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.
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.
Implications of a Dramatic Pardon
The framing of Hunter Biden's pardon is notable as it positions him as a victim of a politically motivated prosecution, a departure from the traditional view where pardons are granted after the recipient acknowledges wrongdoing. This shift has further eroded norms established prior to the Trump administration, where pardons were typically reserved for those who had shown remorse. The rapid turnaround in Biden's approach raises questions about the motivations behind the decision, particularly in light of Hunter Biden's long-standing claims of unfair treatment. As details continue to emerge, the decision is likely to spark ongoing debates regarding presidential powers and the implications of politically charged pardons.
Late Sunday, President Joe Biden issued a “full and unconditional” pardon to his son Hunter for any crime he "has committed or may have committed" in the previous 11 years. In a statement, Biden described Hunter as the victim of "politically weaponized prosecution." The move isn't surprising, but it does mark a 180 for the president, who had repeatedly said he wouldn’t issue a pardon for his son. National correspondent Betsy Woodruff Swan joins Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels to discuss.
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode