495. The CIA, Corruption, and the Biden Heirs | Miranda Devine
In this episode of The Jordan B. Peterson Podcast, guest Miranda Devine discusses allegations of financial gain and potential corruption surrounding the Biden family's foreign business dealings during Joe Biden's vice presidency. She cites sources claiming the Biden family received substantial payments from foreign entities, such as a Chinese energy company and a Ukrainian firm where Hunter Biden served on the board despite lacking relevant expertise.
Peterson and Devine allege suppression and censorship of the "Hunter Biden laptop" story, as well as an intelligence community "cabal" actively protecting the Bidens from scrutiny over their alleged misconduct. The discussion delves into concerns over improper influence on the 2020 election and Biden's presidency, as well as the promotion of Kamala Harris as a potential successor to further consolidate this alleged group's hold on power.
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1-Page Summary
The Biden Family's Foreign Dealings
Financial Gains Through Opaque Transactions
According to a Republican investigation, the Biden family received around $30 million from foreign sources during Joe Biden's vice presidency, with $20-25 million coming from a Chinese energy company, CEFC, Miranda Devine indicates.
Hunter Biden earned $1 million per year serving on the board of Ukrainian energy firm Burisma, despite lacking relevant expertise, while his father oversaw Ukraine policy as vice president.
There are indications this foreign money funded the Biden family's lifestyle and expenses, with Hunter Biden allegedly paying for Joe Biden's household costs using these funds.
The Laptop Story Suppression
The New York Post broke the Hunter Biden laptop story, revealing damaging information about the Biden family's foreign business dealings. However, the story was suppressed by social media and discredited as Russian disinformation by 51 former intelligence officials, as Jordan Peterson notes.
According to Devine, the intelligence community actively covered up the story, with the CIA blocking prosecutors from accessing a key witness. The suppression likely impacted the 2020 election.
Alleged "Deep State" Influence
Devine and Peterson suggest a "cabal" within the intelligence community has actively protected the Bidens from scrutiny over their alleged corruption, motivated by maintaining control over the presidency, which they saw Trump as a threat to.
This "cabal" includes former CIA directors who endorsed the claim that the laptop story was Russian disinformation. Devine alleges they anticipated and prepared defenses to suppress the story's impact.
Kamala Harris Positioning
The "cabal" has also promoted Kamala Harris as a potential successor amid concerns over Biden's cognitive decline and unpopularity, further solidifying their hold on power, Devine and Peterson claim.
Questions of Legitimacy and Accountability
These actions by unelected, unaccountable forces raise concerns about improper influence over the 2020 election, the Biden presidency, and the country's future direction.
1-Page Summary
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- The investigation into the Biden family's foreign dealings was conducted by Republicans, which could imply a partisan bias in the findings.
- Hunter Biden's appointment to the board of Burisma could be seen as part of a broader pattern of individuals with high-profile connections being appointed to corporate boards, not necessarily indicative of corruption.
- The funds Hunter Biden received may have been used for legitimate business expenses and personal use, separate from Joe Biden's finances.
- The suppression of the Hunter Biden laptop story by social media platforms could be viewed as adherence to policies against the spread of potentially hacked materials or unverified information, rather than a deliberate act to protect the Bidens.
- The claim that the intelligence community covered up the laptop story and influenced the 2020 election lacks concrete evidence and could be seen as a conspiracy theory without further substantiation.
- The endorsement of the Russian disinformation claim by former CIA directors could be based on their professional assessment of the situation rather than participation in a "cabal."
- The promotion of Kamala Harris as a potential successor could be a result of normal political maneuvering and succession planning within the Democratic Party, rather than a concerted effort by a "cabal."
- Concerns about unelected, unaccountable forces could be countered by the argument that intelligence officials are career professionals who operate within a legal and ethical framework, and their actions are subject to oversight by elected officials.
Actionables
- You can enhance your media literacy by researching the signs of disinformation and applying this knowledge when evaluating news stories. Start by looking up educational resources from credible organizations dedicated to media literacy. Practice by analyzing various news articles and social media posts to identify potential biases, logical fallacies, or misinformation tactics. This will help you discern the reliability of information you come across daily.
- Develop a habit of cross-referencing news from multiple sources to form a well-rounded view of current events. Whenever you encounter a significant news story, especially those with political implications, make it a point to read about the same event from different media outlets with varying editorial stances. This approach allows you to see how different organizations present the same facts and can help you identify any potential biases or omissions.
