Manafort thought he would ‘get a break nobody else would get’ — and he was right: MSNBC anchor
Two MSNBC anchors noted the "gangster" legal defense strategy put forth by former Donald Trump campaign chair Paul Manafort on MSNBC's "All In" with Chris Hayes.
"Paul Manafort is going to prison," Hayes reported. "Less than an hour ago the judge in Manafort's Virginia trial sentenced him to 47 months in prison, minus nine months for time served."
"That is, to be clear, far less than the federal guidelines that called for 19 to 25 years," Hayes noted.
The host said, "I think on this day all of days -- as Paul Manafort is said to go to prison -- it's import tonight take stock of what we already know about Paul Manafort, because it unbelievably scandalous."
"This is a guy who was sleazy from the jump, who started a lobbying firm back in the 1980's with none other than Roger Stone, another Trump advisor who may himself be going to jail soon," Hayes noted.
For analysis, Hayes was joined by MSNBC chief legal correspondent Ari Melber, who also hosts "The Beat."
Melber explained Manafort's unusual defense strategy.
"What does that tell us? That he thought this was a system that would always give him a break he didn't deserve and tonight -- I'm sorry, sometimes we report sad news, not happy news -- tonight, Paul Manafort was partly right, at least about Judge Ellis," Melber explained. "He was right to think he can always get a break nobody else would get."
Hayes noted how Manafort continued to lie, even after being caught.
"Which is another crazy reckless thing to do in any other context," Hayes noted.
"This is the part that is just very gangster," Melber replied.
"Yes," Hayes agreed.
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'Deadline: White House' graphic of voters' opinions on whether President Donald Trump has committed crimes.[/caption]
'Deadline: White House' graphic comparing the relative credibility of Michael Cohen and President Donald Trump.[/caption]