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FILE PHOTO: U.S. House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-OH) sits before a hearing of the House Judiciary Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S. June 21, 2023.
Russia enters Biden impeachment fray
The “most corroborating evidence” for impeaching President Joe Biden came from a highly credible, human source, Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) said in January. This week, a memo filed by the US Department of Justice claims that the source has “extensive foreign ties” with an all too familiar election meddler.
Veteran informant Alexander Smirnov claimed to be in touch with four different Russian intelligence officials as recently as December, two of which are “heads of the entities they represent.” Prosecutors say Smirnov aimed to spread misinformation and “lies that could impact US elections.”
After months of investigating, the House has been unable to uncover additional bombshell evidence against Biden. So, will a crack in the central argument driving the inquiry slow the impeachment efforts ahead of November’s election? Likely not. The president’s brother still had to testify yesterday, and his son is set to testify next week.
From the right: A House Judiciary Committee spokesperson says, “Nothing has changed. We have plenty of evidence that shows impeachable conduct.”
From the left: Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD) says, “I hope it will be the final chapter of this ludicrous wild goose chase.”
From GZERO: Smirnov should steer clear of open windows.Hunter Biden, son of U.S. President Joe Biden, departs federal court n Wilmington, Delaware.
House set to vote on Biden impeachment inquiry
So far, it looks like the House GOP has the votes, with many of the Republicans who were skeptical six months ago – most from Biden-won districts – coming on board. While they are still concerned about potential backlash in their districts, the desire to force subpoenas and White House cooperation is changing their minds.
The pro-inquiry ranks got a boost on Friday when Hunter Biden was charged by a federal court for allegedly failing to pay millions in income taxes. The House has subpoenaed Biden to testify in a closed-door hearing on Wednesday. Biden agreed on the condition that the hearing be public, citing concerns that his statements would be taken out of context. The House refused, setting up the potential for a legal showdown if Biden fails to appear.
While there has not yet been any hard evidence of wrongdoing by the president himself, Republicans frequently point to a 2018 video, where President Biden speaks about withholding a loan until guarantee until a prominent Ukrainian official – with links to a Ukrainian gas company that Hunter is on the board of – was fired. Republicans need to build a bridge between Hunter Biden’s vices and their accusations that his father committed high crimes and misdemeanors. The GOP points to potential links between If they fail to do so, Republicans risk the inquiry appearing to be a form of revenge for the impeachments of Donald Trump, which could jeopardize Republicans in swing districts.