Axelrod

Former Presidential Adviser David Axelrod noted that Barack Obama and John F. Kennedy both braved the elements for frigid inaugurations.

In opening arguments at the trial, CNN’s attorney Dave Axelrod challenged Young’s claim that the report damaged his business or reputation.

Axelrod said that many of the messages and contacts pertaining to Young’s activities have been deleted since the CNN story aired.

Axelrod also said Young’s activities were never described as illegal.

Even though CNN executives raised questions about the story — at one point saying it had “more holes than Swiss cheese” according to internal communications — it eventually passed through the network’s vetting process and was deemed ready for air, Axelrod noted.