MSNBC’s "Morning Joe" host Joe Scarborough on Tuesday came to the defense of author Peter Schweizer, whose soon-to-be-released book about donations to the Clinton Foundation by foreign entities is causing a stir.
Characterized by the
Washington Free Beacon as an "epic rant," Scarborough took exception to co-host Mika Brzezinski’s line of questioning that included repeated queries about Schweizer’s possible political motivations for writing the book, especially considering its May 5 release date is on the heels of Clinton’s announcement that she’s running for president.
The Clintons, according to Scarborough, who served as a Florida congressman during President Bill Clinton’s time in the White House, are being treated yet again with kid gloves.
"What (former Virginia Gov.) Bob McDonnell did pales in comparison to what’s in this book," he said. "What (New Jersey Sen.) Bob Menendez did pales in comparison to what’s in this book.
"The Clintons have made $150 million over the past decade because of contacts during public service. I will now sit back and let you ask the tough questions.
"I'm just curious, though, why are the Clintons held to a standard that Bob McDonnell’s not held to, that Bob Menendez is not held to, that all of these congressmen that get thrown into jail for going on a — going to a Redskins game or going on a golf trip, compare to $150 million?"
The New York Times, which obtained an advanced copy of the book, says it "asserts that foreign entities who made payments to the Clinton Foundation and to Mr. Clinton through high speaking fees received favors from Mrs. Clinton's State Department in return."
Liberals laud Schweizer when the subject of one of his investigations is someone they dislike, but slaughter his credibility when he attacks someone they want to protect, Scarborough said.
"When Peter Schweizer was talking about Congress insider trading we had him on the set, great job, way to go, you’re great, you’ve called this out. '60 Minutes' had him on there, great job," Scarborough said.
"It’s the Clintons and suddenly, oh, my God, let’s bow down before Bill and Hillary because if we ask the same questions of them that we ask of every other politician, then oh, my God, we have crossed a line."
Watch the video here.