A Presidential Pivot: From “Never” to “Now”
Ah, the winds of politics—strong enough to turn even the firmest “no” into a resounding “yes.” Just months after emphatically declaring he wouldn’t pardon his son, President Joe Biden delivered a Thanksgiving surprise bigger than a second helping of pumpkin pie. This past Sunday, Biden pardoned his son, Hunter, wiping the slate clean for gun and tax convictions that were set to result in sentencing just weeks from now.
The elder Biden’s about-face came with a lengthy statement emphasizing his commitment to justice—or, in this case, his belief that justice had gone off the rails. “I kept my word [about not interfering with the Justice Department], even as I have watched my son being selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted,” he said. Ah yes, nothing like watching family members roast at the spit of public scrutiny to inspire a little executive leniency.
A Thanksgiving Table with Extra “Turkey”
The timing of this pardon? Perfection. Fresh off a Nantucket Thanksgiving weekend, the Biden family clearly leaned into the holiday’s theme of unity—so much so that the president decided to give Hunter a little more than leftover stuffing. As Biden penned the presidential get-out-of-jail-free card, he pointed fingers at raw politics, accusing the justice system of targeting Hunter simply because of his famous last name.
For context, Hunter had been convicted on federal gun charges in Delaware earlier this year and was slated to face a tax-related trial in California. According to Joe, these prosecutions were more political theater than proper jurisprudence. “No reasonable person who looks at the facts… can reach any other conclusion than Hunter was singled out because he is my son,” Biden said. It’s a bold statement, but hey, nothing unites the dinner table like a little righteous indignation.
“Justice” in the Biden-Trump Era: Is That Possible?
Biden’s actions come at a time when faith in America’s justice system is wobbling like a poorly set Jenga tower. Ironically, he shares this skepticism with none other than Donald Trump, whose post-election rhetoric has focused heavily on alleged political weaponization of the courts. Trump’s supporters—ever the masters of pithy slogans—are already likening Biden’s pardon to “swamp justice,” arguing that the system remains rigged for elites.
Meanwhile, Republicans are sharpening their pitchforks, claiming this pardon is just the tip of the iceberg of Biden family corruption. Rep. James Comer, chair of the House Oversight Committee, called it “a blatant abuse of power,” conveniently forgetting the parade of Trump-era pardons for cronies and family friends. Let’s be honest: political outrage is America’s true bipartisan pastime.
A Pardon with “Addiction Redemption” Flavoring
The Biden family narrative surrounding Hunter’s troubles hinges on his long battle with addiction, a topic Joe has referenced as a cornerstone of his empathy. In his statement, Hunter himself leaned into this theme, expressing gratitude for the pardon and pledging to “help those still suffering.” While commendable, it’s clear this rhetoric aims to reshape public perception of the Biden name, just in time for Hunter to step away from the courtroom and into political mythology.
Legacy or Lunacy?
The fallout from this decision remains to be seen. For Joe Biden, it’s a gamble that could cement his legacy as a father who values family over politics—or as a president who flouted his own promises for personal gain. For Hunter, it’s a lifeline out of legal jeopardy, though certainly not out of the public eye. As for Americans? Well, we’ll just add this to the ever-growing list of political spectacles can’t seem to escape.
