Former Special Counsel Robert Hur testified on Tuesday regarding his report on the investigation into President Biden’s mishandling of classified records. Despite claims by Democratic lawmakers that Hur’s report exonerated Biden, Hur himself stated that he did not exonerate the president.
Democrats, including Rep. Jerry Nadler and Rep. Jamie Raskin, have been quick to claim that Hur’s report clears Biden of any wrongdoing. However, Hur pushed back against these characterizations, stating that the word “exoneration” does not appear in his report.
When pressed on whether the ranking members’ statements were incorrect, Hur affirmed that they were. He emphasized that his report does not provide a “total and complete exoneration” of Biden.
Hur’s report did find evidence that Biden willfully retained classified materials after his vice presidency. These materials included sensitive intelligence sources and methods. However, Hur explained that his team did not find evidence that rose to the level of proof beyond a reasonable doubt, leading him to decline recommending criminal charges against Biden.
Hur further testified that he had to consider Biden’s memory and overall mental state in making his decision. He described Biden as a “sympathetic, well-meaning elderly man with a poor memory.” This characterization has raised concerns for Biden’s 2024 re-election campaign.
Biden claimed not to remember making certain statements regarding the classified materials, and Hur’s report reflects this lack of recollection. Hur defended his assessment, stating that it was necessary, accurate, and fair.
In conclusion, Hur’s testimony clarified that his report did not exonerate President Biden. While evidence was found of Biden’s willful retention of classified records, it did not meet the standard for criminal charges. The issue of Biden’s memory and mental state played a role in Hur’s decision-making process.
