Hang-outs and Headlines
Hang-outs and Headlines
Welcome to Hang-Outs and Headlines! The media suggests and shapes our understanding of the news items that fill our days (and our social media timelines) – sometimes fairly and sometimes quite unfairly.
Richard Hoeg
PodcastAI
PodcastAI

Presidential Pardons and Media Bias: Examining Biden's Clemency Decisions and Auto Pen Debate

Jul 16, 2025 • 90 mins

In this episode, lawyer Richard Hoeg delves into the complex interplay of media coverage, legal frameworks, and public perception, with a focus on US politics and presidential acts. The discussion highlights the media's role in shaping narratives around controversial topics, with a particular emphasis on President Biden's clemency process and the legalities of presidential pardons. Hoeg examines the implications of electronic signatures, addressing allegations against Biden's use of an auto pen, and critiques media framing. The episode also touches on the influence of media bias, tribal mentalities, and the importance of honest discourse, concluding with reflections on upcoming content and audience engagement.

Key Points

  • The use of mechanical signatures, like AutoPen, raises concerns about the authenticity and cognizance of presidential decisions, especially when the cognitive state of the president is questioned.
  • The New York Times article attempts to defend President Biden's use of AutoPen for clemency decisions but fails to provide a clear, direct line of authorization from Biden himself, leading to more questions than answers.
  • The core issue is not the use of AutoPen itself, but whether or not President Biden was fully aware and consenting to the decisions made in his name, a distinction often lost in media coverage and political discourse.
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Speakers

Richard Hoeg

Host • 100%

Chapters

0:26
Introduction and welcome
1:24
Episode structure, audience interaction, and greetings
3:07
Encouraging civil discussion and thanking supporters
7:20
Office bookshelf tour and global perspectives on US politics
10:29
Discussing controversial topics, media coverage, and legal implications
24:10
Media bias, public perception, and future implications
42:11
Biden's clemency process, decision-making, and the role of aides
50:13
Legal and constitutional considerations for presidential pardons
59:41
Electronic signatures and their implications for presidential acts
1:03:02
Straw man fallacy and allegations against Biden's auto pen use
1:08:21
Digital signatures in government and media framing critique
1:14:24
Acknowledging YouTube members, media bias, and agendas
1:19:12
Media coverage of entertainment figures and political yardsticks
1:22:37
Tribal mentalities, honest discourse, and personal biases
1:27:59
Reflecting on coverage, episode wrap-up, and upcoming content
1:29:25
Disclaimer and closing remarks

Transcript

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