In a Constitutional Republic, a free and independent press plays a crucial role in ensuring transparency and holding public figures accountable. During the 2020 U.S. presidential election, however, several critics argued that the mainstream media fell short in fully vetting then-candidate Joe Biden and addressing allegations of potential corruption involving the Biden family. This article examines the concerns raised about the media’s coverage and explores specific examples of their oversight. The Media’s Role and Responsibility  The Fourth Estate, as the media is often referred to, is meant to act as a check on political power, asking tough questions and investigating claims made by politicians. During the 2020 election, the media’s primary responsibility was to provide voters with unbiased and accurate information about the candidates. However, when it came to Joe Biden, the media failed to fulfill this duty. The media’s role and responsibility during the 2020 U.S. presidential election were pivotal in providing voters with the necessary information to make informed decisions. Journalists are tasked with asking tough questions, investigating claims, and presenting unbiased, accurate reporting to the public. During the election, the media’s primary responsibility was to provide comprehensive and transparent coverage of the candidates, including their backgrounds, policies, and potential controversies. It was crucial for journalists to conduct rigorous vetting of the candidates, scrutinizing their records, statements, and potential conflicts of interest. This process helps voters understand the character, judgment, and integrity of the individuals seeking the highest office in the land. However, when it came to Joe Biden, the media fell short in fulfilling these responsibilities. They contend that there was a failure to conduct in-depth investigations into allegations of potential corruption involving the Biden family. These critics assert that a significant portion of the mainstream media exhibited a lack of curiosity or even a reluctance to delve into the Biden family’s business dealings and potential conflicts of interest. The media’s failure to thoroughly vet Joe Biden and address allegations of corruption raises questions about the industry’s integrity, objectivity, and commitment to upholding democratic principles. It calls into question whether the media treated Joe Biden with the same level of scrutiny and skepticism applied to other political candidates. The Hunter Biden Controversy  One of the most prominent controversies surrounding Joe Biden’s candidacy involved his son, Hunter Biden. Allegations of impropriety and potential conflicts of interest emerged, primarily relating to Hunter’s foreign business dealings and his position on the board of Ukrainian energy company Burisma Holdings. These allegations raised concerns about the possibility of corruption within the Biden family and potential influence peddling. The New York Post’s publication of a story in October 2020 based on emails allegedly obtained from Hunter Biden’s laptop further fueled the controversy. The emails purportedly detailed Hunter Biden’s involvement in lucrative business deals with foreign entities, potentially raising ethical and legal questions. However, the response from mainstream media outlets was questionable. Instead of rigorously investigating the claims and providing comprehensive coverage, many mainstream media organizations initially chose to downplay or ignore the story. This led to accusations of a deliberate effort to protect Joe Biden’s candidacy. Major social media platforms also took unprecedented steps to limit the article’s reach, citing concerns about the veracity of the information, although subsequent investigations did not definitively debunk the story. The lack of media scrutiny surrounding the Hunter Biden controversy allowed Joe Biden to largely avoid direct questioning or providing detailed explanations about the allegations during the election campaign. This limited the opportunity for voters to fully understand and evaluate the potential implications of the alleged corruption involving his family. Furthermore, during a December 2020 interview with Stephen Colbert on the Late Show, Joe Biden was asked about the allegations, but Colbert did not press him on the specifics. Instead, the interview appeared to downplay the controversy and allowed Biden to dismiss it as a “smear campaign” without providing substantive responses. This perceived lack of journalistic rigor and willingness to hold candidates accountable raised concerns about the media’s role in providing unbiased and comprehensive information to the public. A study conducted by the Media Research Center further revealed a discrepancy in coverage between the Hunter Biden controversy and scandals involving the Trump administration. The study found that major broadcast networks, namely ABC, CBS, and NBC, dedicated significantly less time to covering the Hunter Biden allegations than they did to scandals involving the Trump administration during a similar timeframe. This disparity in coverage further fueled accusations of media bias and selective reporting. The implications of these shortcomings in the media’s vetting process extend beyond the 2020 election. They raise questions about the media’s ability to fulfill its fundamental role as a guardian of democracy. The failure to thoroughly investigate and address allegations of potential corruption within the Biden family not only deprived voters of critical information, but it also undermines the public’s trust in the media’s ability to hold political figures accountable and ensure transparency in the political process. Issues and Problems That are Now Surfacing  The lack of media scrutiny surrounding Joe Biden and his family during the 2020 election has resulted in a series of issues and problems that are now surfacing. First and foremost, it raises concerns about potential corruption and conflicts of interest within the Biden family. Without thorough vetting and investigation, the public is left with unanswered questions about the extent of their involvement in questionable business dealings and the potential impact on Joe Biden’s decision-making as a public servant. Furthermore, the lack of media scrutiny has contributed to a growing sense of mistrust and polarization among the American public. Those who believe in the allegations of corruption and impropriety feel that their concerns were dismissed or downplayed by the mainstream media, leading to a perception of media bias. This further deepens the divisions within society and erodes confidence in the media’s ability to provide fair and balanced reporting. The lack of comprehensive coverage also hinders the public’s ability to hold their elected officials accountable. When crucial information is omitted or underreported, … Continue reading Mainstream Media’s Failure to Thoroughly Vet Joe Biden and Alleged Biden Family Corruption During the 2020 Election