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Where Did Payments Made To Michael Cohen Go? | Morning Joe | MSNBC
The YouTube segment from MSNBC's "Morning Joe" tackles the controversial payments made to Michael Cohen, former attorney to Donald Trump, especially focusing on a significant $600,000 contract from AT&T signed shortly after Trump's inauguration. This conversation sheds light on the murky waters of political influence and corporate lobbying.
One of the main points discussed is the suspicious timing of Cohen's contract with AT&T, which occurred on January 23, 2017—just days after Trump took office. Critics argue that Cohen, who had no background in telecommunications or mergers, was paid this hefty sum ostensibly for consulting on long-term planning and the contentious AT&T-Time Warner merger. However, as Joe Scarborough notes, the actual value Cohen could provide in this field was dubious, raising questions about the legitimacy of the payment.
The panelists also explore the implications of such payments in relation to the broader theme of political favoritism and influence-peddling in Washington, suggesting that big businesses often resort to hiring connections they perceive as within the inner circle of power to sway decisions. The notion that Cohen’s arrangement wasn't typical lobbying but rather a desperate bid for influence in an uncharted political landscape post-Trump's election is proposed as a key takeaway.
Moreover, the discussion touches upon Cohen's other high-profile clients, including Novartis, which reportedly paid him $1.2 million, illustrating a troubling trend of companies turning to Cohen in lieu of traditional lobbyists. This unorthodox practice raises eyebrows about ethics and legality, prompting predictions of ongoing investigations into Cohen's actions and financial dealings.
Willie Geist and other panel members stress that this matter isn't just about the money; it reflects a systemic issue in how corporations seek to navigate the complex political environment in Washington. The panel predicts that future journalistic inquiries will delve deeper into who benefited from Cohen's services and how these payments were utilized.
As we reflect on the conversations and revelations surrounding Michael Cohen, it prompts a larger discussion about the intersection of politics, business, and ethics. How do you perceive the current state of lobbying and influence in the political arena? Are these payments merely standard practice in Washington or indicative of deeper systemic issues? Share your thoughts below!
Feel free to explore related threads that discuss the implications of corporate lobbying, the legal boundaries of such actions, and the evolving landscape of political influence.
The YouTube segment from MSNBC's "Morning Joe" tackles the controversial payments made to Michael Cohen, former attorney to Donald Trump, especially focusing on a significant $600,000 contract from AT&T signed shortly after Trump's inauguration. This conversation sheds light on the murky waters of political influence and corporate lobbying.
One of the main points discussed is the suspicious timing of Cohen's contract with AT&T, which occurred on January 23, 2017—just days after Trump took office. Critics argue that Cohen, who had no background in telecommunications or mergers, was paid this hefty sum ostensibly for consulting on long-term planning and the contentious AT&T-Time Warner merger. However, as Joe Scarborough notes, the actual value Cohen could provide in this field was dubious, raising questions about the legitimacy of the payment.
The panelists also explore the implications of such payments in relation to the broader theme of political favoritism and influence-peddling in Washington, suggesting that big businesses often resort to hiring connections they perceive as within the inner circle of power to sway decisions. The notion that Cohen’s arrangement wasn't typical lobbying but rather a desperate bid for influence in an uncharted political landscape post-Trump's election is proposed as a key takeaway.
Moreover, the discussion touches upon Cohen's other high-profile clients, including Novartis, which reportedly paid him $1.2 million, illustrating a troubling trend of companies turning to Cohen in lieu of traditional lobbyists. This unorthodox practice raises eyebrows about ethics and legality, prompting predictions of ongoing investigations into Cohen's actions and financial dealings.
Willie Geist and other panel members stress that this matter isn't just about the money; it reflects a systemic issue in how corporations seek to navigate the complex political environment in Washington. The panel predicts that future journalistic inquiries will delve deeper into who benefited from Cohen's services and how these payments were utilized.
As we reflect on the conversations and revelations surrounding Michael Cohen, it prompts a larger discussion about the intersection of politics, business, and ethics. How do you perceive the current state of lobbying and influence in the political arena? Are these payments merely standard practice in Washington or indicative of deeper systemic issues? Share your thoughts below!
Feel free to explore related threads that discuss the implications of corporate lobbying, the legal boundaries of such actions, and the evolving landscape of political influence.
