DOJ prosectors fumbled that case.....And, I also think it's very difficult to explain to a jury of "everyday Americans" these kinds of complex fraud, corruption, bribery charges. Following the coverage, they didn't lay out the case in an understandable way. Too much data, too much testimony, too much everything. All the defense had to do was say "they were just friends". It was hard to see the quid pro quo.
But, having read the indictment, and followed the trial, I do believe Menendez is deeply corrupted, and his relationship with Melegen was criminal.
The judge struck down 7 of 15 charges, they were going in with a weak hand if they moved forward. As of 2 weeks ago, they were planning to retry.