On today’s edition of The Editors, Rich and Co. touch on Biden’s recent bestowal of the Presidential Medal of Freedom on 19 people, and they find his choices less than encouraging.
“It’s been a long-time complaint,” says Jim, “that the Presidential Medal of Freedom gets handed out to almost any political ally of the president, but 19 in one day, it really just feels like Biden is popping them out like a Pez dispenser.”
Jim’s choice for worst recipient? Lionel Messi. “Honest to goodness, what has Lionel Messi ever done for the United States of America? He boosted attendance in Major League Soccer?”
Noah claims Vogue editor Anna Wintour as his pick, and says the “whole process has become a way to reward political loyalty and donors.”
And Charlie? “It’s got to be Hillary Clinton,” he says. “Not because she’s Hillary Clinton, although that is part of it, but because it’s just such a classic example of politicians giving each other awards. Hillary Clinton was secretary of state, she was first lady, she was a presidential nominee. I don’t know quite why she needs an award for it.
“What is the point in having a Presidential Medal of Freedom if you give it to the people who have thrived within our democratic system of government?”