Could Hunter Biden put Joe Biden’s presidency in danger? Probably not given entrenched tribalism and the political taint of congressional investigations these days.
Hunter Biden: All Smoke and No Chance of Fire?
What I mean is that even if legitimate wrongdoing were discovered in the Hunter Biden probes (which I doubt), it wouldn’t change much politically.
Democrats would circle the wagons around their president. Republicans, who already hate Biden anyways, would be validated and reignited. The status quo would mostly persist.
These days, given entrenched tribalism and the political taint of congressional investigations, the threshold for causing legitimate damage is high.
Joe Biden Impeachment?
Basically, the investigation would need to uncover something to trigger criminal or constitutional consequences – i.e., Joe Biden would need to have done something illegal, and/or Joe Biden would need to have done something to trigger Article II, Section 4 of the Constitution, which allows for a president to be removed from office for treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors.
The latter option, impeachment, is certainly possible.
A Democrat-controlled House just voted to impeach Trump twice. A Republican-controlled House could certainly reciprocate and vote to impeach Biden. Would that damage Biden’s presidency?
Impeachment would divert the administration’s time and energy, perhaps hampering production; impeachment could also serve as an enduring mark of indignity, like a presidential scarlet letter. But again, Democrats would circle the wagons around an impeached Biden would mostly emerge unscathed (oh, and the Democrat-controlled Senate would acquit him).
Where There’s a Will, There’s a Way
In my opinion, the primary purpose of the investigation into Hunter Biden is to cause political damage to Joe Biden.
The stated purpose of the investigation, to uncover wrongdoings that may have imperiled US national security, is likely pretext for going after the Bidens politically.
Will the House Oversight Committee uncover that Hunter Biden committed legitimate wrongdoings? It’s possible, yes.
But I have an idea that no matter what the committee finds, they will frame it and tout it as legitimate and egregious wrongdoing.
The conclusion will have been established before the investigation even commenced.
Which is a shame.
Because if Hunter Biden did commit wrongdoings that compromised US national security (again, which I’m skeptical of), that’s something the American people ought to know about.
But unfortunately, we have an oversight body whose credibility is questionable given the hyper-political environment that the body is operating within.
Take my own proactive skepticism as proof of the oversight committees degraded credibility.
Look at Trump
The same thing happened with the House’s investigation of Donald Trump and January 6th. The investigation, which lasted eighteen months, reached the conclusion we all knew they were going to reach on the first day the investigation started. Was there ever any doubt the committee was going to find Trump guilty in the most condemning terms? No. The conclusion was predetermined. And accordingly, an incident and a person that deserves honest, non-partisan examination is treated to a political sideshow.
Congressional oversight is a vital mechanism for ensuring our people and our institutions are operating as they are supposed to be operating. When congressional oversight becomes politically tainted, and that vital mechanism is reduced in quality and effectiveness, we all lose.
Harrison Kass is the Senior Editor at 19FortyFive. An attorney, pilot, guitarist, and minor pro hockey player, Harrison joined the US Air Force as a Pilot Trainee but was medically discharged. Harrison holds a BA from Lake Forest College, a JD from the University of Oregon, and an MA from New York University. Harrison listens to Dokken.
Cal Lawrence
March 16, 2023 at 7:24 pm
Harrison Kass is clearly a big fan of false equivalency. The reason that the January 6 committee “reached the conclusion we all knew they were going to reach on the first day the investigation started” is that was the only possible conclusion that COULD be reached by any remotely serious investigation. The events of January 6 were not a mystery. We all saw it happen on live television. It may have been shocking but it was not complicated.
William phillips
March 17, 2023 at 10:48 am
It Jan 6th was a total setup! by the Government to get Trump. That is all this is about!
If you can’t see that fact then you are blind.
John Dow
April 28, 2023 at 6:29 pm
All you have to do is look at the make up of the so called committee, was nothing but Trump haters.
