Is silence truly golden, or does it scream guilt louder than words? On a recent episode of ABC’s “The View,” co-host Alyssa Farah Griffin didn’t hold back when discussing a senior aide to former First Lady Jill Biden pleading the Fifth during Congressional testimony. Her pointed commentary has reignited debates about transparency in the Biden administration.
According to Breitbart, Griffin’s remarks centered on Anthony Bernal, a key adviser to Jill Biden, and his refusal to answer critical questions about former President Biden’s mental fitness while in office, alongside similar silence from Biden’s doctor.
Let’s rewind to Friday, when the discussion unfolded on “The View” with a mix of frustration and curiosity. House Republicans have been laser-focused on scrutinizing Biden’s tenure, hauling in both his doctor and Bernal to testify before Congress. Their probe into Biden’s capacity to lead is raising eyebrows—and tempers—across the political spectrum.
Both witnesses, when pressed on Biden’s mental state during his presidency, opted for the legal shield of the Fifth Amendment. That’s right, sure, but it’s also a neon sign flashing “no comment” on some pretty serious matters.
Joy Behar, a co-host on the show, set the stage by noting, “House Republicans are still stuck on former President Biden.” Her tone suggested exasperation with the GOP’s persistence, but isn’t it fair to ask why answers remain so elusive? If there’s nothing to hide, why the stonewall?
Griffin chimed in with a sharp observation about the doctor’s silence, saying she wasn’t shocked by it due to HIPAA and confidentiality concerns. That makes sense—doctors are bound by ethics to protect patient privacy. But Bernal’s refusal? That’s a different story.
Bernal, as a senior adviser to the former First Lady, faced a barrage of direct questions that cut to the heart of Biden’s leadership. Did he advise Biden to pardon Hunter? Was Biden fit to carry out presidential duties? He pleaded the Fifth on every count.
The questions didn’t stop there—Congress wanted to know if any family member or elected official stepped in to execute presidential duties, and if Biden ever told Bernal to mislead about his health. Again, silence. It’s hard not to wonder what’s being protected behind that legal wall. Griffin didn’t mince words, stating, “That’s making people want to ask more questions.” She’s right—when basic inquiries about fitness for office are dodged, it fuels suspicion rather than trust. Americans deserve clarity, not courtroom tactics.
Joy Behar posed a simple question to Griffin: “So why are they doing it?” It’s a fair point—why are House Republicans so relentless in pursuing Biden’s past administration? Perhaps it’s less about obsession and more about accountability for a presidency that many felt lacked transparency.
Griffin’s response was telling as she noted, “It sounds like they’re hiding something.” When even straightforward queries are met with a legal dodge, it’s not just Republicans who start to raise eyebrows—anyone paying attention would question the secrecy.
Oversight Committee Chair James Comer has signaled he’s not done yet, expressing interest in calling more individuals to testify. This persistence might frustrate some, but if critical information remains buried, shouldn’t the digging continue? The public’s right to know isn’t a partisan issue.
Let’s be clear: pleading the Fifth is a constitutional right, and no one’s disputing that. But when it’s used by those in positions of trust to avoid answering questions about a president’s ability to govern, it erodes confidence in our institutions. Conservatives and moderates alike can agree that’s a problem.
The Biden administration has long faced criticism for what many see as a lack of openness, especially on matters of health and leadership capability. While progressives might argue this is a witch hunt by House Republicans, the refusal to engage with these questions only deepens the divide. If there’s nothing to conceal, why not set the record straight?
In the end, Alyssa Farah Griffin’s commentary on “The View” serves as a reminder that silence can speak volumes. As this investigation unfolds, with Comer pushing for more witnesses, the call for accountability grows louder. Americans, regardless of political stripe, should demand answers—because leadership isn’t just about power, it’s about trust.
