week. He may have a lot to overcome. Prosecutors concluded their case last week by showing an interview Edwards gave to ABC News’ “Nightline” program in which he clearly lied several times, including denying that he had fathered Hunter’s baby.
Judge Catherine Eagles also rejected a motion by Edwards’ team to dismiss the charges against him.
The defense is expected to go after the prosecution’s key witness Andrew Young, a former Edwards’ aide who helped hide Hunter, going on the road with her to keep her away from the press, even claiming paternity for his boss.
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StrangernFiction commented:
OT Fedzilla denying water to Tombstone:
http://proteinwisdom.com/?p=40412
It is way past time for Americans to stand up to the Feds.
ohio commented:
I’m trying to figure out the difference between John Edwards being tried for spending private money to hide the fact he knocked up his girlfriend and 0bama flying to LA on Air Force #1 at taxpayers expense for a private fundraiser to make millions off Hollywood actors for his campaign fund.
Patty commented:
I hope the book is thrown at this hairy groom gangster. I hope his new hair dresser in prison take the razor and shave off all his hair. That alone will be one of the best punishment.
He is a cheater womanizer and I just wonder when he and Bill get together they must compare the women they had sex with.
I am sick of hearing about a married man who did his wife such disgrace and dishonored the institution of marriage, Oh, yes like Obama is doing.
Patty commented:
OT
New Book: Jarrett Chicago Connections led to Solyndra and she opposed Bin Laden Raid
http://dailycaller.com/2012/05/14/new-book-jarretts-chicago-connections-led-to-solyndra-visit-she-opposed-bin-laden-raid/
Wow, is Obama throwing her under the Bus for Solyndra Failures and why the OBL
raid isn’t her cup of TEA.
Mary commented:
He will get off, as so many disgusting Libs do. They will find him not guilty of being anything other than a scumbag. Elizabeth, though evidently not a saint, is turning over in her grave.
Had this been a conservative, he would been castrated by now.
PC/Double Standards…bite me!
Opaobie commented:
Wow, after all the insults hurled at the fine folks of North Carolina recently by Democrats, including Obama and their own soon-to-be EX-”Governess” Bev Perdue, nothing like insulting the very jurors who hold his fate in their hands by implying they are too “stoopid” to know how to interpret the meaning of the three-letter word “the”.
Hey, Bubba, when he shows up in your cell as your new wife, be sure to have a Thesaurus handy for some of your “pillow talk” sessions.
Larkin commented:
What’s all the fuss?
It’s not like edwards is a REAL criminal like Scooter Libby.
(I guess I should say, “where’s” the fuss, seeing as how the lib media isn’t talking.)
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kathteach commented:
The very day I learned that Edwards made money by luring parents of cerebral palsy and other developmentally disabled kids into going to court against doctors, I knew he was the scum of the earth.
And that was a LONG time ago.
Truly – an ambulance chasing vampire. A fungus among us. Why didn’t the Democrats see this and how many other vampires live among us now> (Note – not the business people who can see that a failed business can be somehow salvaged or driven to new markets as Romney did in his venture capital work at Bain Capitol?)
Who are the REAL vampires among us? This Edwards bozo is the real deal – and Barney Frank and his ilk are right their in the same vampire circle.
kato commented:
Edwards is a scumbag. But you will be able find several million liberal idiots who will argue that he really didn’t do anything wrong. Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld, and now Romney, they are the real criminals.
jainphx commented:
I’ll take the meaning of “the” Alex for 500.
savethenation commented:
This guy is about as guilty as they come. Am I just reading between the lines or does it seem very coincidental the long list of liberals and RINOs who are retiring from congress this term?
gwhh commented:
if edwars too this money as a GIFT or NOT as campagin contrubations? Does he have to pay federal taxes on it?
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