The decision, which was first reported by NBC News, is a reversal for the president, who repeatedly said he would not use his authority to pardon his son or commute his sentence.
The comments in this thread are completely insane. Nobody remembers anything, so let's check in on the history of pardons:
Bill Clinton pardoned actual criminal Marc Rich.
George H.W. Bush pardoned actual criminals associated with Iran Contra.
George W. pardoned Scooter Libby for obstructing a CIA investigation.
Trump pardoned Joe Arpaio who did racial profiling in contempt of court.
Trump is about to pardon everyone from Jan 6th.
Ford pardoned Nixon and Andrew Johnson pardoned basically the entire confederate south.
So if you're going to stand here and say that Hunter Biden's pardoning is a singularly unique, precedent-setting moment in American history signalling the downfall of democracy? I'm going to hand you a bouncy ball and some orange slices and tell you to go play in the corner. You are not a serious person.
Edit: And for the dipsticks here who think a "pre-emptive" pardon is new... Ford's pardon of Nixon was pre-emptive. So you're only like 50 years and 3 months out of date on that talking point. Oops.
Who cares? I don't like biden at all but this shouldn't make news just because Republicans are fixated on biden. Hunter biden didn't commit anything of value. Yeah sure, those in power can get away with things. Nothing new here.
I had a brother who was an accessory to a crime at 17 and went to prison for three years at 18, and that experience makes me viscerally angry that Hunter Biden is going to skate just because he's a member of the lucky sperm club. This is bullshit.
I had a brother who was an accessory to a crime at 17 and went to prison for three years at 18, and that experience makes me viscerally angry that Hunter Biden is going to skate just because he’s a member of the lucky sperm club. This is
I've never understood the mindset of "I suffered so you should too". The most convoluted example in recent member was "I worked hard for my degree so we shouldn't forget student loans."
I don't like this way of thinking because it's about eye-for-an-eye justice and it's not interested in facts. Such as the fact that nobody ever serves jail time for Hunter Biden's offense.
I'm sorry for your brother, our justice system is broken. But of all the takeaways, "keep Hunter Biden in jail" is to me a bizarre conclusion to pull from that.
I’ve never understood the mindset of “I suffered so you should too”.
That is taking my point wildly out of context.
It would be far more fair to say: "Your guy got mercy. Mine should have too." And yes, the lopsided and wildly corrupt justice system is on full display here.
I'd also recommend watching the Daily Show's segment on the pardon. It's pretty clear from its contents that Hunter's crimes were extensive.
I don't think that's going to be necessary after the SCOTUS ruling on official presidential actions.
But it's Trump. He might do that one day. After Biden pardoned Hunter yesterday, I 100% think he'll issue preemptive pardons for all of his family before his next term ends.
Of course.
We went from "Trump can totally pardon himself" to this and somehow this is going to make bigger headlines with the "law and order" Republicans.
Even if you think that HB was or will be unfairly treated, look at the size of the ethical door that was just opened.
Of all of the "norms" that could have been broken, this is the one?
Seems like they are dropping the idea they are not corrupt as the other team. Can only hope that the new idea that would go after the common worker can hold the mask on for a few decades.
This is such small potatoes corruption compared to what we've already seen from Trump. And it's going to look like specks of dirt with what's coming up.