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Miranda Devine: The Bidens are trying to brainwash everyone — but we all know their scandal-plagued truth
Hunter Biden received Trinity College Dublin’s medal for contributions to society during a visit with his father, former US president Joe Biden. This opinion column argues that the event and Joe Biden’s forthcoming memoir are part of an effort to reshape public perceptions of the Biden family and the former president’s record.
The article cites Joe Biden’s interviews promoting his memoir, including his account of the 2024 debate that ended his re-election campaign and comments on his cancer diagnosis and health. It also reports that the book carries a $10 million advance and is due next Tuesday. The writer disputes the positive portrayal of Biden’s presidency and family, while presenting no response from the Bidens to the column’s criticism.
In short
- Hunter Biden received a medal from Trinity College Dublin.
- Joe Biden’s memoir is due next Tuesday.
- The column challenges the family’s preferred account of his legacy.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters could argue that a memoir and public appearances give Joe Biden a chance to explain his decisions and present his own account of a presidency and family life often discussed through partisan coverage. Honouring Hunter Biden for contributions to society can also be defended as recognition of his work, rather than an endorsement of every aspect of his conduct.
The case against
Critics could argue that a memoir promoted on the eve of publication, alongside a high-profile award for Hunter Biden, may help recast public perceptions while giving limited attention to controversies surrounding the family and the former president’s record. They may also question whether accounts of Biden’s health and the events that ended his re-election bid fully address concerns about transparency and judgement.
Explained simply
Joe Biden was president of the United States from 2021 to 2025 and sought re-election in 2024. After a poor debate performance raised concerns about his fitness for office, he ended his campaign; his son Hunter has also faced public scrutiny over his business dealings and legal cases.
A memoir is an account of a person’s life written by that person, and it can shape how readers understand their record. This opinion column focuses on how Joe Biden and his family are presented in public, including through a book and a university award to Hunter, and disputes that portrayal.