A group of prominent media commentators and legal experts have been meeting every Friday on a secret Zoom call to discuss Donald Trump’s legal issues and his potential downfall. Led by Norman Eisen, an Obama administration official, the group includes various figures such as Bill Kristol, Laurence Tribe, John Dean, George Conway, and others. Despite the group’s high-minded goal of “intellectually stress-testing the arguments facing Trump,” it is clear that most members are united by their dislike of the former president.
The origins of the group can be traced back to the Jan. 6 hearings, where committee staffers began briefing legal commentators on their work. The inclusion of figures like Mary McCord, a former DOJ official, and Andrew Weissman, who investigated the Russian collusion accusations against Trump, adds credibility to the group’s discussions. However, the occasional presence of guests like E. Jean Carroll’s attorney, Roberta Kaplan, and former conservative judge J. Michael Luttig suggests a more focused agenda against Trump.
While the group and its meetings are meant to be intellectual exercises, the appearance of collusion and bias is undeniable. Critics argue that this plays into the hands of Trump supporters, who view the media as part of a cabal determined to bring down the former president at all costs. Despite attempts to rationalize the purpose of the calls, there is the potential for groupthink and a lack of objectivity amongst the members, particularly given their overt disdain for Trump.
The presence of cable news analysts like Jeffrey Toobin, Elliott Williams, and Karen Agnifilo, along with prominent figures like John Dean and George Conway, adds weight to the group’s discussions. However, the constant pounding of certain themes on cable news may influence the group’s thinking and coverage of Trump’s legal troubles. The group’s lack of common sense in failing to see the potential backlash from their Zoom meetings is surprising, given the intelligence and experience of their members.
Overall, the secretive Zoom calls among media hotshots and legal experts discussing Trump’s legal troubles could have far-reaching consequences. The appearance of bias and collusion, as well as the potential for groupthink, may undermine the credibility of the media and legal commentators involved. While the group claims to be conducting high-minded discussions, their shared dislike of Trump and the constant focus on his legal issues suggest a more targeted agenda. In the current political climate, the actions and rhetoric of this group are likely to fuel the polarization and division that plagues the country.
