Alex Shephard, Senior Editor at The New Republic and a keen observer of Joe Biden’s presidency, dives into the crucial final moments of Biden's time in office. They discuss Biden's controversial pardon of his son, Hunter, and the largest grant of clemency in modern history. The conversation also highlights urgent policy proposals on abortion rights, immigration, and the environment. Shephard explores the challenges Biden faces in solidifying his legacy, both domestically and globally, as he navigates a politically charged landscape.
Biden’s unprecedented clemency actions reflect a historic stance against the federal death penalty and his values as a former public defender.
His controversial pardon of Hunter Biden reveals the complexities of his administration's legacy and highlights internal party divides over justice issues.
Deep dives
Significant Actions in Biden's Lame Duck Period
Joe Biden has taken notable actions in his final days in office, especially regarding the federal death penalty, marking a historic shift in policy. He is the first president to openly oppose the death penalty and commuted the sentences of 37 of 40 individuals on federal death row, which has been described as the largest single-day grant of clemency in modern American history. This approach emphasizes his stance against capital punishment while also asserting his values as a former public defender. By prioritizing these actions, Biden aims to make a symbolic statement that contrasts sharply with the death penalty policies of the previous administration.
Controversial Pardons and Their Implications
Biden's decision to pardon his son, Hunter Biden, has sparked widespread criticism, even among Democrats, highlighting a complex dynamic within the party. While some view this as a necessary intervention to correct perceived injustices in the legal system, others argue it sets a concerning precedent, overshadowing his administration’s commitment to addressing issues of inequality and justice. This move has also been seen as a way to deflect attention from the broader governance challenges he faces, including perceptions of corruption. The politically charged nature of this decision complicates Biden's legacy and reflects the struggles he encounters in navigating partisanship and public scrutiny.
Biden's Attempt to Shape His Legacy
As Biden navigates the final days of his presidency, he seeks to establish himself as a significant figure in foreign policy, perhaps in a bid to counter criticisms of his domestic achievements. His travels abroad, including visits to the Amazon rainforest and Angola, are framed as efforts to solidify an international legacy, yet they also raise questions about his leadership amid concerns about his physical capabilities at age 82. Some observers suggest that this focus on international affairs may reflect a failure to fully leverage the accomplishments of his domestic policies. The disconnect between his priorities and public perception sheds light on the challenges Biden faces as he endeavors to be remembered positively despite the political turbulence leading to the end of his term.
Joe Biden will end his reign as President as not only the oldest holder of the executive office, but one of the longest tenured lawmakers in American history. As he enters his twilight in public life, we look at the President’s final few weeks in office and ask: how is Joe Biden likely to be remembered?
President Biden’s final weeks in office include the controversial decision to pardon his son, Hunter, and the passage of the largest single-day grant of clemency in modern American history. But many believe he should use his final days to pass meaningful legislation on issues ranging from racial justice to the environment, national parks, abortion and Gaza.
Our guest is Alex Shephard is a Senior Editor at The New Republic and has been writing about Biden through his Presidency, and beyond.