Judy R Neville
April 28, 2023 at 7:00 pm
The 1/6 committee came to the correct conclusion, Trump is and always has been a small-time crook and bully who belongs in jail. He only appeals to uneducated fools. We must not let him gain the White House again. We may as well just send Putin an invitation to take over the U.S. As let Trump in office.
James
April 28, 2023 at 9:32 pm
… and what we did not see on television was released by Fox News. Hunter Biden is clearly a crackhead, and Joe has dementia. Harrison, nobody cares what your personal feelings are. We are not idiots, just give us the news. Hunter and Joe both ran a scam that violated US Law. If the both of them are not arrested, the folks should do what they please and the hell to all laws.
Richard
April 29, 2023 at 8:00 am
Harrison Kass is an outstanding writer!
Plus a very interesting personality!
John
April 29, 2023 at 12:11 pm
Trump said nor did anythings to promote a riot, much unlike mad Maxine Waters did some months ago telling her band of clowns to get into the faces of Republicans anywhere they could find them and shout at them and cause a scene. Now that could ignite a riot. Nothing happened to her.
Joanne Przybylowski
April 29, 2023 at 9:38 pm
Trump is not the crook, Biden is I guess someone did not read the articles. Trump does not have anything to do with Russia but Biden does and other countries too.Biden is so corrupt he should be tried for treason.
Lori
April 30, 2023 at 3:54 am
That is ridiculous that the primary reason to investigate against Hunter Biden is to damage Joe Biden. If Hunter committed crimes, like money laundering, tax evasion, false statements, he must be prosecuted. NO ONE IS ABOVE THE LAW – EVEN THE BIDENS. If Joe is implicated, he must be investigated and charged as well. Also, we all know that Trump has been persecuted on even less evidence, and it’s time for the proper payback.
Lori
April 30, 2023 at 4:01 am
To Judy Neville – why do you say just invite PUTIN to run the WH when Biden and his cronies are obviously and without embarrassment ENABLING china to do just that. Biden is in china’s back pocket and he will never limit their influence or power in the United States. Trump had the major players of the world under control – Biden has totally messed that up.
Lori
April 30, 2023 at 4:09 am
It is ridiculous to say that investigating Hunter is to primarily “hurt” Joe Biden. If Hunter committed crimes, such as money laundering, tax evasion, falsifying statements then he should be prosecuted; if it entails Joe Biden as well, then he also should be charged and prosecuted (or impeached). NO ONE IS ABOVE THE LAW. Besides, Trump has been persecuted by these liars for even less evidence.
Judy Rishel
April 30, 2023 at 8:43 am
Trump had good relations with China and Russia. Biden is unfit to be President!! Open borders!!! Now what to do??? I donated money to help build the WALL! Did you donate?Trump was the Best President we had in a long long time!! He loves OUR COUNTRY!!! Biden can not find his way off the stage and you want him to run MY COUNTRY??? Demos are afraid of TRUMP!! Which I can not understand???
Sandra L Palmer
April 30, 2023 at 10:04 am
The whole Biden family is “on the take”. Bought and paid for by China, Russia and the Ukraine. Follow the money, all the money going into the Ukraine is being indirectly sent to the Biden family. They are draining the US dry! The “Kamel” is Biden’s Security Blanket. Wake up America.
Mike
April 30, 2023 at 11:22 am
Trump is and was the most corrupt POTUS in our history. From his fake electors scheme, to riling up his most vulnerable (uneducated) supporters “they better fight like hell or their not gonna have their country” , to trying to bribe Ukraine… and so on. Too
Many to list here! Indictments are closing in on him that will ultimately hold him responsible for some of his many wrongdoings!
Richard G. Root
April 30, 2023 at 11:34 am
All of the domestic and foreign issue which have become more serious in recent years have been growing for over 30yr.s. The Jan. 6th event did not occur due to president trump. However, through the increased view of citizens that the government was not following their interest our open to them. RICHARD GARTH ROOT is perusing efforts to become the first COMMON CITIZEN AS PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE in over 100 yr.’s. Health,economics,environment, and posterity are all critical globally as well as a means of for the U.S.A. to remain secure. Those interested can assist in this 1st time effort to be done through only the share of this effort personally with family friends and neighbors not through fund collection. By word of mouth which can be written. All can contact [email protected] to know more and assist Richard 4 you.
