“Around the courthouse when defense lawyers are chatting about their cases, the only question they ask each other is can you put your guy on the stand? Those conversations always assume the defendant is guilty. The question is just about the degree of difficulty in presenting a defense.”

American television anchor, author, and political commentator

Lawrence Francis O'Donnell Jr. is an American television anchor, political commentator, author, screenwriter, and actor. He is known as the host of The Last Word with Lawrence O'Donnell, an MS NOW opinion and news program that airs on weeknights. O'Donnell has built a career across television and writing, moving between broadcasting, commentary, and scripted work. His public voice is most closely associated with political analysis and opinion, especially through his role on The Last Word, where he presents news and commentary in a nightly format.