We recently discussed how the media has made Hunter Biden a type of collective reclamation project — ignoring evidence of a new possible federal crime while not challenging glaring omissions and contradictions in his interviews. That includes avoiding a gun controversy even as his father calls for a new law to address the very issue raised by Hunter. This collective willful blindness was evident in the interview conducted last night by Jimmy Kimmel where the two joked about Hunter’s convenient lack of memory. Hunter goes blank on incriminating issues even though he can remember other details going back to when he was eight years old.
Hunter was asked again about his controversial work with Burisma but again the interview avoided addressing obvious and embarrassing contradictions. Hunter wrote: “Did I make a mistake by taking a seat on the board of a Ukrainian gas company? No. Did I display a lack of judgment? No. Would I do it again? No.” He insisted that he would only forego the money because “what I didn’t take into account was the way in which they would use the perception against my dad.”
Hunter then emphasized that he was qualified to serve on the board of an energy company after serving on “a dozen boards” like those for Amtrak and World Food Program U.S., and overall “expertise on corporate governance.”
For anyone remotely familiar with Hunter’s history, the only thing more maddening than that answer was the failure of Kimmel to have any substantive follow up.
For thirty years, I have written about the corruption on Washington in the use of spouses and children to gain influence with our leaders. I criticized it with Democrats as well as Republicans. Hunter Biden has long been one of the most egregious examples of that corruption. That is why it is so frustrating to watch the media whitewash this scandal.
Hunter used his father’s position to assume these positions — a history that was an open joke in Washington. I wrote about Hunter’s history as an example of the corruption of Washington and the role of nepotism for years, including a piece in 2014 when he was put on the Burisma board. Like many spouses and children of our politicians, Hunter Biden made a fortune as a lobbyist in Washington. That common path for children continues to raise troubling questions of influence peddling and corruption for our leaders as discussed in this earlier column.
As discussed earlier, Hunter Biden has the prototypical resume of the progeny of the powerful in Washington. He seemed to land jobs far beyond his experience or proven skills. Most law school graduates work for six years just to make junior partner in a firm. Yet, directly out of law school in 1996, he was given a lucrative position with MBNA America, a bank that was not only a campaign contributor to his father but a business actively lobbying for lending changes in Congress. His father, then a powerful senator, supported changes that benefited the bank.
Within a couple years of graduating, Hunter Biden amazingly ascended to the position of executive vice president. He was then given a position in the Commerce Department before he became an industry lobbyist. In 2006, President Bush made him a member of the board of directors of Amtrak. No one seriously argued at the time that his resume even remotely qualified him for that position, any more than his assuming the board chairmanship of the United Nations World Food Program.
At the time, Democratic Senator Tom Carper of Delaware explained that Hunter Biden was qualified to get on the board of Amtrak because “Hunter Biden has spent a lot of time on Amtrak trains.”
Ignoring conflicts in the interview was no easy task. Kimmel made reference to Hunter’s struggle with drugs without noting that Hunter admits to being a crack addict all the way up to his father’s 2020 presidential election. Hunter left that off of his description of his work on Burisma. While Hunter was claiming blackouts of memory due to his crack addiction, he was also claiming that he was a natural choice for the board of an major energy company. Burisma and other companies not only gave massive payments to someone without any notable skills or experience, they hired someone who was a drug addict who was, by his own account, a total trainwreck. However, he was hired for abilities and insights on energy and corporate management?
Kimmel also helps out Hunter in his convenient lapses of memory. When asked, Hunter just shrugged and took a dig at Rudy Giuliani: ” I think, within my rights to question anything that comes from the desk of Rudy Giuliani. And so I don’t know is the answer.”
Kimmel then repeats Hunter’s excuse that he was in a haze throughout this period (which overlapped with the Burisma position): “I’ve seen you on some interviews, you know, talking about the laptop … and when they asked you if that was your laptop, you say you don’t know, which is hard to believe unless you read the book. And then it’s like, I’m surprised you have shoes on.”
The problem is that Hunter remembered a great deal of details when it served his narrative. It is only on issues like the laptop or fathering a child that he claims a total blackout.
Kimmel also ignores that Hunter has been going over these emails and pictures with counsel, the FBI, and campaign officials for over a year. Other individuals have authenticated the emails as real. It is facially absurd to suggest that Hunter has no idea if the laptop or its content are authentic. Instead, the media has allowed him to continue to suggest that the laptop may be the creation of Russian intelligence.
