Introduction
The question of whether Joe and Hunter Biden should be required to testify under oath in any impeachment inquiry or trial has sparked considerable debate. Some argue for the Biden family's participation, while others suggest that treating the situation similarly to how Republicans are handling the January 6th inquiry is the right approach. This article delves into the nuances of this issue and considers the potential implications of any potential testimonies.
The Republican Approach to Impeachment
The Republican Party's stance on impeachment is characterized by a stance that no one is required to testify for an impeachment hearing. This guarantees that testimony is voluntary, and there are no legal obligations to participate. The January 6th inquiry exemplifies this approach, where Republican witnesses have appeared and testified on a voluntary basis, without being compelled.
Specifically, regarding Hunter Biden:
Hunter Biden and Impeachment
It is important to note that Hunter Biden is not a government official or the President. Consequently, he cannot be impeached. Impeachment applies only to federal officials, such as the President, Vice President, or other elected officials. Even if his business dealings have been controversial, there is no evidence suggesting that he engaged in any illegal activities that would justify impeachment. Furthermore, Congress's role is limited to charging individuals like Hunter with crimes such as treason, not for general investigatory purposes.
The Impeachment Threshold
The bar to reach an impeachable offense is incredibly high, and it is far more stringent than the usual legal standards of proof. An impeachable offense typically involves a direct threat to national security or a serious abuse of power that endangers the office of the president. Since Hunter Biden's business dealings occurred before Joe Biden became President, the threshold for impeachment is even higher. Therefore, unless there is clear evidence that Hunter Biden's activities endangered national security in a direct and imminent way, he should not be impeached.
The Vice President's Involvement
Regarding Joe Biden, his involvement in the impeachment process is also contentious. Critics argue that Joe Biden, as Vice President, should not be compelled to testify unless there is compelling evidence that he was directly involved in any impeachable offense. It is crucial to differentiate between a Vice President's role in policy-making and the responsibilities that come with the office of the president. The Vice President's primary role is to assist the President, not to be a federal official who can be impeached.
The Biased Nature of Congressional Hearings
One of the concerns with forcing the Bidens to testify is that it could be used as a means to smokescreen, rather than to address the issues at hand. This is particularly relevant in the context of a likely impeachment hearing. If Joe and Hunter Biden were to be called to testify, it is highly probable that Republicans would interrogate them with questions that have no relevant connection to the allegations against former President Trump. Instead, the hearing would be used to divert attention and create a diversion.
Conclusion
Given the current political climate and the precise nature of an impeachment inquiry, it is unreasonable to require Joe and Hunter Biden to testify under oath. There is no evidence to suggest that their involvement is necessary, and insisting on their participation could be seen as an attempt to further politicize the impeachment process. The Republicans' approach to voluntary testimony is a more appropriate and pragmatic stance than forcing witnesses to participate in a biased and potentially damaging process.
The primary focus of any impeachment hearing should be on the actions of former President Trump and the unconstitutional abuse of power. Any testimonies that detract from this central issue are likely to be nothing more than a distraction, hinder the true process of justice, and further erode public trust in the democratic process.