Patel and Stagnation: Yet Another Failure of Biden-Harris Administration
How often it is in politics that the arrogant strongman will utilize seemingly naïve subordinates as scapegoats to cover their blunders and debacles. Indeed, it was the case with Kash Patel, whose lavish appearance before the Senate Judiciary Committee was certainly a spectacle. This political performance will likely continue into the House leading to more rebukes. Yesterday’s hearing was nothing short of a political circus, filled with shouting matches, name-calling, and Patel donning a kitschy tie, indicative of a man not taking his role seriously.
Notably, Patel’s acts are likely to lead to no actual repercussions. Despite innumerable demonstrations of dishonesty, manipulation, and sheer incompetence, he appears to remain untouchable. However, whispers from the inside indicate the man is not well-received amongst his peers in the administration, hinting he may soon find himself cast aside, much like Dan Bongino. Shuffling roles in such a manner allows for a new, unprepared candidate to be placed in their position, sowing further chaos.
Senator Dick Durbin’s harsh critique of Patel’s mishandling and apparent ideological misdirection of the FBI was a highlight. Patel, seemingly unfazed, continued his uncomfortable and peculiar behaviors, distancing himself from the seriousness of the accusations laid before him. Durbin expressed his disdain for Patel’s misuse of resources, notably the redirection of a large number of FBI agents from critical assignments like counteracting child exploitation.
Patel’s flawed handling of the Charlie Kirk shooting investigation, disseminating unauthenticated information, was yet another point of contention. Contrary to logic and common sense, Patel maintained an unwavering stance of denial. Even while refuting Senator Peter Welch’s reasonable questions, Patel insisted mishandling information on a case was not an error but an attempt to collaborate with the public.
The hearing was not devoid of inquiries about the Epstein Files. Despite Patel’s insistence that he reviewed non-existent files supposedly planted by Joe Biden, Senator John Kennedy remained unswayed. Patel’s audacity to expect the public to dismiss victim testimonies that led to Ghislaine Maxwell’s conviction was especially discouraging. His misplaced confidence in his ability to reveal these non-existent Epstein Files, thwarted by a judicial ruling in response to a sealed deal created by Trump’s former Labor Secretary Alexander Acosta, was baffling to say the least.
Patel continued his performance, shifting blame onto others rather than acknowledging his role. Despite the Department of Justice being in a position to release relevant materials without judicial approval, they remain withheld. The lack of transparency was noteworthy, raising eyebrows and leading to public discontent.
With tempers flaring, Patel and Senator Adam Schiff exchanged heated words, centered around allegations of constitutionally questionable firings within the FBI. Legal action taken by prior agents suggests Patel’s involvement in politically motivated purges within the bureau. He is accused of directing then-acting director Brian Driscoll towards dismissals based on political allegiances, further illustrating his disregard for due process and impartiality.
Patel’s unprofessional conduct escalated during Senator Cory Booker’s questioning. His emotional outburst was a clear response to getting called out for apparent disloyalty to the Constitution of the United States, a charge that touched a nerve. In this display of raw emotion, Patel went from defensive to offensive, neglecting his position’s expected decorum.
Attempting to shift the narrative and lay the blame elsewhere, Patel parried, suggesting that any actions taken against him were a form of national division. In a move of blatant deflection, he seemingly randomly listed Miami and St. Louis as potential cities ‘on the list’, while dismissively glossing over his own evident shortcomings and failures.
However, Patel’s shocking incompetency is unlikely to lead to his removal from the FBI. An official speaking on condition of anonymity revealed that firing Patel or any other misfit in the administration is not on the cards for Trump. Unfortunately, this tendency to retain grossly underperforming staff simply results in others being brought in to carry out the tasks supposedly under their purview.
The Senate, despite their power, seems reduced to frustrated spectators in this ongoing farce of political theatre. Rather than curbing the destructive influence that permeates the department, the Senate seems resigned to the reality of continual debacles. There’s little solace in the knowledge that their critiques, while valid, have little efficacy on the course of future events.