OPINION:
In reading “Biden played power role for son’s deals; ex-partner says phone-ins part of ’influence peddling’” (web, July 31), I was a bit amused by the remarks by Rep. Daniel Goldman, New York Democrat.
Mr. Goldman reported that Devon Archer’s testimony before the congressional committees provided no evidence that President Biden discussed any of Hunter Biden’s business dealings or acted corruptly. Of course the president didn’t discuss any of Hunter Biden’s deals; he didn’t have to in order to influence them.
Suppose a Catholic layperson were having telephone discussions with the bishop of his diocese about certain sensitive doctrinal matters. During the discussions, the layperson commented that the pope was there with him and would like to say hello to the bishop.
Would any reasonable person conclude that the bishop would not be influenced by the pope’s presence during those discussions? Even if the pope only said hello to the bishop, it would certainly have bearing on the outcome of the talks.
DANIEL P. McKIM
Springfield, Virginia
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