‘It’s a setback’: Democrats criticize Biden over Hunter pardon
President Biden’s decision to pardon his son Hunter has stirred up controversy within his own party, with some Democrats expressing unease and criticism over the move. While the GOP has been quick to condemn the decision, a number of Democratic lawmakers have also spoken out against the pardon.
Rep. Greg Landsman of Ohio voiced his concerns, saying, \”As a father, I get it. But as someone who wants people to believe in public service again, it’s a setback.\” This sentiment was echoed by Rep. Greg Stanton of Arizona, who stated, \”This wasn’t a politically-motivated prosecution. Hunter committed felonies, and was convicted by a jury of his peers.\”
Even Democratic Governor Jared Polis of Colorado weighed in, expressing disappointment in President Biden’s decision. Polis remarked, \”While as a father I certainly understand [Biden’s] natural desire to help his son by pardoning him, I am disappointed that he put his family ahead of the country. This is a bad precedent that could be abused by later Presidents and will sadly tarnish his reputation.\”
Former Attorney General Eric Holder, a Democratic ally of Biden, defended the decision, arguing that the charges against Hunter were not warranted given the underlying facts of the case. Holder contended that no U.S. attorney would have pursued the case and that a pardon was justified in this instance.
However, Rep. Glenn Ivey of Maryland expressed mixed views on the pardon, acknowledging the potential for backlash from Republicans who could use the decision to accuse Democrats of favoritism and politicization of the justice system.
The pardon, which covers any and all possible crimes committed by Hunter Biden between 2014 and December of this year, came as he was facing charges related to firearms and tax violations. President Biden defended his decision, accusing Republicans of unfairly targeting his son and insisting that the pardon was justified.
As the debate over the pardon continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how this decision will impact President Biden’s standing within his party and his ability to navigate the political landscape in the months ahead.