Lib Tardestroya
April 30, 2023 at 11:57 am
The Jan 6 committee was immediately and univversally dismissed as total hokum by the ENTIRE legal community. Only a tiny handful of jobless moms basement dwelling,GED toting, liberal beta boy welfare siphons gave it any credibility.it was nothing but a minor protest. The ACTUAL insurrections that took place in Portland, Seattle and Kenosha werent even mentioned. Joe is DIRECTLY tied to Hunters crimes. President Biden has committed several dozen ACTUAL impeachable offenses. Legal facts dont care about liberal GED/EBT feelings
Richard G. Root
April 30, 2023 at 11:58 am
These critical concerns can be best addressed by assisting RICHARD GARTH ROOT to be the FIRST common citizen to want to seek PRESIDENCY in over 100 years. To know more you may contact [email protected]. You might create your own personally created poster sign even by using scrap cardboard or paper or sharing YOUR VOICE verbally or written. * It is time for you all to be heard! It is important that we have UNITED STATES as well as how we can preserve lives in other nations can preserve peace.
Lib Tardestroya
April 30, 2023 at 12:04 pm
Judy Neville. This is why you have a GED, a mop and an EBT card. The jan 6 committee was dismissed as a total failure by the ENTIRE legal community and the vast overwhelming majority of ALL Americans. Please return to your mop while the adults are speaking. Facts dont care about your welfare check feelings
THE ADMIRAL
April 30, 2023 at 1:48 pm
I smell at typical tit for tat caper. Bidens boy’s are getting back at Trump because Biden was sleeping with the Chinese. It’s time for one of Bidens babes to file a suit. If I remember didn’t Biden enter some queens panties when he was in Congress. What happened to that case? They should take a DNA test on Bidens middle finger. He’s a smart ass piece of shit. HE’S NOT MY PRESIDENT. TRUMP 2024
Dianna Lynn Rottner
April 30, 2023 at 4:03 pm
I agree that Biden, Joe and his son , Hunter are crooks and Biden is buying votes that’s why he opened the borders, give the people crossing all open borders food, cell phones, baby food, cash while the U.S. American people can’t hardly live today. No jobs, food costly, Gas to much, Biden never did forgive student loans. They are killing California. I’d like to know where the water is going? And I’m sure Biden is not making the laws, is is to old, can’t remember anything. Had Harris run with him to win black people vote, now he is hiring Balck American’s just to get there vvote, which is fixed anyhow for him to win. Than the true colors come out. He will fire all the black’s, stop feeding 2 million People that he let in the US. The New World Order is here, The secrect Society is not secret anymore. and S.S. is not out of money, All lies. Biden win’s all the things he says he is going to do , he won’t. Just stuff your pockets Biden family with dirty money and keep running and one day a judge will see that truth. The criminal “Biden” family gets in no trouble for things he does and the FBI know. He should be in jail with Trump..The new laws coming out are crazy, electic stoves, cars, Bathrooms for every sex. Doesn’t anyone see the new laws coming here soon, California is out of control. Newson is another thief. No one got any debt cards or sim. checks. Newson was busy sending boes of food to Mexico and writing on box “From California”. I’m not voting at all because is is fixed who will win. if I did , it would be (like Eastwood said) a business man. We pick who runs and works for us, not someone behind the curtains. Government in Cal. is paiding homeless not to work, they are telling people age 55yrs to go on S.S. and hiring these bumb young kids to work or a robot, a trans. and paying them alot of money. Kids today are smart to do crimnal jobs, but dumb to do a day’s work. Delivery food 17.00 a hour plus tips! All the big store, banks are closing or closed. people by the millions being laid off forever. Well if no one works, no money goes into S.S. right? and the young people are to dumb to care if they are paying into S.S. IRS ..that’s just a mess of lies! No one will get refunds! Old people , like me are being shut off from the world, they are going to take our S.S. away some day. Nurses are going on strike …Or is this all “Fake News” being told to us. I think so! WAKE UP AMERICAN. Fight back with letters to your government, your so called President!!!!!!!!!
