In a recent development, a transcript has surfaced showing President Joe Biden employing humor during an interview with former special counsel Robert Hur. This comes amid ongoing scrutiny over the handling of classified documents found at Biden’s residence.
What Happened: The transcript released on Tuesday revealed a lighter side to President Joe Biden during an interview with former special counsel Hur, as reported by The Washington Post. The conversation was during the investigation into classified documents found at Biden’s residence.
Despite concerns about Biden’s memory, the transcript suggests these may be unfounded. The president attempted to ease the atmosphere by joking about the thoroughness of the investigators’ search of his home. He quipped about potentially embarrassing photos of his wife and even made light of his spelling abilities.
Biden tried to build a rapport with the agents as he joked about them knowing his house better than he does. A moment of levity came when he referenced an old photo with Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) highlighting their past alliance with humor.
Amid the scrutiny, Biden’s age and memory were central to Hur’s report on the classified documents investigation. Hur cited these factors as reasons not to recommend criminal charges. However, the transcript revealed Biden’s clear recollection of significant personal events, including the date of his son Beau’s passing, contradicting some public criticisms.
GOP leaders have given mostly mixed reactions to the transcript.
Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) has accused the president of a double standard in legal consequences. He criticized Biden’s non-prosecution despite the discovery of over 12 classified documents from his time on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
Talking to Fox News on Tuesday, House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) appreciated Hur’s report and added that they “will still try to get answers” to “hold people accountable.”
“What we saw today was an entitled career politician who believes he’s above the law, and we also see a government that’s always turned a blind eye to protect Joe Biden,” he said.
Why It Matters: In February, the special counsel found evidence of willful retention of classified documents by Biden, with materials found in various unsecured locations, including his Wilmington home’s garage and basement den.
National security experts criticized Biden’s handling of classified documents. The report by Hur noted Biden’s failure to return classified documents discovered in 2017 and his sharing of sensitive information with a ghostwriter.
While Hur did not find enough evidence for prosecution, the situation has raised questions about the security of classified information and the responsibilities of public officials post-tenure.
Photo via Shutterstock.
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