Key Takeaways:
– Critics claim President Joe Biden’s decision to pardon son Hunter Biden could negatively impact Democrats.
– Senator Joe Manchin suggests as a balance, Trump could be pardoned by Biden.
– Many Democratic senators disapprove of the concept of a Trump pardon.
– Legal experts weigh in on the likelihood and rationale behind a possible Trump pardon.
The Unexpected Pardon and Its Aftermath
Over the weekend, eyes widened as President Joe Biden announced a drastic about-turn from his earlier statement that he wouldn’t pardon his own son Hunter Biden. This reversal left many, including politicians and commentators, in shock. They called the move a major strategic error which could potentially damage the Democrats. Some even called it the biggest public corruption scandal ever.
Despite backlash, there are legal experts who argue the pardon could be justified. They suggest that it was preemptive, anticipating continued attacks from the Trump administration. Stepping into the discussion, Senator Joe Manchin encouraged balance in the justice system, hinting at a Biden pardon for President-elect Trump. Pushing this further, Manchin advocated for wiping the slate clean by pardoning both and moving on.
Democratic Senators Respond to Trump Pardon Concept
As the idea of a Biden pardon for Trump’s federal charges gained momentum, it elicited a range of reactions amongst Democratic senators. When asked about it, some laughed it off, suggesting its absurdity. Senator Tina Smith and Senator Laphonza Butler both dismissed the idea with laughter. Others, like Senators Sheldon Whitehouse and Jon Ossoff pleaded ignorance, claiming they hadn’t considered Manchin’s proposal. Senator Chris Murphy claimed the notion of such a pardon helping to ease political polarization was a unique perspective.
Defending the Initiative and Reactions to a Possible Trump Pardon
Sticking to his view, Senator Ron Wyden defended the full and unconditional pardon for Hunter Biden, rationalizing President Biden’s move as understandable given Trump’s attempt to politicize the FBI. Senators Tom Carper and Tim Kaine, however, seemed less enthusiastic about the notion of a Trump pardon, with Kaine even outright rejecting the idea.
Legal Pros Shred Light on Trump’s Future
Harold Krent, a law professor and former Department of Justice employee, believed it could have been a step towards unifying the nation had the Trump-Hunter Biden dual pardon been implemented earlier. However, Krent considers the timing too late now.
Neama Rahmani, a former assistant US attorney, pointed out that Trump, as a sitting president, can’t be prosecuted, thus negating the need for a Biden pardon.
Implications of Hunter Biden’s Pardon
Both Krent and Rahmani concur that the Hunter Biden pardon presents a negative image for the current administration. They describe the move as misleading to the public and possibly damaging to the Biden legacy, especially as Biden himself criticized the investigation against his son as politically biased.
The turmoil around the pardons gives reading like a compelling drama. However, remember, it’s more than just a spectacle. These decisions and actions can shape future political landscapes and impact how justice is perceived and administered in the country. Despite the entertaining banter amongst senators and legal experts, the implications are far-reaching and profound. As the country navigates these contentious issues, we can only watch, speculate, and wait to see how it all unfolds.