- Encourage open discussions with friends or family about the importance of transparency and accountability in governance, using recent events as conversation starters. Approach these discussions with a focus on the value of having checks and balances in place, rather than on specific political figures or parties. This can foster a culture of civic responsibility and critical thinking within your social circle.
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The Biden family's foreign business dealings and alleged corruption
The Biden family's engagement in foreign business dealings has come under scrutiny, primarily focusing on Hunter Biden's activities and their purported ethical implications.
The Biden family amassed significant wealth through opaque and potentially unethical foreign business ventures, primarily involving Hunter Biden's activities.
The investigation led by Republicans has brought to light various financial transactions involving Hunter Biden and questioned the ethical nature of these dealings.
The Republican investigation found that the Biden family received around $30 million from various foreign sources, particularly a Chinese energy company CEFC, during Joe Biden's vice presidency.
The Republican investigation, which had access to subpoena power and suspicious activity reports from banks, found that during Joe Biden’s vice presidency, the Biden family received approximately $30 million from various foreign sources. Miranda Devine indicates that a substantial portion of this money—around $20 to $25 million—originated principally from CEFC, which is associated with China's Belt and Road Initiative.
Hunter Biden was paid exorbitant sums to serve on the board of the Ukrainian energy company Burisma, despite lacking relevant expertise, while his father was the point person on US-Ukraine policy as vice president.
Hunter Biden's compensation from Burisma amounted to a million dollars a year, which came under criticism considering his lack of experience in the energy sector and the ongoing battle with addiction. This was set against the backdrop of Joe Biden, then vice president, addressing Ukrainian leaders on corruption issues, while his son held a position with Burisma, a company considered to have a questionable reputation in Ukraine.
There are indications that some of this foreign money was used to fund the Biden family's lifestyle and even pay for Joe Biden's household expenses.
Hunter Biden has been implicated in using funds from various sources, including Delaware donors and foreign revenues, to cover not only his expenses but also household costs for Joe Biden. Among the expenses alleged to have been paid for by Hunter Biden were maintenance for Joe Bide ...
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The Biden family's foreign business dealings and alleged corruption
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- The investigations into the Biden family's business dealings have been politically charged, and it is important to distinguish between verified facts and partisan interpretations.
- Hunter Biden's role at Burisma and his compensation could be seen as part of a common practice where companies hire individuals with high-profile connections, which, while potentially ethically questionable, is not unique to the Biden family and does not necessarily imply corruption.
- The $30 million figure cited from foreign sources, including CEFC, needs to be contextualized within the broader scope of international business dealings and may not directly implicate Joe Biden in unethical behavior.
- The payments for Joe Biden's household expenses by Hunter Biden could be part of family financial arrangements that are private and not necessarily improper or illegal.
- The receipt of a diamond by Hunter Biden from CEFC after Joe Biden's vice presidency may not have any direct connection to Joe Biden's actions as vice president or represent a conflict of interest.
- The reference to "th ...
Actionables
- You can enhance your financial literacy by learning about the implications of foreign business dealings and how they might affect personal wealth. Start by researching the laws and ethical considerations surrounding international business transactions. This could involve reading up on the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act or similar legislation in your country, understanding the tax implications of foreign income, and recognizing the signs of potential conflicts of interest in business arrangements.
- Develop a personal code of ethics for financial dealings to ensure you maintain integrity in your transactions. Reflect on the values you want to uphold, such as transparency, accountability, and fairness. Write down these principles and consider how they apply to various financial scenarios, like investing, accepting gifts, or engaging in partnerships. This exercise will help you make decisions that align with your ethical standards and avoid potential pitfalls.
- Create a system to track and manage any ...
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The suppression and cover-up of the Biden laptop story by the intelligence community and media
Journalists Miranda Devine and Jordan Peterson weigh in on the suppression and dismissal of the Hunter Biden laptop story, which emerged as a significant scandal with implications for the integrity of intelligence agencies and the media's role in reporting.
The New York Post's reporting on the contents of Hunter Biden's laptop was heavily suppressed and dismissed
The New York Post, with journalist Miranda Devine, broke the story about the contents of Hunter Biden's laptop, which allegedly contained damaging information about the Biden family's foreign business dealings. Rather than be scrutinized, the story was dismissed as Russian disinformation by a group of former intelligence officials and operatives. Social media giants like Twitter and Facebook actively suppressed the story from spreading on their platforms.