Dianna Lynn Rottner
April 30, 2023 at 4:12 pm
Oh, did I say Harris is dumb as dirt! The news people are told what to say on the news. Yes like trump says “Fake News”!!!! And I’m not a Trump fan. but in my eyes Biden has never did one good thing for the American people! We don’t get food stamps, we don’t get a free cell phone! And the other countries are not afraid of little Joe Biden!
I think we are not the #1 strongest anymore, we forget about all our men that fought for our freedom. That’s terrible. We are the third world country now. Soon at your Walmart store, got to have a chip put in your arm to shop there. Is that why the CEO of Walmart is giving up his job at the end of this year. They charge us 13.95 membership fees every month on 54 cards and we are not members. There new checkout system was stealing your credit card number so people look at your statements every month for Walmart membership fees… 13.95. of course if your a member your a fool.
nobodyimportant
April 30, 2023 at 5:07 pm
Good article, with your analysis of Congressional oversite committee’s and your overall explanation of the Bidens. Our entire Government has become a clown side show, not just the Exectutive Branch, but all of the branches of Government. It is obvious that no one in our Government is serious about the truth, our people, or our country.
kenneth Staber
April 30, 2023 at 6:11 pm
Propaganda articles like this is why as you put Democrats would circle the wagons and dirty Joe would come out virtually unscathed. They also stoke the fire of hatred between the two sides of the uni-party’s voters. When you say circle the wagons, does that mean that all of you MSM anti-journalists would just fall in line and ignore the story or lie to cover it up.
The fact of the matter is that Biden using his influence through Antny Blinken to coerce the Intelligence agent to write that (disinformation against the American people), fictional letter stating that Hunter’s crackhead laptop story was near certainly.
Russian disinformation.
You may want to look into your way back machine to when real journalists actually held politicians accountable and take a look at Watergate. You will see that Biden weaponizing the Intelligence agencies to probably steal the Presidential election is far more serious a crime that Nixon and his fellow crooks did at Watergate.
Shelley Cordes
April 30, 2023 at 9:06 pm
It’s been proven that Trump was railroaded. The so-called whistle blower was prosecuted in England. If anyone thinks the Bidens are squeaky clean, your head is in the mud. Yes, TV, the Left Media, and Internet are only showing what they want you to see: Partial reality. Come on, America, Vote for Truth and the right to an honest government that will work for you, not their own pocketbooks.
The T
May 1, 2023 at 3:16 pm
Unfortunately, America is past tipping point, when politicians/elected leaders ,are no longer held accountable for breaking laws on the books and media supports, ignores, or dismisses policies, and subtle changes in laws, or legislation that dramatically affect the populace, slow boil is over!!We are in a pot, frothing, rolling bubble heat, approaching steam. Only semblance of hope is DRAMATIC CHANGE. Specifics are somewhat varied. Typical conversation suggests civil war. Other scenarios are well within scope of potential. Death of major leader, change in monetary system, detonation of nuclear device. Any one of these events could easily trigger the great awakening, cleansing light drenching effects America so desperately needs.
John supports the ten commandments
May 1, 2023 at 5:23 pm
Nothing can save Biden. His son is abandoning his proven illegitimate child. (DNA proof) President Dad is going along with it. Hunter got his dick in a whore and made a child. He has to support that child and he is reneging on his responsibilities. I would never want a man like either one of them to be the President. If you vote for a man who would abandon his grandchild or child, then you are pathetic. This has NOTHING to do with TRUMP. No Biden because he abandons his grandchild. No honor. No saving his soul. Not Presidential material.
