Impeachment: A Political Ploy

The Democrats have tried and failed, and now it is the turn of the Republicans to target Joe Biden with the same weapon. The spectre of impeachment has again descended upon the White House, this time targeting President Joe Biden.

In September 2023, the House of Representatives formally launched an investigation into Biden, focusing on the business dealings of his son, Hunter. That the investigation will ultimately translate into an impeachment bid has been made very clear by the GOP.

While the inquiry is shrouded in partisan tensions and legal uncertainties, its ramifications for American politics and international perception are undeniable, considering that next year is an election year and both sides are evenly balanced at this juncture.

Background

The investigation's roots lie in years of Republican scrutiny of the Bidens, particularly Hunter's involvement in Ukrainian energy firm Burisma Holdings. Allegations of nepotism and influence peddling have swirled around Hunter's work at Burisma, coinciding with his father's role as Vice President under former President Obama. These claims, however, remain largely unsubstantiated and unproven in court. Republican-led probes and congressional hearings have failed to uncover concrete evidence of wrongdoing by either Bidens.

Despite this, the allegations have persisted, fueled by conservative media outlets and amplified by Donald Trump and his allies. The former President, twice impeached himself, has repeatedly called for Biden's impeachment, further polarizing the political landscape.

Critics argue that it is a calculated attempt to deflect attention from Republican internal divisions, distract from the ongoing January 6th Committee hearings, and ultimately damage Biden's approval ratings ahead of the 2024 elections. Furthermore, the investigation aligns with the Republican Party's broader strategy of portraying Democrats as corrupt and out of touch. By focusing on Hunter Biden's business dealings, Republicans aim to cast aspersions on the entire Democratic establishment, potentially impacting public trust in the party.

Analysis

In a statement, Hunter Biden vehemently denied any financial involvement between him and his father, President Joe Biden, in his foreign business dealings, particularly his controversial position on the Ukrainian energy company Burisma board. He declared, "There is no evidence to support the allegations...because it did not happen." This bold denial directly challenged Republican claims, the crux of the impeachment inquiry.

Expectedly, Hunter's refusal triggered harsh reactions from the Republican-controlled House committee. They threatened steps to hold him in contempt of Congress, a potentially grave consequence carrying the possibility of imprisonment. This escalation reflects the high stakes involved and the determination of Republicans to push forward with their investigation.

Despite the heated atmosphere, some House Republicans from districts Biden won in 2020 presented a contrasting perspective. They portrayed the inquiry as a neutral "fact-finding exercise," aiming to gather information without pre-judging the evidence. However, scepticism regarding Hunter's business ventures, particularly in Ukraine, remained palpable, with Representative LaLota voicing the concerns of many regarding perceived conflicts of interest and unexplained financial gains.

The inquiry's timing and target inevitably draw comparisons to former President Trump, who faced two impeachments himself. Both attempts stemmed from allegations of improper conduct involving foreign powers, further blurring the lines between legitimate scrutiny and partisan motivations.

Adding another layer of complexity to the narrative is Hunter Biden's past struggles with addiction and his ongoing criminal investigations. Facing federal charges for tax evasion and gun-related offences, his personal battles complicate the public's perception of the impeachment inquiry, raising questions about whether the investigation seeks the truth or political gain. Hunter addressed his personal struggles alongside his defiance of the subpoena in a statement. He acknowledged his past financial irresponsibility but denounced the notion of his past as justification for an impeachment inquiry, calling it "beyond the absurd" and "shameless."

The path to impeachment is fraught with obstacles for Republicans. Firstly, Democrats control the Senate, where a two-thirds majority is required for conviction and removal from office. This makes it highly unlikely that the investigation will result in Biden's ouster. Secondly, the lack of concrete evidence against Biden weakens the Republicans' case. While Hunter Biden's business ventures may raise ethical questions, they do not necessarily translate to impeachable offences against the President. The burden of proof lies with the House; without compelling evidence, the investigation may falter.

Finally, the potential for backlash from the public cannot be ignored. The American public is weary of partisan gridlock and endless investigations. An impeachment process perceived as purely political could backfire on Republicans, alienating voters and further eroding their political capital.

Drawing parallels between the Biden and Trump impeachments is inevitable. Both investigations stemmed from allegations of abuse of power and corruption involving family members. The allegations against Trump were backed by concrete evidence, including witness testimony and leaked phone calls, while the claims against Biden remain largely circumstantial. Trump's impeachments involved accusations of pressuring Ukraine for personal gain and obstructing Congress, while the Biden investigation focuses on Hunter's private business dealings, with no direct connection to the President. The investigations against Trump occurred during a period of intense partisan divide, while the Biden investigation takes place in a more subdued political environment, potentially dampening public enthusiasm for impeachment.