51 former intelligence officials signed a letter falsely claiming the laptop story was Russian disinformation
Jordan Peterson refers to an "infamous document" signed by 51 former intelligence officials, which dismissed the Hunter Biden laptop story as Russian disinformation. The letter intimated a severe disservice to public knowledge as it later appeared to be an attempt to discredit a story that was inconvenient for the Biden campaign. Despite the FBI having possession of the laptop and confirming its authenticity, this claim about Russian disinformation was circulated widely.
Active involvement of the intelligence community in the cover-up
Peterson and Devine discuss the degree to which the intelligence community was involved in discrediting the laptop's revelations. Devine mentioned that the CIA, under Gina Haspel's leadership, summoned prosecutors investigating a potential election law violation involving Hunter Biden to Langley, where they were told that a key witness was off-limits. Devine also described how the FBI had been spying on Rudy Giuliani's iCloud, raising questions about their motives and the extent to which they may have been trying to monitor Donald Trump.
Impact on the 2020 election
The concerted efforts to suppress and discredit the laptop story likely had a significant impact on public perception leading up to the 2020 election. With social media platforms censoring the revelations and a letter from f ...
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The suppression and cover-up of the Biden laptop story by the intelligence community and media
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- The letter by the 51 intelligence officials may have been based on their professional judgment and experience with Russian disinformation tactics, rather than an attempt to mislead the public.
- Social media platforms have policies against the spread of potentially hacked materials, which could explain their initial suppression of the story.
- The FBI's investigation into Rudy Giuliani and the monitoring of his iCloud account could have been part of a legitimate and separate investigation, unrelated to the laptop story.
- The impact of the laptop story on the 2020 election is difficult to measure, and it is not certain that it would have changed the outcome.
- The actions of the intelligence community and media could be seen as an attempt to prevent the spread of unverified information during a sensitive time, rather than a cover-up.
- The story's suppression could be viewed as a cautionary approach to avoid interference in the electoral process, rather than an act of censorship.
- The involvement of the CIA and the intelligence c ...
Actionables
- You can enhance your media literacy by cross-referencing news stories with multiple sources, including international outlets, to get a broader perspective on controversial topics. By doing this, you'll develop a habit of seeking out information beyond the initial narrative presented by any single source. For example, if a story breaks in a major U.S. newspaper, also check how it's reported in a European paper or an independent news blog to see different angles and information that might be omitted or highlighted differently.
- Start a personal "truth log" where you document significant news stories and track their developments over time. This can be as simple as a digital document or a physical notebook where you jot down key events, how they're being reported, and any subsequent revelations or corrections to the original reporting. This practice will help you understand the evolving nature of news and the importance of following stories beyond their initial breaking point.
- Engage in conversations with friends or ...
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The role and motivations of the "deep state" or "cabal" in protecting the Biden family
Miranda Devine and Jordan Peterson discuss a "cabal" within the intelligence community that they allege has protected Joe Biden and his family from the consequences of their actions. They suggest this group’s motivations may be to maintain power and control over the presidency, seeing Donald Trump as a threat to their influence.
A shadowy cabal of intelligence community members, the "deep state," appears to have actively worked to shield the Biden family from scrutiny and consequences for their alleged corruption.
Devine and Peterson address the role of the intelligence community, with Devine suggesting that a group, which includes the CIA, the Pentagon, and the State Department, perceived Donald Trump not as an existential threat to America or democracy, but to their power and control over the presidency. They describe this group as "the blob" or "deep state."
This cabal includes former CIA directors and other high-level intelligence officials who have significant influence and leverage over the political process.
Devine points to former CIA directors among the signatories of a letter falsely claiming Hunter Biden's laptop was a Russian disinformation operation. This group, the so-called "cabal," also purportedly played a role in endorsing Kamala Harris as a capable contender for Commander-in-Chief.
Their motivations seem to stem from a desire to maintain power and control over the presidency, viewing Donald Trump as an existential threat to their agenda and influence.
The "cabal" is alleged to have consistently worked in the shadows in the backstory of the Biden family's purported corruption. Devine claims that Hunter Biden’s business partners were approached to work for the CIA and that Hunter himself was placed on the board of a CIA cutout before joining Burisma.
This cabal has also been involved in promoting Kamala Harris as a potential successor to Joe Biden, further solidifying their hold on power.
Devine and Peterson suggest that not only have these intelligence community members acted to protect the Bidens, but they also appear to actively support Kamala Harris, positioning her to maintain their influence in the event of a succession. They assert ...
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The role and motivations of the "deep state" or "cabal" in protecting the Biden family
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- The term "deep state" is often used in a pejorative sense and lacks a clear definition, which can lead to its use in conspiracy theories without substantial evidence.
