Even when CNN covers the rapidly metastasizing Hunter Biden scandal that is in danger of devouring the entire Biden administration, the leftist network only covers the President’s delinquent drug addict son in a sympathetic and loving way.
On Wednesday afternoon’s The Lead, host Jake Tapper reported that “CNN's own investigation into Hunter has authenticated emails showing Hunter Biden struggled to pay bills despite bringing in a huge income.”
He then tossed to correspondent Drew Griffin, who immediately sought to frame the investigation as a right-wing witch hunt by whining that “The emails posted by a right-wing operative on the internet have long been used as a political weapon against President Joe Biden.”
After detailing how his emails “reveal Hunter Biden was repeatedly warned about deep debts and years of back taxes,” Griffin cut to a fluffy interview with Hunter’s ex-wife on ABC’s Good Morning America:
KATHLEEN BUHLE: He was struggling under a massive drug addiction. And that's heartbreaking and painful.
Narrating in an attempt to excuse Hunter’s actions, Griffin noted how “In past interviews, both Biden and his ex-wife say Biden's financial issues became worse with the death of his brother and his drug use.”
Griffin added how “The couple divorced and Hunter would owe $37,000 a month in spousal support. The spreadsheet shows he fell behind—just part of a lifestyle that was financially out of control.”
Ending the segment, Griffin got in one last shot at Republicans by kvetching how “Even if Hunter Biden is never charged with a crime, that won't matter to Republicans, especially those who may chair powerful committees if the Republican Party wins the majority in Congress.”
[H/T NewsBusters intern Aidan Moorehouse]
This sympathetic segment of Hunter Biden’s growing crime spree was made possible by Salonpas. Their information is linked so you can let them know about the biased news they fund.
To read the transcript of this segment click “expand”:
CNN’s The Lead With Jake Tapper
07/27/22
4:49:33 PM EasternJAKE TAPPER: In our politics lead, as the U.S. Attorney in Delaware weighs possible charges against the President's son, Hunter Biden, CNN's own investigation into Hunter has authenticated emails showing Hunter Biden struggled to pay bills despite bringing in a huge income. The President's son struggled with massive debt and a huge overdue tax bill. It remains unclear whether the back taxes revealed in these emails are the same tax issue that is part of the federal probe.
CNN’s Drew Griffin takes a closer look.
[Cuts to video]
DREW GRIFFIN: The emails posted by a right-wing operative on the internet have long been used as a political weapon against President Joe Biden, but it's his son, Hunter, who’s facing potential federal charges.
As CNN first reported, prosecutors in Delaware are narrowing in on potential tax violations in their investigation of Hunter Biden. These emails, forensically authenticated for CNN, reveal Hunter Biden was repeatedly warned about deep debts and years of back taxes. This despite having a lavish income that included as much as $50,000 a month for sitting on the board of Burisma, the Ukrainian energy company.
A 2019 spreadsheet sent to Biden from his assistant details more than half a million dollars in bills due or past due, including hundreds of thousands in taxes over several years. The emails show he knew he was delinquent. October 2018, his accountant wrote, “They are late,” noting that Biden had missed an already extended tax filing deadline of October 15.
Two weeks later, “Your 2017 tax returns are still unfiled,” the accountant reminded Biden. The next day, “You need to get 2017 filed so we can try to work out a payment schedule.”
The accountant told Biden the IRS was also demanding a payment from 2015. “They want $158,000,” the accountant wrote, “The 2018 federal taxes of $471,000 will be in addition...IRS has notified the State Department, and they will not renew your passport until this is resolved.”
[Cuts to clip]
KATHLEEN BUHLE [On ABC’s Good Morning America]: He was struggling under a massive drug addiction. And that's heartbreaking and painful.
[End of clip]
GRIFFIN: In past interviews, both Biden and his ex-wife say Biden's financial issues became worse with the death of his brother and his drug use.
[Cuts to clip]
HUNTER BIDEN [On CBS Mornings]: I went one time for 13 days without sleeping. And smoking crack and drinking vodka exclusively throughout that entire time.
[End of clip]
GRIFFIN: The couple divorced and Hunter would owe $37,000 a month in spousal support. The spreadsheet shows he fell behind—just part of a lifestyle that was financially out of control.
More than 65,000 owed on one credit card. He owed a $1,700 payment on a Porsche. His healthcare bill was back due, and the assistant who was trying to keep track of it all said she too wasn't being paid. “I'm trying to figure out what to do about bills,” Biden's then-assistant asked. “Pay the health care. Pay the Porsche,” Biden responded and told the assistant she should only pay herself half what she was owed.
The emails reveal multiple warnings from banks concerning insufficient funds, deep debt, his credit card repeatedly declined. In a statement to CNN, Biden's attorney acknowledged the tax issue, saying, “He is current on his tax obligations and is committed to remaining so as he continues his recovery from addiction.”
[Cuts to clip]
BIDEN [On CBS Mornings]: I'm cooperating completely. And I'm absolutely certain, 100 percent certain, that at the end of the investigation, that I will be cleared of any wrongdoing.
[End of clip]
GRIFFIN: Even if Hunter Biden is never charged with a crime, that won't matter to Republicans, especially those who may chair powerful committees if the Republican Party wins the majority in Congress. Like Kentucky congressman James Comer, who promises a Hunter Biden investigation if he heads the House Oversight Committee.
[Cuts to clip]
REP. JAMES COMER [On Fox Business's The Evening Edit]: Hunter Biden’s a shady business character. We fear that he has compromised this White House. That's why we're not gonna continue to let up on these investigations and we're gonna hold somebody accountable for this.
[End of clip]
GRIFFIN: Joe Biden is not being investigated as part of the federal probe into Hunter Biden, according to sources.
[End of video]
GRIFFIN: Jake, CNN has been told the Justice Department is weighing the timing of any possible indictment against the President's son. Sources telling CNN Justice Department guidelines generally avoid bringing politically sensitive cases close to an election. Those guidelines now being weighed as this case has reached a critical juncture. Jake?
TAPPER: Alright, Drew Griffin, thanks so much.
