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Biden's Pardoning Decisions
- Critics of President Biden express concern that his pardoning of Hunter Biden may not be an isolated incident.
- Mainstream media has reported that the Biden administration is considering preemptive pardons for individuals such as Anthony Fauci and former Congresswoman Liz Cheney.
- Supporters of Biden argue that his actions are simply those of a father protecting his son.
- Independent journalist Matt Taibbi questions the paternal rationale behind the pardons, suggesting they serve a broader purpose.
The Nature of Presidential Pardons
- Matt Taibbi emphasizes the historical context of presidential pardons, noting their intended role as a check against institutional power.
- He acknowledges that voters accept this power when electing presidents, expecting it to be exercised at the end of a presidency.
- However, he expresses concern that pardoning Hunter Biden could obstruct ongoing investigations into corruption and influence-peddling.
Concerns Over Future Investigations
- Taibbi warns that preemptive pardons could hinder investigations into various significant issues, including the origins of Russia-gate and the government's response to COVID-19.
- He believes that there is a substantial amount of information that the public should not be deprived of due to a wave of pardons.
- Taibbi advocates for maintaining the presidential pardon power without additional scrutiny, as it could prevent pardons for individuals who have faced injustice.
Potential Names for Preemptive Pardons
- Discussion includes potential preemptive pardons for individuals like Senator-elect Adam Schiff, Anthony Fauci, and Liz Cheney, each linked to major investigations.
- The investigations associated with these figures encompass Russia-gate, COVID-19, and the January 6th Capitol incident.
- Taibbi notes that significant interest exists in investigating the actions of these individuals, particularly regarding influence-peddling allegations.
Political Implications of Pardons
- Mainstream media and Democratic allies of Biden argue that the pardoning decisions may be influenced by fears of retaliation from a potential Trump administration.
- Concerns are raised about the possibility of score-settling against political opponents and media figures if Trump returns to power.
- Taibbi expresses a desire for legitimate investigations into corruption without political motivations that could undermine the integrity of the justice system.
Media and Investigative Concerns
- Taibbi reflects on the role of the media in investigations, particularly during the Russia-gate saga, where some media figures may have acted inappropriately.
- He expresses concern over the potential for journalists to be targeted for their reporting, citing past instances where the Obama administration pursued legal actions against media leakers.
- Despite these concerns, Taibbi emphasizes the importance of protecting journalistic integrity and hopes that any investigations remain fair and legitimate.
Conclusion and Future Outlook
- The discussion concludes with Taibbi reiterating the need for a careful balance between the use of presidential pardons and the necessity of ongoing investigations.
- He expresses hope that the justice system will act as a safeguard against any overreach in the use of pardons.
- The conversation highlights the complex interplay between political power, media narratives, and the pursuit of justice in the current political landscape.
Independent journalist Matt Taibbi elaborates on who's behind President Biden's preemptive pardons. #bidenparons #huterbiden
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