The Daily An F.B.I. Informant, a Bombshell Claim, and an Impeachment Built on a Lie
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Mar 4, 2024 Michael S. Schmidt, an investigative reporter for The New York Times, delves into the politically charged atmosphere surrounding the impeachment attempt against President Biden. He discusses the reliance on a discredited piece of intelligence tied to Hunter Biden, revealing how it was leveraged for political gain. The conversation highlights the role of an FBI informant, the fallout of misinformation, and the urgent need for integrity in political reporting. Schmidt underscores the dangers of unverified claims that can destabilize political landscapes.
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Giuliani's Dirt Digging
- Trump tasked Giuliani with finding dirt on the Biden family before the 2020 election.
- Giuliani's claims prompted an inquiry led by a U.S. attorney in Pennsylvania.
Unverified Allegation Weaponized
- Republicans, seeking to connect Joe Biden to his son's dealings, seized upon an unverified allegation from an FBI informant.
- Senator Chuck Grassley publicized the claim, despite warnings from the FBI about its unverified nature.
Media Amplification and Impeachment Inquiry
- Conservative media amplified Grassley's claims, fueling public speculation about the Bidens.
- This led to an impeachment inquiry based on the unverified allegation.