Brad
May 2, 2023 at 2:54 pm
Harrison Kass has shown himself to be hypocritical, and a political HACK. Blinded by his Eugene OR, blind faith in the unhinged left’s beliefs. Maybe the coward could explain what is the problem with letting people decide for themselves how to live. His belief is that as long as you can drink, smoke and push whatever drug or thought altering substance into your body and if you can sleep with whomever you want, you should let the government tell you everything else that you are allowed to do in your life. I would love for this POS to tell people what is wrong with paying your own way for the life you want to live, choose a way to live that promotes individual liberty so long as you do not harm others. But Nay, like the “Star Trek Borg” you MUST think of ONE MIND like HIM or you will be cancelled, shunned and outcast!! Individuality is only acceptable if you are the same as him!! Not exactly individual. What a Pathetic CLOWN. Funny if not so dangerous and sad. What a frightening representation of what we as a society and country we have become. That we give this kindgarten intellect any space let alone compensate him for his infantile thoughts is truly a sign that we are the “Romans”, like the last days of Caligula, we are unable to learn from history and are doomed to repeat it.
Chip S.
May 3, 2023 at 12:03 am
I agree with the comments that regardless of what comes out of the investigations the Biden’s will likely not be prosecuted or Joe will pardon himself and all the Biden family members. Having said that there will come a time in the near future where the American public will either reject the lack of accountability or forfeit our country as a nation and wait for China/Russia/N. Korea, etc., to take us over.
Herman Kirwin
May 4, 2023 at 7:13 pm
The Biden’s and the Clinton’s were the two most corrupt Administrations in US history. The biased press and the Democrats will whitewash this as much as possible, but you can’t hide or walk away from the truth. The smell never leaves.
Herman Kirwin
May 4, 2023 at 7:19 pm
I will pray for you. You have eyes but refuse to see. You have ears but refuse to hear.
Leonard Dinges Jr
May 6, 2023 at 6:20 am
Biden is one of the 2 biggest crooks in Washington. The other is Pelosi. When Biden was sworn into office, he pledged to protect this country from all terrorists foreign and domestic. Well open borders is allowing terrorists to come in. That alone is enough for impeachment, and his underhanded dealing with China is an added bonus. Why is congress afraid to impeach that bum?
Anna B Shellner
May 6, 2023 at 12:01 pm
Mr. Harris is product of the American Education system, brain washed to an idiot status and easy to control. He is a good writer but has no common sense and is blind to the truth. Ask God to take of your blinders Mr. Harris and you may be a good Jounalist.
kstarr
May 6, 2023 at 3:36 pm
hunter is no the president, he is an adult responsible for his own actions. the laptop was somewhere for least. look up chain of custody when u finish the constitution. anyone could have put anything on the laptop without knowledge of the owner. once it was no longer in the hands of the owner, the onous is on the bs artist who put the bs on it. the chain of custody was broken once hunter gave it to someone else
Laura OBrien
May 7, 2023 at 12:56 pm
To say that Trump supporters are uneducated is false. Trump may be a bully, not act presidential but he had good policies. I am educated and I voted for him because he wasn’t the typical Washington politician. There are plenty of uneducated voters on both sides. Unfortunately, almost all Democrats hate Trump. They can’t get past the hate and see anything that he accomplished. President Biden in my opinion, is in the early stages of dementia. What is going on with him by his administration and his family is Edler Abuse! They prop him up because of the lousy choice of his VP. People should look back in history and see how Presidents Regan and Clinton worked with the respective speaker Tip O’Neil and Newt Gingrich. This country is going down the toilet. People have no respect for one another. History is not being taught in school. President Trump was impeached on a false document generated by Hillary Clinton’s campaign. I am not the biggest fan of President Trump but I would vote for him if running against President Biden. Did I mention how slanted the main street media is? The border is wide open and people coming in by the millions! Who pays for all this? The taxpayers. The country needs a secure border. Without a secure border, we have no country. Come here the legal way. It will probably take a prominent Democrat to lose a loved one to death by fentanyl before anything is done. We produce the cleanest energy in the world. China is the biggest polluting nation. Bring back American-produced energy and save the country. China and Russia are laughing at President Biden! They see what a fool he is.