Michael Cohen could be the key witness in Donald Trump’s first criminal trial

Donald Trump's first criminal trial is rapidly approaching in New York .

Prosecutors are girding themselves for the man who could be standing between Trump and the first -ever criminal conviction of an American president.

Both sides appear to recognize that Michael Cohen’s credibility will be a key battlefront.

Prosecutors have sought to avoid relying solely on Cohen 's testimony to prove their case.

Trump loathes Cohen for being a “fucking rat” according to multiple people who’ve heard Trump use these words.

Even some of Trump ’s closest advisers, including ones working at the upper ranks of his presidential campaign, have grown increasingly anxious about the possibility of a conviction.

A substantial share of swing voters in battleground states say that a conviction would stop them from voting for Trump .