Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden declined to answer questions on the campaign trail this week about his son's overseas business dealings in countries where the then-vice president was conducting diplomatic work, an issue his political opponents have already begun to wield against him as he wades into the 2020 presidential campaign.
The ethics pledge follows renewed questions about a pair of overseas business opportunities involving Hunter Biden – one in Ukraine, another in China – that already have begun to generate political attacks from Joe Biden's conservative critics. Ethics experts interviewed by ABC News said these are legitimate questions about possible past and future conflicts of interest.
Just months before, in December of 2013, there was a similar episode when the then-vice president led an Obama administration effort to tamp down tensions in the Far East. Hunter Biden disembarked from Air Force Two in Beijing alongside his father, ahead of a series of meetings between the vice president and several high-ranking members of China's ruling party. Upon his departure, Joe Biden called Chinese President Xi Jinping a"good friend.
An attorney for Hunter Biden has also told reporters the vice president's son conducted no business on the Air Force Two trip to Beijing and never discussed his dealings with his father. Hunter Biden and his associate at a business entity called Rosemont Seneca Partners -- where Hunter Biden was a managing partner -- both obtained board seats, and according to banking records reviewed by ABC News, the firm began collecting $166,666 payments each month.
Both Zlochevsky and the company have denied wrongdoing and neither have faced charges, but in an interview with ABC News, Shokin maintained his suspicions about the vice president's motives, accusing Biden of promoting his dismissal for personal reasons. He insisted he had"no doubt" Biden wanted him gone in an effort to protect his son's new employer.
"Explain to me why Biden shouldn't be investigated," Giuliani tweeted in May, before canceling the trip after facing criticism for appearing to engage a foreign government for political help. Daria Kaleniuk, a Ukrainian anti-corruption advocate, did not see fault in Joe Biden's conduct, saying she thought he"did what he had to do" in pursuing Shokin's removal, but decried his son's decision as"a very bad thing."
And he also knocked up a 26 year old and banged his dead brother's wife....sick family!
schwartzbCNBC Y’all need to pay attention to the very living Trump Children and Kushner before you move the rocks on dead people.
Better bow-out joe,
Hmm...Biden must not be ABCs pick for scumacraps. Hahahaha. Bring it all out
Nah, his son only made millions of $$$$
Question: Since this information has been clear and known for a very long time, why is ABC only now covering the story? This was news when first disclosed. FakeNews now, as ABC acts to manipulate the 2020 election and not damage Obama.
the plot thickens...WDJK What Did Joe Know and when did he know it?
Uh oh...MSM asking Joe Biden about son Hunters big money windfall from China and Ukraine via Joes influence. Sounds like the Dems have decided it’s time for Joe to not be the 2020 Dem nominee... So long Joe!
The matchmaker has flip on JoeBiden its over
This was known for years and you never covered it biased ones
So Trump and family do this, and continue to do this and a man that is not president can't. I give up!!
Poor Creepy Uncle Joe. Will his problems ever stop. After all, Democrats say it's his turn. MAGA2020 KAG2020 CreepyJoeBiden DemocratsUnhinged
IT IS OK.....they are Democrats....besides, it was OK for Hilary and Bill’s foundation to do “favors” for money...they too are Democrats...Hypocrites..VOTE REPUBLICAN
Fox has had this story for months and your just posting it. Man..liberal press for you.
Experts have said trump is running a worldwide criminal organization, but media is excited to destroy democratic candidates. After all, crazy, illiterate slobs sell more news than any democratic president can. IdiotInChief snowflake MAGAs melt under the pressure.
So...this is a problem when 45 and his kids have put a new meaning to Nepotism!
ARE YO KIDDING ME TRUMP CAN DO WHAT EVER BUT ANYONE ELSE DOES AND ITS NOT OK GIVE ME A BREAK GOD IM GLAD IM NOT AMERICAN
If he didn't ask questions, he won't know the answers.
