Former Meet the Press host Chuck Todd has launched a scathing critique of President Biden, labeling him a "craven political animal" who prioritized his political aspirations over his family's well-being. During a recent appearance on Steve Schmidt's podcast, The Warning, Todd discussed the Democrats' 2024 election defeat and the media's dynamic with the second Trump administration. He expressed his disappointment with older politicians remaining in Democratic leadership and honed in on Biden's role in the election loss.
Todd questioned Biden's decision to run for president in 2020, particularly in light of his family's struggles with addiction. He referenced the Hunter Biden trial transcripts, highlighting that three of Biden's children (including Beau Biden's widow) were battling substance abuse issues in 2018. Todd expressed outrage that Biden seemingly prioritized his political ambitions despite these personal challenges. He challenged the long-held image of Biden as a devoted family man, arguing it was a fabricated narrative. Instead, Todd portrayed Biden as a relentlessly ambitious politician who prioritized his career above all else.
Todd's criticism extended to Biden's decision to pardon Hunter Biden before leaving office. He argued that the blanket pardon, covering a decade of Hunter's life, and Biden's claim that the Justice Department unfairly targeted his son, were detrimental to the country. He expressed concern that this sets a dangerous precedent for future administrations, normalizing the practice of preemptive pardons for political allies and family members. Todd left NBC News in January after nearly two decades. Since then, he has become increasingly vocal in his criticism of Biden. In December, he questioned Biden's emotional capacity to lead and criticized his handling of Hunter Biden's legal troubles.
Fox News' Gabriel Hays contributed to this report.
