Washington: It took a little-known prosecutor from Maryland to deliver one of the most devastating blows US President Joe Biden has faced so far in his campaign for re-election.

Legally, Special Counsel Robert Hur’s 388-page report into the president’s handling of classified documents let Biden off the hook, allowing him to avoid criminal charges despite finding that he wilfully retained and disclosed sensitive government information as a private citizen.

President Joe Biden speaks in the Diplomatic Reception Room of the White House on Tuesday.Credit: AP

Politically, however, it’s damning on multiple fronts.

Firstly, it fuels former president Donald Trump’s claim of a “two-tiered” justice system, given he, too, was found to have mishandled classified material under a separate probe and is now awaiting trial.

Secondly, it exposes Biden’s blatant hypocrisy, after the president, when asked in a 60 Minutes interview last year what he thought of Trump’s actions, replied: “How could anyone be that irresponsible?”

Thirdly – and most worryingly for Democrats – it gives weight to the public image of Biden as someone who may not be up to the task of running the country for another four-year term.

Special Counsel Robert Hur, a prosecutor with Republican leanings, argued that, while Joe Biden’s actions were serious, his age and hazy memory would be unlikely to result in a conviction beyond reasonable doubt.Credit: AP

At 81, Biden is already the oldest person to occupy the White House. If he were to win the election, he would be 82 by inauguration day in January 2025 and 86 by the end of his second term.

But while age is one thing, mental acuity is another, and Hur’s report, fairly or not, raises fresh doubt about the president as he heads towards a potential election rematch with Trump in November.

QOSHE - Special Counsel’s report delivers Biden a devastating blow in election campaign - Farrah Tomazin
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Special Counsel’s report delivers Biden a devastating blow in election campaign

10 12
09.02.2024

Washington: It took a little-known prosecutor from Maryland to deliver one of the most devastating blows US President Joe Biden has faced so far in his campaign for re-election.

Legally, Special Counsel Robert Hur’s 388-page report into the president’s handling of classified documents let Biden off the hook, allowing him to avoid criminal charges despite finding that he wilfully retained and disclosed sensitive government information as a private........

© The Sydney Morning Herald


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