It’s no ones business what Biden’s son did. Shut up
Just one more reason POTUS will be re-elected in 2020 . Thanks for your help. You democrats are really a big help in re-electing the BEST PRESIDENT EVER POTUS ! Keep up the great work.
Oh you know I wanna talk conflicts of interest. But Biden can wait.
Alright, this is not ok. None of this is ok. But, we are bringing this up and uhhh, Eric Trump, Don trump, Jr, and Ivanka and Jared Kushner's family, mar-a-lago, any one of trumps hotels. Just to name a few...... Really?
As compared to the Trumps and Kushners? Give me a break and do some serious reporting.
Why does this stuff only matter for Dems? Trumps entire family is in the White House, grifting away. The conflict of interest are real. *crickets*
You must be kidding. The trump family is literally STEALING from the country and this gossipy bullshit is a story?
You think? Little slow on reporting this. Now trace Sec. of State Clinton’s dealings to the $ being reaped by her foundation and slick Willie talking.
After what’s going on in the WH, this is a non story. Next
All these Democrats had their hand in the cookie jar during the Obama debacle. That is why they panicked and colluded with the Russians ob a fake Dossier. That is why they spied.
Fake news broadcaster waits till political Ally out of power to question corruption.
Things like this are exactly why a POTUS like Trump has a good chance of being re-elected. It suggests that term limits for members of Congress are overdue.
No shit
Hey JoeBiden, welcome to the world of FakeNewsMedia harassment. They don’t want you as the TheDemocrats nominee and they will use their platform to prevent it. Now you will begin to see what Trump has been saying. VotersWillNotForget
WOW.....ABC News actually being JOURNALISTS again!!
610wtvnnews This is how you report that?!!
We’re seriously talking about conflicts of interest? After Trump that topic no longer exists.
With the current occupant constantly breaking the law with his sycophants in full coverup mode, the bar has been set so low that my reply is same as theirs which is “.........” Carry on. See how this works?
The American people deserve a straight answer from the former Vice President.
wsteaks Experts say there is no equivalencies to the conflict of interest by the current administration. Yet somehow this is deemed relevant for a man who served honorably for 8 years as this country’s VP. STFU ABC
It's like another kushner
The quicker Democrats figure out SenWarren is the best candidate running for President the better off the party will be.
...and so it has begun. The takedown of Joe Biden by the biased media.
Conclusions is a better word
Can’t be any more conflicted than the whole trump family.
Oh really?! Tell that bullisht to the reigning US king.
Questions on Biden yet u have answers on trump and do nothing about it !this is trump as usual digging up whatever he can cause he fears Biden in the running!son once again trump will be guilty of collusion obstruction !!.and again u will do nothing let.him win again not fairly !
And you’re just now figuring this out? Someone wants Uncle Joe out of the race real bad!
Oh we need a special counsel. Anyone have a dossier we can use? Alert the CIA too, and, oh yeah, make sure the media pushes the story...we gotta get those colluders and fascist racist nazi criminals..
Another pay to play by the dums and now he wants to be president. I don’t think so you old letcher.
Conflict of interest is an ethical issue now?... Shut the front door
For real? This is news but Trump family isn’t, WTF🤬!
If this is a problem then nail Trump first. If it’s good to nail Biden then get the racist in Chief!
Translation :”you aren’t radical enough so we’ll attack you now”
There you go again, the segregationist crisis the media created yesterday didn't work, now off to a new crisis.
This is American politicians and their love for money,greedy bastards
F that. With everything the current crime family has done in plain sight. I don't care
And the wheels begin to fall off the Biden Train... Lol 😂
They all are all crooks. Politics attract corruption. The system is broken.
I bet there was no collusion.
Sounds like The Trump Children
WH9 CARES Trump set the bar for this. Anything goes now. Move on, nothing to see here
Everything would have been alright if Hillary won the presidency.
Yes There was hand washing and extra money in biden pockets
You think
Oh please! Trumps kids met with the enemy!!
