“Practically, every defense lawyer knows that the jury desperately wants to hear from the defendant and that the only reason not to put him on the stand is that he is soooo guilty that every answer he gives after his name will eradicate any shred of reasonable doubt.”

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.