- Accusations of a cabal within the intelligence community require robust evidence, and without it, such claims can undermine trust in institutions that are foundational to national security.
- The intelligence community is composed of professionals from a wide range of political backgrounds, and it is their duty to remain apolitical in their work.
- The letter signed by former intelligence officials regarding Hunter Biden's laptop was an expression of their personal views and does not necessarily indicate a coordinated effort to protect the Biden family.
- Endorsements of political candidates by former officials are not uncommon and do not inherently imply a conspiracy or hidden agenda.
- The role of the media is to inform the public, and while biases can exist, it is a broad field with diverse viewpoints, and there are many media outlets that are critical of the Biden administration.
- The suggestion that the media is complicit with a political campaign is a serious claim that would require substantial evidence to support.
- The idea that intelligence officials ...
Actionables
- You can enhance your critical thinking by researching the backgrounds of political figures and their connections to various organizations. Start by selecting a political figure and use publicly available resources such as news articles, financial disclosure reports, and official biographies to map out their network of associates and any organizations they are linked to. This will help you understand the complex relationships in politics and develop a more informed perspective on potential influences on policy and decision-making.
- Develop media literacy by analyzing news coverage on a specific political event from multiple sources. Choose an event that is currently in the news and compare how different media outlets report on it. Pay attention to the language used, the aspects of the story that are emphasized or downplayed, and the sources cited. This exercise will help you identify biases and develop a more nuanced understanding of how media can shape public perception.
- You can ...
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The impact of these issues on the 2020 election and the Biden presidency
The conversations between Jordan Peterson and Devine explore how actions surrounding the Biden laptop story and the dynamics within the Democratic Party have influenced the 2020 election's outcome and the current administration.
The suppression of the Biden laptop story and the actions of the "deep state" cabal likely had a significant impact on the outcome of the 2020 election, tilting the scales in favor of Joe Biden.
Jordan Peterson and Devine convey concerns regarding the extent of the Biden family's reported misconduct and the suppression of the related news story. They imply that the censorship of the Hunter Biden laptop story by social media platforms and a public letter from 51 intelligence officials may have had significant effects on voter perceptions and the eventual outcome of the 2020 election.
However, Biden's cognitive decline and the continued scandals surrounding his family have made him a politically vulnerable and unpopular figure, leading to his seeming sidelining by the Democratic establishment.
Devine discusses Joe Biden's apparent cognitive struggles during the campaign and suggests that his performance fluctuated, whereas he was cogent at times, in other instances, notably during a debate with Donald Trump, his struggles were evident. Devine also details the perception of Joe Biden’s growing unpopularity and how, according to her, it has nurtured an environment in the Democratic Party that is preparing for a potential change in leadership.
The same cabal that protected Biden during the election appears to be now actively working to elevate Kamala Harris as the de facto leader, while keeping Biden out of the spotlight.
According to Devine's analysis, the internal dynamics of the Democratic Party suggest ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
The impact of these issues on the 2020 election and the Biden presidency
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- The influence of the "deep state" is a contentious and unproven theory, and there is no concrete evidence to support the existence of a coordinated cabal with the power to sway election outcomes.
- The decision by social media platforms to limit the spread of the Hunter Biden laptop story was based on policies against the dissemination of potentially hacked materials and unverified information, which could be seen as a responsible action to prevent the spread of misinformation.
- Claims of Biden's cognitive decline are subjective and have been countered by his active engagement in presidential duties and public appearances.
- Joe Biden's approval ratings have fluctuated, as is common for most presidents, and it is not uncommon for political parties to consider future leadership options.
- The suggestion that Kamala Harris is being positioned over Joe Biden ...
Actionables
- You can enhance your media literacy by regularly comparing how different news outlets cover the same story. Start by selecting a current event and read about it from multiple sources across the political spectrum. This will help you identify biases and censorship tendencies in reporting, similar to the varied coverage of the Hunter Biden laptop story.
- Develop critical thinking skills by creating a 'fact-check matrix' for political claims you encounter. Whenever you hear a significant claim about a political figure or policy, use a spreadsheet to track various sources' perspectives on that claim, evidence presented, and the conclusion each source reaches. This method can help you independently assess claims like those about Biden's cognitive decline or political vulnerability.
- Engage in civic participation by reaching out to your elected representatives to express ...
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1-Page Summary- The Biden family's foreign business dealings and alleged corruption
- The suppression and cover-up of the Biden laptop story by the intelligence community and media
- The role and motivations of the "deep state" or "cabal" in protecting the Biden family
- The impact of these issues on the 2020 election and the Biden presidency
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