Well spotted. The MSM are trying to run cover for Joe (He knew nothing about it ... honest emoji). They are throwing Hunter under the bus - i.e., that he was really the ONLY bad boy. OK, so they admit that Hunter did it. The laptop from hell was not a Russian disinfo project, after all. (remember that?). SEND OUT the NEXT TALKING POINT - it's an illusion crafted by Hunter himself.

The problem with the illusion theory, is that oligarchs and their associated corporations, have a highly tuned nose for being sold a mickey. Without the assurance of Joe's influence or input, they would not have gladly handed over millions for an 'illusion'. I also don't think that a bumbling, whoring crack-head could have carried off such a complex illusion. Was that off-putting demeanor a deviously contrived front for what was really a scheming con-artist, selling his father's power, while the father was blissfully unaware? Any Billionnaire would run a mile in the other direction without some insurance.

I don't think so, somehow.

Also, it seems like a riddle why Hunter is receiving exorbitant sums for his artworks. Once one understands the influence peddling, this becomes a similar, but more refined mechanism, whereby the 'art' transaction merely lends legitimacy via a 'sale'.

See? There is paperwork, and a REAL painting to prove it.

So, in effect, the corruption is still happening.

Really, OP's observation is confirmation of how MSM, and their handlers, view their audience - as mushrooms, i.e. fed Sh*t and kept in the dark.