The concerted effort of many in the media to manage this scandal for Hunter and the Biden family should be a concern of anyone who values an independent media. The repetition of such plainly false narratives is common in countries with state medias. What is different is that there is no central coordinating agency. This narrative is maintained by general consent of a media that now actively shapes rather than reports news.
Kimmel is obviously not a journalist. However, his show demonstrates how this false narrative is being replicated across news and entertainment forums. It is a well-executed effort to remove this scandal for President Biden by converting a privileged son into a type of hero of our times. Rather than discuss his history as a deadbeat dad, influence peddler, and other facts, the media is driving home the image of an American Odysseus who overcame every challenge.
The fact is that it will likely work. This scandal is simply not convenient so Hunter will have to be a redeeming rather than a reprehensible figure. So the Hunter Biden reclamation project will continue.
Could we see Hunter’s law school transcripts? Was he a smart student or was he just average? If he was smart, he obviously has fried some brain matter. IMHO, it was suppose to be Beau. I think Beau may possibly have been the smarter and more charismatic of the two and did not have the issues of Hunter.
Happy Appomattox Day everyone!
Here’s hoping that we never have another Civil War.
Although I lived in Lynchburg, Virginia and visited Appomattox, numerous times, the significance of the place is overstated. Lee’s surrender DID NOT end the Civil War although it contributed to it. The war continued for more than a month and finally came to an end after Confederate General Joe Johnston surrendered his Army of Tennessee in North Carolina, leading General Richard Taylor to surrender his large army in Alabama on May 2. The last Confederate general to surrender their army was Cherokee General Stand Wattie who agreed to a ceasefire on June 23. It just goes to show that much of “history” as represented in books is lies. As for another civil war, we’re headed in that direction.
We’re only headed towards another Civil War if some people choose to be traitors and choose violent response over legal response.
I didn’t suggest that Lee’s surrender ended all of the Civil War combat.
The Confederates were not traitors – they were, most accurately, rebels. You know, exactly like those of a previous generation who rebelled against the British Crown. It should interest you to know only one Confederate was ever charged and executed (without a trial) for treason.
The Confederates WERE traitors.
“You know, exactly like those of a previous generation who rebelled against the British Crown.”
BS. They’re not analogous to the Colonists. The Colonies had no representation in the British government, whereas the Confederate states ALL had representation in Congress.
I didn’t use the word “treason,” which has a specific legal meaning. “Traitor” and “treason” aren’t synonyms.
Not a “lie.” General Lee was the Commander of the armies of the Confederacy. That conflict continued is not unusual – think of the Japanese units that continued fighting after the Japanese government surrendered, or, Hereward the Wake. The teaching of history in the modern age moves from major event to major event. As for a civil war, well, I hope you be keeping your powder dry.
Hunter Biden is doing a celebrity book tour where he talks about his struggle with drug addiction while thousands sit in prison behind drug laws his father wrote.
“Biden says drug users should not be jailed as he admits crime bill was a mistake”
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-election-2020/joe-biden-town-hall-abc-crime-bill-legalize-drugs-trump-b1060889.html
We shouldn’t be criminalizing use.
But we should open the borders so the drugs can flow into the country
I don’t know anyone who advocates open borders.
I certainly don’t. Do you?
EVERY Democrat raised their hand when asked who supports decriminalizing border crossings…what that that mean? They then all raised their hands to give all that cross the border free Medicare. That is an open border policy.
Please provide video of whatever you’ve imagined.
I’m a Democrat. I haven’t raised my hand for decriminalizing all border crossings. Keep in mind that some border crossings are legal (e.g., arriving here without a visa, requesting refugee status, and legally awaiting the outcome).
The above individual will prostitute his reputation just to promote his ideology that he doesn’t even understand.
Newsflash (and you even sightly acknowledged it toward the end of your post, Jon) but Kimmel is a late night talk show host, not a straight journalist. Granted, you’re right, nepotism and insider influence is common practice in Washington. Bush jr. was famous for, and quite adept at, granting access to dad for $. And there were a couple people in the oval office recently named Ivanka and Jared, I believe. Could be wrong about that, but let’s just say I heard a rumor…
Insider access and even ‘journalists’ that are editorily working insider interests into supposedly neutral journalism (or blog posts) is quite common as well, but I’m sure we don’t know anything about that, do we?
“For anyone remotely familiar with Hunter’s history, the only thing more maddening than that answer was the failure of Kimmel to have any substantive follow up.”
