Republicans holding first Biden impeachment hearing

Republicans have launched their much-her­alded impeachment inquiry into the business dealings of President Joe Biden and his son, Hunter – but don’t expect fireworks at the first hearing on Thursday.

The event has been given the title “The Basis for an Impeach­ment Inquiry of President Joseph R. Biden, Jr.” and features a line-up of academics and former Trump administration officials.

As the name suggests, the hear­ing will focus on setting the legal and constitutional framework for the impeachment inquiry, rather than digging more deeply into any of the specific allegations against Mr Biden.

“The House Oversight Com­mittee will present evidence uncovered to date and hear from legal and financial experts about crimes the Bidens may have com­mitted as they brought in millions at the expense of US interests,” James Comer, the chair of the committee holding the hearing, said in a statement.

None of the individuals on the witness list – George Washington Law Professor, Jonathan Turley, forensic accountant, Bruce Dubi­nsky, former Trump Assistant At­torney General, Eileen O’Connor, and North Carolina law professor, Michael Gerhardt – are directly in­volved in the House impeachment investigation.

Their testimony, it appears, is intended to provide some context to the Republican accusations that Mr Biden benefitted illegal­ly from his son’s international business dealings. (Mr Gerhardt was chosen by Democrats, so he is likely to rebut the Republican accusations.)

For Republicans intent on impeaching Mr Biden, then, this hearing is only a small first step – better than nothing, but hardly progress towards their ultimate goal. —BBC