After 2 years of trump, it’s a new dawn! From Hatch Act to emoluments violations to nepotism, to breaking federal election law (Never forget Individual No. 1), Biden’s son Conflicts of Interest...well... don’t Interest anybody.
Not excusing them, look into it. The Gop reaction demonstrates their ability to understand the problem. It also indicates their complacency for this when the last name is Trump or Kushner, or aka Mrs McConnell.
Not new at all. Liberal media.
Really? While 45 engages in rampant nepotism and has his favorite daughter, sons, son in law ensconced in privileged, security clearance level diplomatic positions & hauls the lot of them abroad for some photo op laden Griswold / Von Trapp / Addams Family Vacation? Seriously?
Joes corrupt.
And this is just now newsworthy to you?
Some. But I think the trumps have taken the maybe out of it and injected the willful into their conflict of interest charges.
it's the Democrats, it's ok.
Criminal Entrrprise
Wow another crooked politician
Oh please, Ivanka is running her business out of the WH, Jr. thinks he is the VP and something years ago is a conflict Guess the Rep. party made sure you got this info ! Dirty politics !!!!
Should we expect a story tomorrow morning about the TrumpCrimeFamily or are you just going to let that go?
After Trump, the concepts of Ethics and conflicts of interests no longer apply I'm sad to say. The new concept is bullying, pushing people around, seeing truth and honor as a fool's game and having your way right or wrong.
It deserves to be looked into like anybody else.
The radical left is trying to push out the centrist.
New
Sounds like the Biden’s got their pockets lined. But the Democrats will defend him, because afterall he is a Democrat. Hypocrites!
Another corrupted one.
More like the boy is gone to Philadelphia to get his cocaine off that cargo ship
stacey_J_harris Years late on this news but happy to see the headlines.
Let’s see the gop try and make this argument while the TrumpCrimeFamily grifts for everything they can
is trying to get out in front of this story!!!! Here comes the avalanche!!!!
TRUMP ..... the NEW Wartime President...... it’s about to get bumpy
Shocker. Explains the whole “China isn’t a threat” comment
And so the lefts Hitjob begins .... so fun to see them eat their own ....
A professional politician like Biden just thinks it's his due to get a 'little taste' for he and his family, like the Clintons and Obummers.
Looks like Joe Biden isn’t the chosen one.
Umm 1.5 billion from China as he flew on Airforce 2 to CHINA When Joe had business as VP with CHINA. That's way more than a conflict, it's down right illegal
Our media is shit.
His son is a billionaire now with Joe Biden help.
Pretend the son is named Eric or Don and the father is named Donald... then go do some serious reporter type stuff...
Let it all come out!
How many trademarks did he return home with?
Dear ABC, Why is this a story? Kushner and Ivanka have made 90 million since entering the trump administration, all from foreign sources. This isn’t a story.
Now imagine if Hunter Biden was in the administration. Then you would have Jared and Ivanka. The Trump crime family is getting away with multiple crimes. And you are focusing on this? Nonsense.
Seriously?! You're talking about this 'ant hill' meanwhile in the WH is the Mt. Everest of corruption. By all means continue the hypocrisy.
This isn’t “new” you’ve just finally decided to report on it
Investigate !
'QUESTIONS' ? !
Ya think
I thought we discarded concerns of conflicts of interest under this new regime.
Possible COLLUSION!! 🤔 hmm, we’ve heard that word before against someone !!!
Oh, please. Now do the entire effing WH and Cabinet. Thanks, America.
So based on current practices, Biden should win and this is a mere speed bump to be forgotten by end of business today. Got it
waiting to see if realDonaldTrump thinks this is something to use against JoeBiden
Come off it trump moved his whole family in what does Ivanka even do?
Ya think?
They call if conflict of interest? I bet Obama and or Clinton was involved. Let’s investigate.
That’s a good joke! It’s ok for Trump and his kids but hold up when it occurs with candidate Biden?!?
