'Missing in action': Analyst sees Trump's 'family man' defense killed by Melania's absence

[karynnj]

14. If Melania had been "humanized" and seen as a caring person, her appearance might have more impact

If she were seen as kind and caring, not being there could be explicitly explained by Trump's lawyer as being too hurt and embarrassed by the women silenced who had affairs with her husband. But ... even that lacks the vote of confidence in her husband that quietly sitting there immediately behind her husband giving him support would provide.

There are two ways of considering the impact- on the jury and for the election. His base seems OK with Melania being a plastic First Lady Barbie, contributing nothing beyond that and not being a path to understanding a softer side of Trump. It is hard to recall any informal pictures of him with his grandkids. Imagine that of any other politician. For the election, their rather cold relationship is already baked in. As a former President who he is is already firmly known.

For the jury, Melania being there, looking typically bored and not connecting with him, might be as much a negative as a positive. Maybe she could wear her famous jacket! Not to mention, seeing her could remind jurors that she was a soft porn model who Trump cheated with when married to wife number 2. Given his history is it easy to believe she would be devastated to know he cheated?