Litman: Will Pence's classified documents discovery let Biden off the hook? (via latimesopinion)
The Pence documents shed more light on a critical question: How easy is it for classified documents to find their way out of the White House and become mixed into the private papers of former government officials?Anecdotal evidence already suggested that it’s easy enough to do inadvertently, especially on the part of higher government officials, who rarely have a personal role in packing up their offices. Pence’s experience strengthens that idea.
Of course, there is a very bright line to be drawn between the unknowing conduct of officials like Biden and Pence on the one hand, and the intentional and likely criminal behavior of former President Donald Trump, who, from the available evidence, not only was aware that he had classified documents but purposefully spirited them away, and, more importantly, engaged in a 20-month campaign to stonewall legitimate efforts by the U.S. government to have them returned.
There is not a shred of evidence that Biden even knew about the misplaced documents, much less that he criminally withheld them. Yetis now conducting a criminal investigation into Biden’s case. Department of Justice guidelines require someone who has come under public suspicion, including the president, to be cleared or charged promptly. That goes for the president, and Hur is duty-bound, either to develop concrete evidence or shut his fledgling operation down.
The appointment of Hur immediately lumped Biden together with Trump in the public’s mind. Now Pence’s discovery might shift the politics, since it’ll be hard for House Republicans to distinguish between the two cases. But we can probably be sure that Speaker Kevin McCarthy and company will somehow launch an argument that targets Biden while tacking around Pence.
Brasil Últimas Notícias, Brasil Manchetes
Similar News:Você também pode ler notícias semelhantes a esta que coletamos de outras fontes de notícias.
Edward Snowden lumps Pence in with Biden, Trump as 'unindicted criminals'Snowden still faces espionage charges from 2013 when he leaked classified documents about the National Security Agency.
Consulte Mais informação »
Pence classified document revelations complicate probes of Biden, TrumpThe revelation Tuesday that classified documents were discovered at former Vice President Mike Pence’s home in Indiana threatens to change the political and legal landscape under Justice Department probes of former President Donald Trump and President Biden mishandling government secrets.
Consulte Mais informação »
Steve Bannon claims 'Judas Pence' is covering for BidenThe 'War Room' podcast host responded to news that classified documents were found at Mike Pence's Indiana home.
Consulte Mais informação »
EXPLAINER: Comparing Trump, Biden, Pence classified papersThere are plenty of similarities — but also a major difference — among the classified-records situations of President Joe Biden, former President Donald Trump and Trump's vice president, Mike Pence.
Consulte Mais informação »
Ted Cruz defends Mike Pence on classified docs moments after trashing BidenCruz said that the Biden and Pence situations were 'very different,' despite both men being former vice presidents while in possession of the documents.
Consulte Mais informação »
Biden, Trump, Pence under scrutiny for classified records, potentially complicating 2024 White House bidsPresident Biden, former President Trump and former Vice President Mike Pence are all under scrutiny for their improper retention of classified documents.
Consulte Mais informação »