The Daily Show: Ears Edition Replay | Hunter Biden's Laptop | Jordan Klepper Fingers the Conspiracy
Aug 20, 2025
Andrew Lawrence, a media expert at Media Matters, dives into the notorious conspiracy surrounding Hunter Biden's laptop, tracing its origins and media coverage. U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly discusses the impending House investigation while raising concerns about partisan rhetoric. Journalist Tiffany Cross critiques how the media has handled the story, questioning ethical reporting standards. The conversation highlights the absurdity and implications of the controversy, emphasizing the delicate balance between truth and misinformation in today's political landscape.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Laptop Was Never Publicly Verified
- The laptop's physical existence was never publicly verified; what circulated was a hard drive copied by a repairman.
- Much of the story was built on that unverified copy, shaping a politics-first narrative.
Buzzwords Drive Political Reaction
- Conservative media uses simple buzzwords to generate visceral reactions from their base.
- 'Hunter Biden' plus 'laptop' became a shorthand weapon regardless of verifiable specifics.
How The Files Entered Conservative Channels
- Repairman John Paul Mac Isaac claims Hunter Biden left water-damaged laptops and he copied the files to a hard drive.
- He reported it to the FBI, then distributed copies to Giuliani, Steve Bannon, and the New York Post.