New Are you kidding? MSM sucks
Save it . Have that conversation about the trump family and then get back to us.
ricepaul2010 New, ? Not to those of us who have been paying attention. JoeBiden is going down, if not for this then for SpyGate.
FOH conflict of interest, that's still a thing, I thought anything goes, or does that only apply to the Republicans 🤔
Learned that from the Clinton’s
Is this the same as Ivanka and her husband doing business with China and her husband getting loans from foreign banks for his real estate dealings or Eric and junior doing business with Saudi Arabia for the Trump organization? Time to stop the hypocrisy.
Conflict of interest my ass.
a good jury is needed to h____ these 2 crooks
Hmmm....and yet the ongoing problem with the Trumps and Kushners never seems to be on your radar . Do better.
You don't say
its about time. this has been out there and only now does a main street media outlet report on this cronyism
Shame
New to the ones who were stuck on the fake news media. What’s next the Video where he brags about getting a Ukrainian prosecutor fired for investigating his son?
Honestly compared to Trump's family making millions on his presidency... It's nothing.
Seriously?
They are dirty as hell
While I applaud that ABC is reporting this, I just wish they would've done so when it First happened. That being said, This MUST be investigated FURTHER!!!
Uh oh Joe 😂 Ukraine is spilling their guts on you and hunter 😂😂😂
So in other words: he’s ready to be president. (New American norms and all)
to think anyone doesn’t play the game is dumb. Is what it is huh?
Conflict of interest? Sounds a little deeper than that. And the media was all set to ignore it of course, until Sleepy Joe decided to run for president.
610wtvnnews JoeBiden so, I didn’t know anything and we didn’t do anything wrong, but I won’t make that mistake again? Please. Lining the pockets of family members is a full time job for Congress.
BOHIC 😀😀😀
Bigger question, why wasn't this covered by the MSM during the Obama administration? We know, it would not fit the narrative that the Obama Adm was scandal free,
Trump is scared
We can't attack the Trump clowns and ignore this.
Do we have to spell it out for you? C O R R U P T I O N P A Y F O R P L A Y
I accidentally clicked on this tweet. Cem Boyner cem_boyner may not make any announcement open to public on this tweet either against or supporting this tweet or he may.
Now do trump’s kids and their spouses
Hey .. if it’s ok for Trumps kids I’m sure it’s ok for Joes kids!!
Question you want to ask yourself why are ABC publishing story now? This story circulated for over 2 years. It’s appalling yet no investigation taken place into bribery & corruption. Now, VP Biden is being rightly taken down out of Dems race
Finally. Main stream comes around. See ya Sleepy Joe
Wait so this is still a thing?
It was so blatant and corrupt he didn't even bother to try to hide it at the time. His son flew to China with him on Air Force 2 and cut an investment deal. Corrupt hack.
Really rich.....considering the current wh
Not just a massive conflict of interest but real traitorous conduct! HunterBidenScandal HunterBiden JoeBiden Biden2020 JoE
Two words: Imminent threat.
Let the games begin.
He has shady dealings in China and Ukraine. Anyone who disagrees with me is a China or Ukraine bot.
I want to laugh at this in light of Trumps kids but I won't because this s-t is unacceptable period.
BULLSHIT.
This was hard to ignore, wasn’t it it? It’s been years... Reporting, investigating obvious scenarios - so last generation.
A matter of time until his shady past and dumb mouth make him done for president
Conflicts of interest!!!!!!!
After letting Trump and his family get away with it, don’t even pretend that this is an issue.
Oh please
Are you kidding? With the standards set by the current administration, this is a puff piece.
Talk about Trump sidestepping question oh that's right your afraid to ask Trump quest
Rudy did this on purpose what a shake you're so interested in attacking Dems
And if reports are correct on this he’ll face more challenge on it than the blimp does.
ohhhh I would LOVE for Trump to attack him on this.
Biden is going to destroy Trump during a debate. If you are going to pick on Biden do it to Trump who is a liar and crazy