What Next | Did Biden Break the Presidential Pardon?
Dec 3, 2024
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Ankush Khardori, a senior writer for POLITICO and former federal prosecutor, dives into the controversial presidential pardon of Hunter Biden. He discusses the implications of Joe Biden's decision against a backdrop of gun and tax charges, raising questions about hypocrisy, justice, and privilege. The conversation delves into the complex legal challenges Hunter faces and contrasts Biden's actions with past presidential pardons, highlighting the political ramifications and strategic considerations at play in the pardon process.
Joe Biden's decision to pardon Hunter Biden signifies a dramatic shift from his previous stance against familial pardons, raising questions about political accountability.
The unusual legal circumstances surrounding Hunter Biden's charges highlight concerns regarding fairness in the perception of justice for politically connected individuals.
Deep dives
Joe Biden's Pardoning Decision
Joe Biden has granted a pardon to his son, Hunter Biden, effectively eliminating pending gun and tax charges. This decision is rooted in Joe Biden's belief that Hunter was uniquely targeted for prosecution due to his status as the president's son. The unusual circumstances surrounding these charges highlight the perception that they would likely not have been pursued against an average citizen. This perception is further reinforced by Joe Biden's previous firm stance against pardoning Hunter, demonstrating a significant shift in his approach to his son's legal troubles.
Implications of the Gun and Tax Charges
The gun charge stemmed from Hunter Biden lying about his drug use on federal forms to buy a firearm, a situation that federal prosecutors rarely pursue. The tax charge involved millions earned from Hunter's consulting work, allegedly used for personal expenses, which is viewed as more morally questionable. Experts argue that such cases typically receive fines or repayment for first-time offenders rather than criminal prosecution, suggesting that Hunter's prosecution was influenced by his familial connections. The unique nature of these charges raises broader discussions about the fairness of legal accountability for individuals in politically powerful positions.
Political Consequences and Future Considerations
The political ramifications of Joe Biden's pardon are complicated, as critics may view it as setting a precedent for using pardons to shield family members from legal repercussions. During Trump’s administration, a spree of pardons for associates under similar scrutiny was criticized, creating a contentious landscape for political accountability. As Hunter's pardon also covers a broad decade-long timeframe, discussions about possible further legal challenges loom, especially if Trump returns to office. The shift in perceptions surrounding pardons may lead to increased scrutiny surrounding presidential powers and their implications on justice and accountability.
How problematic is it for Joe Biden to pardon his son Hunter after promising, again and again, that he wouldn’t?
Guest: Ankush Khardori, senior writer for POLITICO and a former federal prosecutor at the Department of Justice.
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Podcast production by Elena Schwartz, Paige Osburn, Anna Phillips, Madeline Ducharme and Rob Gunther.