Today in Focus
Why Joe Biden pardoned his son
Dec 3, 2024
Chris Michael, US Live editor for The Guardian, dives into the surprising pardon of Hunter Biden by his father, President Joe Biden. He discusses the balance between family loyalty and presidential integrity amidst Republican backlash. The conversation unpacks the historical significance of the pardon and Hunter's tumultuous legal issues. Michael also touches on the notorious laptop controversy and its impact on public perception, revealing the intricate ties between family, politics, and ongoing partisan tensions.
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Quick takeaways
- Joe Biden's decision to pardon Hunter reflects a significant breach of his earlier commitments to uphold legal integrity and justice.
- The political ramifications of the pardon risk undermining Biden's credibility and could intensify partisan divisions in the U.S. political landscape.
Deep dives
Biden's Pardon Decision
Joe Biden's decision to grant a full and unconditional pardon to his son Hunter marks a significant turn in his presidency, particularly given his prior assurances that he would not interfere with legal proceedings against him. Despite having repeatedly asserted he would respect the jury's verdict and not consider a pardon, Biden chose to intervene with just 50 days left in his term. This move has been characterized as politically motivated, with Biden claiming that Hunter was targeted due to their familial connection. The pardoning eliminates the potential for serious legal consequences for Hunter, who had been convicted on various charges including tax evasion and lying on a gun purchase application.
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