Former Biden administration official Kate Bedingfield was on the defensive during a recent CNN panel discussion, following the White House’s decision to cancel a press briefing after Hunter Biden, the president’s son, was convicted on felony charges. The jury’s decision came swiftly, finding Hunter guilty on three counts related to his firearm purchase while using drugs. The development casts a significant shadow over the political landscape just months before Election Day.
Bedingfield, who previously served as the White House Communications Director, maintained that suspending the briefing was routine. “Well, it’s not uncommon to cancel the briefing after the president gives a significant set of remarks… your aim during the day is to try to get the press to cover the things you want them to cover,” she explained. However, her justification faced scrutiny.
Republican strategist Shermichael Singleton quickly countered Bedingfield’s reasoning, pointing out the obvious timing and context. “I love my dear friend Kate here, but we know why it was canceled: because they don’t want to deal with questions about the verdict… It’s okay to say, ‘look this is a difficult time for the president right now,'” Singleton argued.
Gloria Borger, another panelist, also criticized the move, suggesting that the usual communication tactics might not be adequate in this situation. “This is different because he’s been convicted,” Borger noted, indicating that the administration might be buying time to devise a strategy, possibly until “the president perhaps goes to Wilmington and discusses it with the family.”
WATCH:
'We Know Why It Was Cancelled': CNN Panel Pushes Back When Former Biden Admin Official Spins Press Briefing Cancellation pic.twitter.com/iMnLD2tRCt
— Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) June 11, 2024
Despite the pushback, Bedingfield stood firm, arguing that the focus should remain on the president’s achievements rather than the legal issues of Hunter Biden, who is not a public official.
The conviction is a historic event as it marks the first time a member of a sitting president’s immediate family has been found guilty of a crime, with offenses occurring prior to Joe Biden’s presidency. Facing up to 25 years in prison and a $750,000 fine, Hunter is likely to receive a lighter sentence due to his status as a first-time offender. The sentencing is expected within 120 days, possibly before the upcoming Election Day.
Following the verdict, Hunter expressed his gratitude for family support despite his disappointment. “I am more grateful for the love and support of my family than I am disappointed by the outcome,” he stated, reflecting on his journey of recovery.
President Biden also shared a heartfelt statement, emphasizing his dual role as a father and a leader. “As I said last week, I am the President, but I am also a Dad,” he said. “Jill and I love our son, and we are so proud of the man he is today. So many families who have had loved ones battle addiction understand the feeling of pride seeing someone you love come out the other side and be so strong and resilient in recovery.”
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