Here’s where you’re looking for the sun to rise in the west, Jon. Either that or you’re trying to channel attention away from some issues that, say, a disingenuous employer may be trying to obscure. But you’re way more eminently qualified for that than Hunter is. Wash my mouth out with soap for even implying that might be the case. Mostly I’m just here to see fox news nation hyperventilate when repeatedly saying ‘but what about Hunter!!!’ It’s a kick.
EB
Watch this:
https://www.newsmax.com/newsmax-tv/erictrump-hunterbiden-drugabuse-addict/2021/04/08/id/1016910/
God, please no.
EB
Regarding Kimmel and his kindred spirit, decadence is always a popular staple for Hollywood and why not, Hollywood promotes and encourages it. It has become the substitute for original, creative and intelligent production that feeds the basic instincts of the lowest common denominator AKA the radical left democrats.
EB, I haven’t read all of your posts, but in the ones I have it seems that your only response to any accusations of wrong doing by a Democrat is to point to something you think a Republican has done wrong. Sorry, but this kind of deflection makes it sound like you have no standards.
Just because you believe Ivanka and Jared received improper favorable treatment doesn’t mean that what Hunter Biden is being accused of is OK. Ask yourself, what would you and the compliant media be saying if Ivanka or Jared were being accused of even a fraction of what is being reported about Hunter Biden? I strongly suspect it would be something like “hyperventilation” on steroids.
Is there anything a Democrat could do that you would find objectionable? If you think Hunter Biden is being wrongly accused, give us the reasons why. Tell us what Professor Turley and others are wrong about. Pointing out other examples of bad behavior does not make Hunter’s actions OK.
hey Carpslaw. I’m torn between asking you to refer to words that I actually wrote that say I believe what Hunter Biden did was okay, but I’ll just cut to the chase because I absolutely didn’t write them. One thing I might accurately be accused of is in having a soft spot for people who’ve struggled with addiction because, as it points to in some of the 12 step literature ‘addiction is a bone crushing juggernaut whose final achievement is ruin.’
i think Hunter Biden is experiencing this exponentially these days. And just an odd factoid here, but in Washington one of the last places of immunity from rhetorical politics is in the rooms of AA. There are more than a few stories of politicians in one party being ‘sponsored’ by politicians in another party with an agreement to leave politics at the door. Why is it bad to hold Turley accountable for playing politics around this disease on a regular basis when it’s so clearly driven by his employers tactics? Why do you believe Hunter Biden should be under the microscope while trump family members were notorius for access pedaling? You don’t have to look far to see the disparity in this position after all.
EB
You might like one of his paintings. There expensive though.
And actual “Journalist” Glen Greenwald said this:
‘Anyone “interviewing” Hunter Biden who doesn’t ask these questions is committing journalistic malpractice:
* Were any of reported emails attributed to you forged?
* Did you pursue the business deals in China reflected in those emails?
* Did the “big guy’s 10%” refer to Joe?’
Goofy looking Biden guy.
OT: For those that might be interested in prior discussions, this is Sydney Powells position on the Dominion suit.
“Today, I responded to Smartmatic’s allegations of defamation against me in a 25-page motion to dismiss the case. I asked the court to throw out the case for the following reasons (amongst others).
1. To start, I cannot be sued in New York, because I do not have sufficient contacts with New York. My appearances on Fox News do not give the state of New York jurisdiction over me. I do not live in New York. I do not own property in New York. I do not conduct business in New York.
2. Even if I could be sued in New York, Smartmatic’s defamation claims against me fail. The information I shared about the Smartmatic machines is backed by sworn affidavits, expert reports, and other corroborated evidence. The First Amendment protects my statements about Smartmatic—they are political speech and were made in connection with active litigation.
3. Smartmatic’s desperate attempt to suggest I was a part of a civil conspiracy to harm the company is not only false, but also, still does not allow me to be sued in New York. Smartmatic fails to even remotely allege any way that I was a part of a conspiracy. And for the record, I was not.
4. Finally, my statements at issue all concerned the 2020 presidential election. They were made in court filings and on news shows. These statements would be understood by readers and listeners as expressions of opinion by me as a legal advocate, based on reliable, corroborated, sworn testimony. “
Let’s hear what Turley has to say about her defenses….
Jeff, why should he comment on her defenses? The arguments are clear. Powell’s arguments are good. One will have to listen to both sides argue it out but I don’t think Powell will lose for the reasons she stated. If you have contrary views that contradict what she said, let’s hear them.
