Democrats spent days attempting to downplay evidence that classified documents were stored at a D.C. office previously used by President Joe Biden, insisting that it was in no way comparable to the outrage-inducing discovery of sensitive information at former President Donald Trump’s private residence in Florida.
When subsequent reports surfaced that classified information was also found in spots around Biden’s residence in Delaware, however, his political allies found it necessary to shift the narrative.
For his part, U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson (D-GA) advanced the theory that the documents might have been “planted” by a Biden rival.
In a statement on the matter, he began with a reasonable request for a thorough probe into the matter, stating: “My response to it all is that alleged classified documents showing up allegedly in possession of Joseph Biden, you know, I mean, there’s so much that needs to be investigated, and that’s what I call for is for everything to be investigated.”
From there, however, he ventured deep into the realm of conspiracy theories.
“But I’m suspicious of the timing of it,” Johnson added. “I’m also aware of the fact that things can be planted on people. Places and things can be planted. … Things can be planted in places and then discovered conveniently. That may be what has occurred here. I’m not ruling that out. But I’m open in terms of the investigation — needs to be investigated.”
Rep. Hank Johnson (D-GA) says he is "suspicious" of the classified docs that were found at Biden's home and office
He suggests they might have been "planted" there to take Biden down
This is the same guy who said Guam might tip over and capsize in the ocean from overpopulation pic.twitter.com/X524WC4zoy
— Ryan Saavedra (@RealSaavedra) January 12, 2023
Although Biden claimed he was “surprised to learn” that classified documents had been taken to his office at the Penn Biden Center, a think tank established after his years as vice president in the Obama administration, he did not share any belief that files had been planted at his home.
“Mr. President, classified material next to your Corvette?” a reporter asked during a press briefing on Thursday. “What were you thinking?”
After insisting that the area remained locked, he reiterated earlier assertions that his team followed all appropriate steps in addressing the situation.
“As I said earlier this week, people know I take classified documents and classified material seriously,” the president said. “I also said we’re cooperating fully and completely with the Justice Department’s review.”
As in response to concerns about Trump’s handling of classified documents, Attorney General Merrick Garland appointed a special counsel to investigate the Biden situation.
