POLITICO Playbook Daily Briefing cover image

POLITICO Playbook Daily Briefing

December 2, 2024: President Biden pardons Hunter

Dec 2, 2024
Betsy Woodruff Swan, a national correspondent with deep insight into the Hunter Biden saga, joins the conversation with Eugene Daniels. They delve into President Biden's surprising decision to issue a full pardon to his son, Hunter, just before his sentencing. The discussion highlights the significant political ramifications of this shift in the president's stance. They also explore the broader implications of presidential pardons in contemporary politics, drawing comparisons with past actions and examining the complexities of this unprecedented move.
09:48

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • President Biden's unprecedented pardon for Hunter Biden represents a dramatic departure from his earlier stance against granting a pardon.
  • The framing of the pardon positions Hunter as a victim of political prosecution, challenging traditional norms surrounding presidential pardons.

Deep dives

Pardon of Hunter Biden: A Surprising Turn

President Biden's decision to pardon his son Hunter marks a significant shift in his previous stance, as he had consistently denied any intention to grant a pardon. The sweeping nature of the pardon is unprecedented, covering potential offenses over an 11-year period, regardless of whether charges had been formally brought. Legal experts have noted that this type of pardon has not been seen since Richard Nixon and is considered one of the broadest ever issued. This move effectively closes the door on various legal theories that had been propagated by Trump allies regarding potential charges against Hunter Biden.

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts

Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
App store bannerPlay store banner