Sounds like she’s terrified to be sued in New York.
EB
It is true that NY has a reputation of not providing equal justice, but why should she not prefer the suit to occur closer to home?
SM
You’re right, she knows she’s guilty and is doing everything she can to get a home court advantage to lessen the fall out.
EB
Bug, take note that you render your conclusion before providing any data, fact or proof. In fact you don’t bother with proof and part of the reason is you have none that contradicts what Sydney Powell said. I am sure some can make a reasonable argument, but not you. You can only draw conclusions based on what others have told you to think.
SM
She is an accomplished attorney. She is wise to raise jurisdictional issues. Procedure is extremely important in civil litigation.
Allan,
Learn the difference between Smartmatic and Dominion. They’re different companies and different suits. You’re quoting her response to Smartmatic, not her response to Dominion.
Learn to spell her first name correctly. You regularly misspell it.
I think you are correct about Smartmatic and Dominion being different but I think a lot of the claims will be quite similar.
As far as spelling errors, I note that those that know the least are the first to note spelling errors. It sounds like you fit into that group.
As a gesture to our Australian allies I have sent a note to Powell to change the spelling of her first name to Sydney.
Over at Althouse, she has been documenting since the election of President Trump, the corruption in the media. Its shift from showing favoritism, to the outright lies, and errors of omission. The coordination of a narrative across, all platforms, TV, Print, Tech giants, (google, twitter, facebook. and Amazon.)
But its been going on for decades.
What comes to mind with the Name, Gerald Ford? Klutz, right? A scholar ship athelete at Michigan, but the narrative is klutz.
Obama? Statesman, Orator, Smart. that’s the narrative, despite the lack of evidence it is a narrative that will never die.
President Trump. 50 years of demonstrable success, in the worlds real estate business, and the most productive 4 year presidency in modern history. But thats not the narrative
FDR. Genius that single handedly brought us out of the Great Depression, except he didn’t. He took advantage of the crises to implement federal govt programs that were unconstitutional, and those programs prolonged the Great Depression, causing unneeded suffering for millions of citizens for much longer than it could have taken.
(remember the speed and height of economic recovery is directly inversely proportional to the depth of the economic downturn’
Kimmel following orders and re inventing Hunter is about right, A joke teller, propping up a joke.
I have never understood how hunter biden could be both a raging drug addict that was looking for crack every 15 minutes and a competent board member/business partner. His irresponsibility with a deadly weapon should be to dispel any inclination he was a responsible businessman. Glad to see someone pointing out the obvious, sad to see the stupidity displayed elsewhere.
whig98
More hacks for your special interest: JAVANKA, Eric, DonJr.,& Grifter-in Chief Donald John “It’s like a miracle. One day it will disappear” Trump.
Where did I say anything about Trump? C’mon – stay on topic
You said “Hacks do what hacks do.Two examples of privilege …” bill mcwilliams just added more examples.
I think Hunter Biden is qualified to be Chairman of the DNC.
Check out the UK Daily Mail today – it went nuclear on Hunter’s laptop and is going to continue to dribble out juicy tidbits this week.
CC
The irony of today’s media is that near tabloid papers like the NY Post and the Daily Mail produce better journalism than the “elite media”.
And they are more trustworthy.
Good point. Sad but true!
Once again the dishonesty of the media is demonstrated.
What amazes me is the number of Lefties who respond with “But Fox…”, or complain that Turley isn’t taking their orders to attack Fox.
This is a column about one topic; if you want a column on something else, write it yourselves.
The media support for the Dems is biased, often dishonest, and playa to the prejudices of the readers (Trump hating).
MoCo-“The useful idiots-AKA The left”
Y Bezmenov
Monument,
I agree that the lack of attention by MSNBC prime time about the Hunter Biden scandal is reprehensible, but- I have to say it- except for Gaetz interview on Tucker Carlson a few nights back, there has been a blackout of the Gaetz scandal on Fox prime time as well. Both networks are similarly catering to their demographics. Perhaps, we can agree that it’s a sad state of affairs on both sides.
I know it is maddening for Republicans to witness the whitewashing of Hunter. Now you know how Democrats felt when Replucicans denied that Trump was a serial liar and insisted that he never told a lie.
A
Yes.
Politicians (and their families) are typically reprehensible, operating well below the moral standards of the country.
Both parties.
And the media colludes in this immorality.
+10
EB
Hacks do what hacks do.Two examples of privilege there – Hunter (progeny) and Kimmel (celebrity)